Stephen Smith · [email protected]

September 9, 2022 at 1:50 PM

Two months of sacrifice left.

Want to pitch in? Dear John, ? Our people aren't rich. When tragedy strikes, they can't just write a check. None of them is dropping a million dollars of their own money into the race. They rely on their friends and families. They also rely on us. And we del…

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  Katey & Stephen · [email protected]

August 15, 2022 at 1:20 PM

You can now make tax-deductible donations to WV Can't Wait

Here's one more way to support the movement... even after election time. Dear John, ? WV Can't Wait is about more than elections. ? We also work year round to support West Virginians who are fighting for change in their workplaces, communities, local governm…

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  Sarah and Stephen · [email protected]

August 5, 2022 at 1:50 PM

a letter from the road (with pictures too)

Dear John, ? For the last 3 weeks, we (Field Director Sarah Hutson and Co-Chair Stephen Smith) have been traveling the state to meet with WV Can't Wait endorsed candidates, face-to-face. We use these strategy sessions to craft a tailored, week-by-week campa…

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  Rosemary Ketchum · [email protected]

July 29, 2022 at 12:50 PM

Nominate your local elected official to WV Can't Wait

ATTN: WV Can't Wait Members, Volunteers, Candidates, and Allies ? We are on the lookout for West Virginia's best elected officials -- the city councilors, school board members, lawmakers, and county officials who choose the side of local people over out-of-…

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  WV Can't Wait team · [email protected]

July 22, 2022 at 1:31 PM

new website y'all

Dear John, ? Thanks to your feedback, our new and improved website is up-and-running. Visit wvcantwait.com now to find... * Photos of our WV Can't Wait elected officials * Recent news stories, from outlets like The Forge and Newsweek * Opportunities to volu…

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  The WV Can't Wait Team · [email protected]

June 30, 2022 at 1:30 PM

About abortion: where to find wisdom and strength

and what happens next Dear John, ? If you feel like the ground beneath us is giving way this week, you're not alone. ? In fact, if you are like us, the pain of knowing abortion care is no longer legal in West Virginia still feels raw. This turn of events is …

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  Katey Lauer · [email protected]

June 23, 2022 at 2:50 PM

We see you

Get your community on the map... John,   You give your time, money, and courage to this movement. Sometimes it's hard to really see the results.   That's why we created this map. We see you.   Behind each one of these candidates or Hometown Heroes or citize…

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  Katey & Stephen · [email protected]

June 10, 2022 at 12:50 PM

What can $884.31 buy in WV?

WV Can't Wait: stretching every dollar since 2019... Dear John,   Imagine if you could give a first-time, working class, no-corporate-cash rural candidate everything they needed to get off the ground... for $884.31. You can. (Here's a donation link.)   It's …

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  Katey & Stephen · [email protected]

June 2, 2022 at 12:50 PM

where we fit

And where we go from here... Dear John,   So many of us are feeling split, or out of place– never more desperate for things to change, yet never so unsure of how to change them.   Children getting killed at school. Friends dying from overdoses, or getting …

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  Stephen & Katey · [email protected]

May 23, 2022 at 12:50 PM

Last chance to RSVP for tomorrow's Zoom call...

84 have already RSVP'ed. Add your name to get the Zoom link... Dear John,   Hope to see you tomorrow night. If you haven't RSVP'ed yet, click this link TODAY so we can get you the Zoom link by tomorrow.   Tomorrow, Tuesday May 24 at 7pm, we will gather for …

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  Stephen & Katey · [email protected]

May 19, 2022 at 12:12 PM

RSVP: WV Can't Wait Statewide Zoom TUESDAY

Here's a link. Can't wait to see you on the 24th... Dear John,   This meeting is for you. RSVP here.   This Tuesday, May 24 at 7pm, we will gather for a statewide WV Can't Wait Zoom meeting, and we designed the agenda for you.   This meeting is for... Firs…

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  Katey & Stephen · [email protected]

May 13, 2022 at 1:20 PM

What it all means

And where we go from here... Dear John,   While we wait to hear about a couple races still too close to call, we can start to reflect on the 2022 primary. Here are five initial lessons we are taking from this race. (We hope you’ll tune in on May 24th for ou…

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  Katey & Stephen · [email protected]

May 11, 2022 at 4:12 PM

A little good news from the Capital...

