November 13, 2021 Newsletter
Posted on November 14, 2021
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Massachusetts' best resource for keeping the House and the Senate and turning purple states Blue.
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Formerly Swing Left Greater Boston
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Wendy Postlethwaite, Newsletter Editor
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In This Issue
● Freedom to Vote Rallies Across the Country ● "No More Excuses" Rally in DC
● NH: Take a Lesson from the Republicans ● All Volunteer Roundup
● Volunteer Spotlight: Janet Nelson ● Learning Corner: Overcoming Activist Fatigue
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Activists Rally for Voter Rights Across MA
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In towns across Massachusetts 100s of activists signed a letter urging President Biden to pressure Congress to overcome the filibuster and adopt the Freedom to Vote Act.
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This week’s Freedom to Vote “Week of Action” brings together Americans in 85 events, across 25 states, to street corner rallies supporting the Freedom to Vote Act. Here, across Massachusetts, volunteers are participating in 18 standouts, holding banners and signs, urging the Senate and the President to pass voter protection legislation.
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In support, the Indivisible MA Coalition and Swing Blue Alliance are sending their “Filibuster Ban Van” from gathering to gathering. The van carries a special three- by five-foot "Letter to Biden" banner. At each stop, participants sign the banner, sending encouragement to Biden.
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"No More Excuses" Rally in DC
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As a culmination of the Week of Action, Deb Paul, Susan Labandibar, and Rev. Kevin Peterson will carry the signed “Letter to Biden” banner to the November 17 rally at the White House.
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In this peaceful gathering, attendees will call on the President to convince the Senate to FIX or NIX the filibuster and to pass the Freedom to Vote Act, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and the DC Statehood bill.
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Wed, Nov 17 @ 10 am - 2 pm
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The Civil Disobedience Option
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In concert with the peaceful No More Excuses Rally described above, a number of activists will be participating in an act of civil disobedience to support voter protection. In fact, our own Jamie French and Susan Labandibar, as well as Rev. Kevin Peterson, plan to risk arrest. They are reenacting the actions of 60 years ago when religious leaders of all faiths and civil rights activists stood their ground to protect voting rights.
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Good News for Granite State Dems
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NH Governor Chris Sununu elected not to run against Senator Maggie Hassan, dealing a blow to Republicans hopes for a serious challenge to this U.S. Senate seat. Hassan's previous opponent, Kelly Ayotte, also decided not to challenge Congressman Chris Pappas' seat. New Hampshire Democrats are smiling this week and so is the Swing Blue Alliance New Hampshire team.
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Republicans on the Offense
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You already know this: Building a base of Democratic voters is essential to protecting our position in Congress and the White House, especially in the face of voter suppression by Republican state legislatures.
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The Dec 7 special election in NH is a great opportunity to act. Former State Representative Mary Eisner is running again for the state representative seat for Rockingham County District 6.
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Eisner is a 'reasonable, not radical' candidate with experience in Derry's issues and budgeting processes. She supports funding for public education, expanded voting rights, and the right for woman to choose their own options for medical care.
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Republicans Are Working Hard. Eisner’s Republican opponent says, “Two words describe our campaign so far, ‘sweat equity.’ We are witnessing one of the strongest grassroots campaigns Derry has ever seen, and we look to continue our momentum into the Dec. 7 election.”
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Let’s not let Republican ‘sweat equity’ surpass our own. Helping Mary Eisner win means one more Democratic voice in the fight for New Hampshire voting rights.
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At the monthly All Volunteer Roundup, special guest Bill Scher will describe the opportunities he sees for Swing Blue Alliance (SBA) volunteers in 2022. As a political analyst and Contributing Editor to Washington Monthly and Real Clear Politics, Bill can recommend actions based on his wide-reaching knowledge and experience.
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An open discussion in the second half of the meeting will offer members a chance to hang out and build connections with other activists.
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Janet Nelson: Keeping It Personal
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Janet Nelson has created a community of activists since she began organizing postcard and letter writing parties in 2012. Her ‘extended activist family’ of over 50 households continues to be active, despite obstacles. Credit goes to Janet’s focus on maintaining a sense of community and shared purpose, especially in the face of COVID restrictions.
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Janet says an effective way to motivate members is to stay in touch with them. When members of her team feel overwhelmed, Janet reminds them that they are part of a larger movement. She encourages them to stay proud and surround themselves with people who share their values and passions.
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Janet carries this sense of relationship right through to the voters. She encourages volunteers to include personal stories in their letters. As Janet has proven, keeping it personal is one of the most effective motivators.
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Overcoming Activist Fatigue
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Join like-minded folks at this strategy session and discussion on combatting volunteer burnout. You'll learn ways to stay positive and proactive through political adversity. You’ll leave refreshed, regenerated, and ready to continue your activism.
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Our Mission
Swing Blue Alliance (formerly Swing Left Greater Boston) is the largest all-volunteer Democratic grassroots organization headquartered in Massachusetts. We use proven methods to protect our Democracy, work on competitive local and national elections, and strengthen the Democratic party at the grassroots level.
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Your contribution will help fund the operations of this volunteer-produced newsletter, which goes out to over 15K subscribers.
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