Grassroots organizing has been key to creating change and holding politicians accountable in Arizona. Twenty years ago, voters organized and passed a citizen-led ballot initiative that created our independent redistricting commission.
Legislators were mad they couldn't gerrymander, so they filed a lawsuit. They brought the case all the way to the Supreme Court -- claiming that voters didn't have the right to decide how the state should redistrict.
Fortunately, the Court decided the independent commission was constitutional -- paving the way for other states' redistricting commissions started by ballot initiative. That's the power of grassroots organizing.
When we talk about grassroots organizing, it's not just a buzzword to us. It's our strategy, our theory of change. We truly believe grassroots activism will be a deciding factor in securing fair maps -- because people in this movement have successfully advocated for change and progress before.
In the endeavor for fair maps this year, our grassroots volunteer activism will look like joining AOTL trainings, demanding transparency at statehouses, attending virtual local hearings, calling legislators, or providing public testimony to a redistricting commission -- just getting involved in whatever way you can to make a difference.
If you're looking for a place to start, RSVP to our next monthly volunteer meeting. Our team will give an update on redistricting, talk about upcoming trainings, and get you connected to local advocacy campaigns.
And if you want to help make sure our state teams have the resources we need to hold trainings and support local volunteers, consider making a donation to the All On The Line.
As the Arizona State Director, I want to thank you on behalf of the whole AOTL States Team. This effort to end gerrymandering across the country is only possible because of you. And if we're successful (fingers crossed!) someone down the line will tell the story of our grassroots movement.
-- Kendra Alvarez
AOTL Arizona State Director