Maybe your town is next... Dear John,   Here's our statement from yesterday's results in Charleston:   Majority of Charleston Can’t Wait Slate Beats Odds, Gears Up for the General   Yesterday, Charleston voters made their voices heard: it is time for change…

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  The WV Can't Wait team · [email protected]

May 3, 2022 at 2:06 PM

Last night's news

Dear John,   Abortion is still legal in West Virginia.   But some of our deepest fears are coming true. Should this draft opinion become law, half the states will effectively eliminate abortion access--including ours.   Banning abortion will not stop peopl…

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  Stephen Smith · [email protected]

May 2, 2022 at 12:00 PM

8 days left to donate

Our work takes courage...and cash. Dear John,   I'm not proud of the world my son's inheriting. In West Virginia, death and despair are everywhere. Historic rates of suicide, mental illness, incarceration, and overdose deaths.   But I'm proud of the fight w…

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  Katey Lauer · [email protected]

April 27, 2022 at 12:30 PM

Early voting starts TODAY.

Easy as 1-2-3... Dear John,   Primary voting starts now. It's as easy as 1-2-3.   Step 1. Put your zip code into this search tool, to find WV Can't Wait candidates on your ballot.   Step 2. Vote!   Step 3. If you're able, donate here... so we can help get mo…

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  Stephen Smith · [email protected]

April 11, 2022 at 12:50 PM

One month left. Donate to build the bench.

One map. 59 no-corporate-cash, pro-labor candidates. Dear John,   Imagine if you were a first-time, working class candidate running against a corporate-backed incumbent. Or a parent running for school board to protect her kids (and everyone else's kids too).…

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  Stephen, for the Hometown Hero team · [email protected]

February 2, 2022 at 3:00 PM

We have too many great nominees. Can you help?

Dear John,   We are on the hunt for West Virginians who have the least and give the most… and we could use your help.   In every West Virginia town, there’s someone you can go to for help, no matter who you are. These folks don’t care about who your daddy…

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  Rae · [email protected]

September 8, 2021 at 4:28 PM

have you seen this article in The Nation?

  John, Joe Manchin continues to play political games and serve the interests of his donors instead of working families.   Katey Lauer, co-chair of West Virginia Can’t Wait, told The Nation that the only way to take on Manchin is through bottom-up organizi…

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  WV Can't Wait · [email protected]

August 17, 2021 at 6:30 PM

It's time to replace Joe Manchin

We just launched ReplaceJoeManchin.Com... Visit ReplaceJoeManchin.com Senator Joe Manchin does not represent the interests of the American working class or the people of West Virginia.   A proud ALEC member, Manchin has always been in…

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  Stephen & Katey · [email protected]

July 7, 2021 at 2:20 PM

Not a single rural, working class voice

We’re out to change the media landscape. The national news is a wasteland.   Every issue is framed as red v. blue. Celebrity valued over substance. Corporations served before consumers. And worst of all:   It’s hard to find a single rural, working class voi…

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  Katey Lauer at WV Can't Wait · [email protected]

June 30, 2021 at 1:50 PM

“Stop begging for crumbs:” WV Can’t Wait in Newsweek, MSNBC

John, We’re tired of the lies, stereotypes, and condescension we hear in the media about our home state. So we’re doing something about it. This past week, WV Can’t Wait leaders Katey Lauer and Rae Kelsch were published in Newsweek--telling the truth about West Virginia. Over…

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  Katey & Stephen · [email protected]

June 10, 2021 at 4:59 PM

Frustrated?

Fed up? Fight back. Dear John,   Where to start?   Maybe you’re frustrated by West Virginia politicians trying to cut infrastructure investments in our state. Or maybe it’s the party bosses passing an affirmative action plan without the input of under-repre…

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  Katey & Stephen · [email protected]

May 21, 2021 at 3:20 PM

Spring Report for WV Can't Wait Donors

Dear John,   Thank you for making the WV Can’t Wait movement a reality.   We wanted to share with you this brief snapshot of our work (see below), and invite you to our next statewide Strategy Briefing on May 24 at 7pm.   Here’s the Zoom link and phone lin…

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  Katey Lauer · [email protected]

May 14, 2021 at 1:20 PM

May 24 @7: WV Can't Wait ALL CALL

Hope to see you on Monday the 24th! Dear John,   Circle the date: Monday, May 24th @ 7pm is the next WV Can't Wait Statewide All Call. Hope to see you there!   On this call we're gonna answer the three questions we hear most often:   What has WV Can't Wait…

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  Stephen Smith · [email protected]

May 7, 2021 at 4:59 PM

Could you help us fund this?

