MoveOn Staff, Author at MoveOn: People-Powered Progress

What We Achieved Together in 2022

MoveOn Staff — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 20:46:02 +0000

What a year! With you and fellow MoveOn members, we were able to successfully prevent a MAGA Republican “red wave” and win essential elections while passing game-changing legislation—all in a political environment shaped by dark money, disinformation, and right-wing structural advantages. While it was a challenging year on many fronts, it was also one marked by historic achievements—many of which millions of MoveOn members helped make happen with our people-powered, grassroots work.

We prevented a red wave, expanded the Democratic Senate majority, and elected governors and secretaries of state who will defend democracy:

We helped reelect Senator Raphael Warnock and helped John Fetterman win the Pennsylvania Senate race.

We elected secretaries of state and governors in states critical to the 2024 presidential election, defeating all the most extreme, Trump-backed election deniers for offices that help run elections.

MoveOn members made over 1 million phone calls, donated more than $1 million directly to candidates in critical races, and endorsed nearly 100 Democrats and progressive champions for Senate, House of Representatives, governorships, and secretaries of state.

You can read the full MoveOn 2022 Election Report here.

We put wind in the sails of Congress to have one of the most productive sessions in history and pushed the Biden administration to use its power to make this economy work for all of us, not just the superwealthy:

Democrats in Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act, which will cap out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs for Americans on Medicare, make a historic investment in green jobs and our climate future, and make corporations pay more of their fair share.

This was one of the most productive sessions of Congress in decades—and even in the final days of Congress, we saw the passage of the Respect for Marriage Act to prevent an illegitimate right-wing Supreme Court from undoing federally recognized equality for same-sex and interracial marriages.

Our rallies, petitions, letters to the editor, actions on Capitol Hill, and ongoing advocacy helped lead to President Biden’s historic announcement to cancel significant amounts of student debt which has been weighing down our economy.

We showed up for abortion rights and access throughout the year and at the ballot box:

When the illegitimate, Trump-packed Supreme Court overturned the protections of Roe, hundreds of thousands of MoveOn members took the “Our Bodies. Our Vote.” pledge to defeat Republicans in November.

We invested in hard-hitting messaging and ads that put abortion rights front and center in key races and bolstered Democrats who were willing to make this a central issue in 2022.

We continued to “Roe the Vote”—with actions and birddogging around the country and with videos highlighting the voices of MoveOn members.

We continued to hold Trump accountable, tell the truth about the deadly January 6 insurrection, and fight against the sources of MAGA disinformation:

We fought back against the corruption of Clarence Thomas, who has refused to recuse himself from cases that touch on his wife’s involvement in the attempted coup, as more than 1 million of us called for his impeachment, delivered the petitions to Capitol Hill, and ran ads in newspapers about his unfitness to serve.

We ran campaigns against General Motors, Apple, and other corporations to force them to break ties with and support of the Republicans who were part of the deadly insurrection and attempts to overturn the election—and helped win the campaign for AT&T to stop funding One America Network, a major right-wing source of disinformation on January 6 and the pandemic.

We lifted up the work of the January 6 committee, helping their findings cut through disinformation and media noise and calling on them to make criminal referrals, which they did just this past week.

After defeating Trump’s MAGA candidates for secretary of state, we prepared to take on Trump himself—meeting his campaign announcement with our own campaign to defeat him at the ballot box while holding him accountable for his crimes, because nobody is above the law.

We did all of this our way—with grassroots donations, people-powered action, member-driven campaigns, strategic partnerships, and cross-movement collaboration. Millions of MoveOn members took action this year—from signing petitions to calling Congress to showing up in the streets to participating in voter outreach and so much more. And we were powered by millions of grassroots donations, with an average gift of under $15.

And that’s not all. Throughout the year, MoveOn members took to the streets, the phones, the steps of the Capitol, their local town squares and congressional offices, the airwaves, the pages of local newspapers, and social media to power progressive change, make history, and stand with communities under attack by the right wing.

