Hi there --

2020 has already been a lot. And while there's so, so much work to do -- always! -- we figured that today, we'd hit pause and focus on our alumni who deserve a shout out. Check out what four of our alum are up to, then chip in to support the next crop of candidates.

1. NY State Senator Zellnor Myrie is starting 2020 on a high note, introducing several bills to strengthen voting rights in New York State. Serving as the Chair of the Elections committee, Myrie has put an incredible amount of effort into removing voting barriers for working class and minority communities. The most important of these bills, Automatic Voter Registration, will improve voter participation, encourage early voting, and ensure adequate polling locations exist in communities throughout the state.
2. Speaking of voting rights: Boone, MO County Clerk and voting rights advocate Brianna Lennon has just launched a voter education initiative in her district. The campaign, aimed at unregistered and student voters, looks to build a foundation around the electoral process — how to register, how to find primary deadlines — while also creating a dialogue that encourages people to think about their political participation.
3. There is power in dissent, especially when that dissent comes from those in power. Last week, Denver School Board Member Tay Anderson announced that he would not stand for the Pledge of Allegiance in protest of police brutality against communities of color. Tay’s decision has earned the ire of some, but we salute his efforts to bring attention to a continuing issue. As a member -- and former student -- of the Denver School System, Tay’s actions highlight the importance of diverse voices and experiences in local office.
4. On January 3, 2020 President Trump authorized an airstrike against Iranian General Qasem Soleimani without congressional approval. While the consequences of this decision are still being dissected, millions of Americans are standing in protest of continued global conflict. One of the loudest voices is RFS alum and Florida State Legislator Anna Eskamani. As an Iranian American, Eskamani has discussed the repercussions of this violence on innocent Iranian civilians and helped organize a peace protest in Florida’s 47th district earlier this week.

An investment in Run for Something today will pay off in 2020, 2021, and for years to come. Can you chip in $10 or more today?

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