To win a government of the people, we need a movement funded by the people... Dear John,   Y’all, we said the movement wouldn’t stop on Election Day. It didn’t.    Since November, we've pulled off all of the following (and more): Won 2 City Council seats i…

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  Katey Lauer · [email protected]

April 28, 2021 at 1:58 PM

#morgantowncantwait WON!

Congratulations to newly elected Morgantown City Councilmembers Ixya Vega and Brian Butcher! Last night's victory belongs not just to Vega and Butcher, but also fellow candidate Marly Ynigues, Morgantown Can't Wait lead organizers Rachel …

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  Stephen Smith · [email protected]

April 20, 2021 at 1:31 PM

Election ‘22

Dear John,   The state we love is hurting. HIV outbreaks and overdose deaths are ripping our families and communities apart. Some of our small towns are reeling in the aftermath of recent shootings, close to home. More young people are making their plans to…

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  Katey Lauer · [email protected]

April 19, 2021 at 5:14 PM

"Replace them."

John,   If ever there was a West Virginia legislative session that made plain the priorities of the wealthy Good Old Boys Club, this one was it. Bill after bill said this is a legislature that chooses the side of the wealthy and well-connected.   It doesn'…

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  Stephen Smith · [email protected]

March 29, 2021 at 11:58 PM

Are you number 118?

Dear John,   Are you number 118?   117 WV Can’t Wait volunteers signed up as monthly donors after the 2020 election to keep the movement going. We hope you will join them.   By donating monthly to the WV Can’t Wait Action Committee, you will be helping to …

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  Stephen Smith · [email protected]

March 25, 2021 at 4:37 PM

Do Rural Organizing.

Have you seen this? John,   I'm so excited to share this with you.   Over the last 10 months, Katey Lauer has been writing a series of articles that capture key lessons about rural organizing we've learned over the last 3 years. The first a…

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  Katey Lauer · [email protected]

March 22, 2021 at 8:49 PM

BREAKING: Some good news from the Capitol

Our electeds have started to enshrine our People's Platform into more than a dozen pieces of legislation. MEDIA RELEASE: WV Can’t Wait Movement Begins to Enshrine its “New Deal” Into More than a Dozen Pieces of Legislation   Charleston, WV -…

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  Stephen Smith · [email protected]

March 17, 2021 at 4:43 PM

Did you miss the big Strategy All Call?

Here's what happened. John,   I love our WV Can't Wait All Calls. They're a chance to connect with so many of the people who built this movement from the ground up.   If you couldn't join last Tuesday, here's what you missed: We shared some of the big ques…

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  Katey Lauer · [email protected]

February 23, 2021 at 9:58 PM

Come as you are.

An invitation from WV Can't Wait. John,   If you're like me, you've been feeling the brutality of this season.   You know the wrap--it's most of what folks talk about these days. A year into this pandemic and some of us are out of work, without a steady pla…

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  Katey Lauer · [email protected]

November 6, 2020 at 4:55 PM

RE: What can you do with the ideas rattling around in your head?

Yall, I sent you the wrong link! Here is that survey. Can't wait to see what you write.   John,   Over the next 30 days we're going to talk with each other--a lot. We're going to get together at "What Now" Meet ups. We're gonna hud…

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  Katey Lauer & Stephen Smith · [email protected]

November 5, 2020 at 7:51 PM

Now what?

Dear John,   The votes are in West Virginia. We won 11 seats.   That means one in every two of our candidates made it through the Primary. One in five moved on to govern. We mounted a field infrastructure this year, bigger than that of either major party, …

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  Katey Lauer · [email protected]

November 4, 2020 at 8:25 PM

Introducing our first WV Can't Wait elected officials!

John,   Our first slate of WV Can't Wait pledge-signers has made it into office. Congratulations to these 11 standard bearers. They are: Del. Danielle Walker, 51st District Delegate Del. Cody Thompson, 43rd District Delegate Ti…

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  Katey Lauer · [email protected]

November 3, 2020 at 5:44 PM

Tune in tonight!