MoveOn members fought to pass laws, to keep pressure up for congressional and administrative action for an America that works for all, and to secure a historic confirmation to the Supreme Court:

Hundreds of thousands of MoveOn members took action to support the confirmation of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and to celebrate the historic confirmation of this exceptional judge. At the same time, MoveOn members lifted up the call to expand and rebalance the court in order to counter the influence of right-wing court-packing and restore integrity to the institution.

MoveOn members pushed Democrats to pass the first gun safety laws in decades, the Emmett Till Antilynching Act, support for veterans’ health, and reforms to strengthen the Postal Service.
Members have continued to work with Dreamers to make DACA permanent and support our immigrant neighbors against anti-immigrant policy and bias.

From fighting for nominees to the Federal Reserve Board to backing up the antitrust work of the Federal Trade Commission, MoveOn members fought alongside champions in government who are seeking to rein in corporate power and put consumers first.

MoveOn members mobilized around the country when the right wing attacked our rights, freedoms, and communities:

MoveOn members took to the streets with Planned Parenthood and other national allies to host more than 1,000 “Bans Off Our Bodies” rallies with more than 1 million participants in May and June—while also raising funds directly for abortion providers in states where Republicans passed the harshest laws to deny pregnant people the health care they need.

As Texas, Florida, and other states attacked trans youth and their families, MoveOn members worked directly with state-based allies to fight against these assaults. In light of the ongoing attacks on LGBTQ+ communities, we launched Generation Rainbow, a site dedicated to launching and supporting petitions centered on LGBTQ+ equality, rights, and respect.

When right-wing activists ramped up their book bans, nearly 200,000 MoveOn members demanded school districts not ban books about the Holocaust, and hundreds of thousands more took action to push back against other bans attempting to censor books on slavery, gender, racial justice, and more.

After the massacres in Buffalo and Uvalde, we took action to take on the interlocking cultures of white supremacy and gun violence—with petitions against Tucker Carlson’s white supremacist rantings on Fox News and actions against the NRA’s convention in Texas just days after the Uvalde school shooting.

MoveOn members took action in solidarity against militarism and for freedom around the world:

After Putin launched a devastating and unfounded war on Ukraine, MoveOn members donated more than $1 million to relief organizations and took action to promote diplomacy and show solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

MoveOn members called on the American media to do better around the uprising in Iran, to center the voices of women and young people who are leading the uprising, and to stop spreading misinformation that bolsters the current regime.

Across these measures, millions of MoveOn members signed petitions, organized petition deliveries, wrote op-eds, made tens of thousands of phone calls, and made sure the slimmest Democratic majority had people-powered activism propelling it forward.

MoveOn is its members. Our work in 2022 is a testament to what all of us have done together and a promise of what we can do together. So THANK YOU for being part of this work and this community this year!

We know that MAGA has been damaged but is not defeated. We know that the dangers of white supremacy, disinformation, and corporate power continue to influence our democracy, our society, and our daily lives.

We also know that when all of us work together, we can achieve big, powerful victories. MoveOn’s membership represents a broad base of fellow Americans committed to justice. Together, we’ll continue to show care for our communities and build the political power needed to effect longlasting change.

Thanks for all you do.

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Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Confirmed!

MoveOn Staff — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 19:12:47 +0000

It’s official: The Senate has voted to confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson as the newest justice on the Supreme Court!¹

Justice Jackson joins the court with sterling credentials as a lawyer and jurist and a proven track record as a fighter for the rights of the people. She is also making history as the first-ever Black woman to sit on the highest court in our nation.

To celebrate this joyous, historic day, MoveOn has just printed a big batch of these beautiful stickers honoring Justice Jackson, and we’re giving them away for free while supplies last!

Just click here or on the image below to order your sticker now!

