I thought with all of the fundraising appeals flying around right now that it would be a good time to NOT ask for money and just let folks know about what we've been doing at Democrats Work. I sent this to our email list a little while ago. If you want to sign up to get the latest or to get involved in the service-based approach to politics, you can do that here. The email is after the jump.
Dear Supporter:
Don't worry . . . this is not another political email asking you for money at the end of the fundraising quarter!
I just wanted to let you know what we've been doing at Democrats Work. As you know, we are building a service-based approach to politics - one that values action over money, results over rancor - and the response on the ground has been inspiring. Here is a brief summary of what we've accomplished together since we launched Democrats Work last fall:
- We have mobilized over 450 blue-shirted volunteers for 21 service events in five states. You have worked 1,300 hours, contributing nearly $25,000 in volunteer time cleaning up parks and neighborhoods, working at food banks, supporting teachers, planting trees, and serving brunch to help the homeless.
- Our efforts have been on the evening news in Little Rock and Denver, in major newspapers in Arkansas, Colorado and Georgia, and on the radio all across the country. (You can see and hear the clips - and check out photos from all of the events - on our website.)
- We have hired staff and summer interns in Arkansas, Colorado and Nevada, and are blessed to have dedicated volunteer leadership in California and Georgia.
- We have people from 35 states signed up to be part of this movement. (And if you are in a state where we haven't helped organized events yet, we hope you will work with us to spread the politics of service to your community. This is a grassroots effort, and we need you to get involved.)
- In July, we are organizing a very special service event at the Young Democrats of America Convention in Dallas. We are mobilizing Young Dems and special guests from across the country to put together back-to-school backpacks for the children of troops deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
- We've even had folks coming to us for help when there is a community need. (In fact, if you are in Colorado, a park ranger in Aurora asked for our help removing a fence at the Aurora Reservoir this Saturday. You can sign up here.)
- This year, we have raised over $130,000 to support these groundbreaking programs. (Of course, if you want to support these efforts, you can contribute here, but we didn't ask!)
Because of you, Democrats are engergized and promoting our values at the local level. I hope you will stay active and engaged in the months and years to come as we work to change politics in our country.
All the best,
Thomas Bates
Executive Director and Co-Founder