John,   📣 When the polls close at 7:30pm tonight, we'll start a WV Can't Wait Facebook live broadcast to hear from some of our volunteers, candidates, musicians, and county captains around the state.   👀 Tune in to the WV Can't Wait Facebook page for an ho…

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  Katey Lauer · [email protected]

October 29, 2020 at 4:30 PM

Only 5 days left for GOTV!

John,   🔆 There's only 5 days left for Get Out The Vote efforts!With less than a week until election day, many WV Can’t Wait county teams are working hard to distribute door hangers, spread the word about our WV Can’t Wait Candidates, and encourage their ne…

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  Katey Lauer · [email protected]

October 21, 2020 at 5:58 PM

What will happen to WV Can't Wait after election day?

  Dear John,   No matter what happens on election day, we will still be staring down a new Great Depression. We will still find ourselves in a rigged political environment, where corporate lobbyists get more say than the rest of us. In short, we will still…

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  Katey Lauer · [email protected]

October 20, 2020 at 4:02 PM

BIG News to Share! Are you joining the All Call?

Our last All Call before the election is here!   ❗ TODAY @ 7pm   We will be sharing some EXCITING NEWS, answer some tough questions, sign up for GOTV tasks, give input to the strategy for what comes next after election day & more!     …

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  Katey Lauer · [email protected]

October 15, 2020 at 4:21 PM

Don't Forget!

John,   ⚠️ REMINDER:   Our last All Call before the election is coming up!   October 20th at 7pm   We will answer some tough questions, sign up for Get Out The Vote tasks, give input to the strategy for what comes next after election …

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  Stephen Smith · [email protected]

October 14, 2020 at 12:00 PM

Join a team near you!

  💥 Get Out The Vote efforts are in full force throughout the state!   Many WV Can’t Wait county teams are working hard to distribute door hangers in their districts, spread the word about our WV Can’t Wait candidates, and encourage the…

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  Katey Lauer · [email protected]

October 9, 2020 at 11:17 PM

Save the Date!

Folks,   If you're like me, your mind has been racing with so many questions this last month:   🤔What's the most useful thing I can do right now?   ❓ What's going to happen on election night?    🤔 What if this election goes off the rails?    So, we'r…

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  Katey Lauer · [email protected]

October 6, 2020 at 3:09 PM

Only One Week Left!

  🚨 ONE WEEK LEFT TO REGISTER TO VOTE!!! 🚨 The deadline to register is October 13th.   📢 If you or anyone you know needs to register, there's still time! You can even register online. It's easy and only takes a couple of minutes!  …

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  Stephen Smith · [email protected]

October 1, 2020 at 8:32 PM

There's Still Time!

Dear John,   There’s still time!   Join us today by becoming one of the thousand leaders we are mobilizing in order to elect our first ever slate of WV Can't Wait candidates this fall!   🔊 We are still working hard toward mobilizing 1,000 leaders, adding…

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  Katey Lauer · [email protected]

September 19, 2020 at 3:30 PM

Plan GOTV in your county!

Dear John,   We are less than 7 weeks away from election day and very soon absentee voters will begin to cast their ballots! It's Get Out the Vote Season.    If you're wondering what you can do in your county, look no further than the Monongalia County Can…

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  Stephen Smith · [email protected]

September 18, 2020 at 10:26 PM

Hop back on the phone?

Dear John,   I would love to find a time to hop back on the phone and pick your brain about what you think WV Can't Wait should be after election day, and also how we might work together before election day. We have countless different ways that you could …

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  Stephen Smith · [email protected]

September 17, 2020 at 7:45 PM

WV Candidates to Introduce Nation’s Strongest Cannabis Bill

BREAKING: WV Candidates to Introduce Nation’s Strongest Cannabis Bill at Mason County Hemp Farm Plan includes decriminalization, legalization, hemp reform, and measures to keep the wealth in West Virginia...   Southside, WV (September 18th) -- Cannabis h…

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  Katey Lauer · [email protected]

September 15, 2020 at 8:07 PM

WV Can't Wait Movement adopts new measures on policing.

Dear John,   🔔 WV Can't Wait Movement adopts new measures on policing, moving state dollars toward community safety, and the prosecution of corporate criminals.   Right now, we have two criminal justice systems: one for the rich, and one for the rest of us…

See More from Katey Lauer