2017 saw an unprecedented rise in political activism. People of all backgrounds, covering the entire political spectrum, were inspired to become more politically engaged and active participants of democracy. They marched on the streets, knocked on neighbors’ doors, and donated to the candidates and causes that matter to them. And many did so for the very first time.
Giving Tuesday is another opportunity to act on the values that matter to you. At Crowdpac, we value an open democracy–one where no matter your background, income, race, or gender, your voice can be heard.
Today, we’re highlighting some of the fantastic organizations using Crowdpac to give politics back to the people:
Spread the Vote: Get IDs for Giving Tuesday
Meet Marvin, one of STV’s voters in Georgia. Marvin was born in a Jim Crow town that didn’t give birth certificates to black babies. Without a birth certificate, Marvin couldn’t get a government-issued ID. And without an ID, Marvin can’t vote. Not only that — he was trapped in his tiny boarding house in Atlanta, unable to sign up for wheelchair-accessible public transportation or access better, less expensive housing.
Four months and $346 later, Marvin finally has his ID. According to Kat Calvin, founder of Spread the Vote, when volunteers told Marvin that he was getting his ID, “he started to cry. Because, like every single person we work with, he knew that he would never be able to afford an ID on his own.”
Today, Spread the Vote has partnered with Let America Vote, an organization dedicated to creating political consequences for politicians who suppress voters, to raise $25,000. Your donation to their campaign will help people like Marvin get the IDs they need to work, to sleep under a roof, get medical care, and of course, vote.
Arnold Schwarzenegger & Common Cause: This Is Our Chance to Make Gerrymandering Unconstitutional
In January, a federal judge ruled that the Wisconsin Legislature (tasked with drawing legislative districts) would have to re-draw them to less blatantly favor one party over the other. The Legislature has appealed this ruling to the Supreme Court.
But terminating gerrymandering — from arguing the case in front of the Supreme Court to hiring the necessary legal expertise — has been expensive. That’s why Arnold Schwarzenegger has partnered with Common Cause, a nonprofit focused on promoting open, honest and accountable government.
The stakes in this case are high; this is the chance to make gerrymandering unconstitutional nationwide. The campaign is only $10,000 from reaching its goal of $150,000. Your donation could help put them over the edge.
Run Everywhere Virginia: Virginia’s State House Hangs in the Balance — Support the Recount Fund
On November 7, 2017, Democrats picked up 15 seats in Virginia’s House of Delegates, bringing the House to a 49–51 split. The chance for Democrats to hold an outright majority in the House of Delegates rests on at least 2 recounts. In one of these districts, the Democratic challenger is trailing by just 10 votes!
Recounts are an expensive endeavor. Campaigns can be held responsible for ALL costs incurred by the state, not to mention extra attorney fees and staff needs.
The Virginia House of Delegates hangs in the balance. Donate to make sure these candidates have the funds they need for a recount.
Women Doctors for Office
Women make up only 19.4% of the U.S. Congress. The U.S. ranks 80th in the percentage of women serving at the Congressional level behind countries like Germany, Afghanistan and China.
This matters. Research has demonstrated that women in Congress are more effective than their male counterparts. They sponsor and co-sponsor more legislation and are more likely to engage in bipartisan collaboration.
Getting more women in government starts with electing more women. Your donation to Women Docs for Office will go to these six female physicians:
- Kayser Enneking, Florida State Senate, 8th District
- Janet Everhard, U.S. Congress, Ohio’s 2nd Congressional District
- Kim Schrier, U.S. Congress, Washington’s 8th Congressional District
- Nadia Hashimi, U.S. Congress, Maryland’s 6th Congressional District
- Christine Mann, U.S. Congress, Texas’ 31st Congressional District
- Andy McGuire, Iowa Governor
Help elect more women by donating to Women Docs for Office’s Crowdpac page.
Philly Set Go: Mobilize Millennial Voters for #BetterPolitics
“We’re told politics is broken. But we have the power to change that. That power is the vote. As the largest demographic in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, Millennials have the power to uplift our politics and our government.”
Philly Set Go is a bipartisan political action committee founded in 2015 to mobilize millennials (ages 21–35) to become more active in local and state politics through voting and running for office. By raising $20,000+, they hope to support their millennial-focused 2018 get-out-the-vote effort. Every $10 donated helps get 3 millennials to the polls on election day next year.
Donate to Philly Set Go’s crowdfunding campaign here.
Sister District Project: Kickstart the States in 2018
In an effort to turn state legislatures blue, Sister District Project raised their inaugural funds on Crowdpac and went on to raise over $350,000 in small-dollar cash donations sent directly to campaigns and an additional $350,000 in partnership with allied organizations. As a result, their volunteers made over 100,000 dials and door knocks, wrote 40,000 postcards, and sent 185,000 text messages to help Virginia state house candidates. Sister District won 13 of their 14 races this year.
On Giving Tuesday, help the grassroots organization kickstart their efforts for 2018. Many state legislative chambers are within 1 to 4 seats of flipping (or holding) blue — keep up the momentum by donating today!
The Centrist Project: Pledge to Support Independent Candidates in 2018
Nearly 40% of Americans don’t belong to either major party — yet the system is rigged towards partisan extremists and special interests. The Centrist Project’s mission is to elect independents to narrowly divided legislatures where they can deny both parties an outright majority and use their leverage to forge common ground solutions. It’s a “hack” to the system that can wrestle control away from the political establishment and return government to We, the people.
As few as 3 independents could deny both parties a majority in the Senate, and could form a swing coalition. Rather than the party bosses calling the shots, a few independent leaders in the center would be in charge.
Without support from the parties, independent candidates need support from voters. Your donation to the Centrist Project will help recruit and support candidates in these key races.