Republicans in the Senate did everything in their power to derail and undermine Justice Jackson’s nomination, treating her confirmation hearings as an opportunity to spew racist, sexist bile and spread ridiculous conspiracy theories. But through it all, Justice Jackson refused to stoop to their level, maintaining her composure during even the most outlandish attacks from Republicans hoping for a bit of air time.

And through it all, MoveOn members like you were there to support Justice Jackson and stand against the efforts of Republicans to stop her confirmation.

Since the start of her confirmation hearings:

MoveOn members made almost 10,000 calls to Congress in support of her confirmation,
more than 80,000 members signed on to a petition calling for her to be confirmed,
young MoveOn members took to the streets in front of the Supreme Court to immediately demonstrate public support on the day of her nomination, and
150,000 people ordered these beautiful stickers, designed by artist Amanda Mustard, to show their support for her historic nomination.

You can join with hundreds of thousands of fellow MoveOn members to celebrate Justice Jackson’s confirmation today by ordering your free KBJ sticker, placing it somewhere visible, and sharing this message with your family and friends! Click here to order now.

Justice Jackson will be a voice for the people on the court, having served as a public defender and on a sentencing commission. The work must continue to rebalance the court after Mitch McConnell and Republicans packed it with ultra right-wing conservatives. We need at least three more Justice Jacksons on the court, because our human and civil rights are on the line. So grab your sticker now to proudly display your support for this historic confirmation and as a reminder of what’s at stake in our work to build an America where everyone can thrive.

Thanks for all you do.

Source:

1. “The Senate confirms Jackson, elevating the first Black woman to the Supreme Court.” The New York Times, April 7, 2022
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/04/07/us/ketanji-brown-jackson-vote-scotus#the-senate-votes-to-move-forward-with-jacksons-confirmation

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We Are With Ukraine

MoveOn Staff — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 18:00:21 +0000

Since February, MoveOn members across the country have donated more than $1.1 million to humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, supported the push for diplomacy over militarism, and voiced solidarity with the Ukrainian people. THANK YOU for taking action together at this harrowing time. And yet, we know there’s more to do.

The photos from the war in Ukraine, including the attacks on civilians, the miles-long Russian blockade, and families fleeing in fear for their lives, are devastating.

Putin’s aggression—and the death and destruction it is bringing—must continue to be met with serious consequences. That’s why MoveOn members across the country have taken action to support the Ukrainian people and the Administration’s diplomatic efforts to contain and end the war.

Here’s a snapshot of our collective advocacy so far:

- We’ve raised over $1.1 million for direct relief efforts in Ukraine from World Central Kitchen and United Help Ukraine.
- Over 160,000 members have signed a petition in solidarity with the Ukrainian people
- Over 54,000 members have downloaded a “We Are With Ukraine” sign to hang in their community
- We’ve shared our stories about why diplomacy and peace are important to us, including these highlighted on Instagram and below.

As the war continues to progress, we will continue to find ways to bolster President Biden’s resolve to continue his strategy of de-escalation, diplomacy, and supporting the Ukrainian people. The U.S. has sent defensive weapons and humanitarian aid and has pledged to take in up to 100,000 refugees as the violence continues to displace millions of people.^1,2 It is hard to be hopeful as people are suffering—but this strategy to isolate Russia is working. Recently Russia said it would withdraw some troops around the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv to demonstrate they are serious partners in the ongoing peace talks.³ While some pundits and even the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, have called for the U.S. to institute a no-fly zone, that would only escalate the conflict and dangerously bring us closer to a full-blown world war. The New York Times has helpfully laid out why President Zelensky must demand as much as he can from allies to be the best advocate he can be for his people, while recognizing some demands are not aligned with a peaceful end to this war.⁴ So we must remain vigilant in the pursuit of peace and continue the support for Ukrainians. Please sign the petition in solidarity with Ukraine, and pass it along to your friends. Thank you for taking action with MoveOn and for the many ways you may be taking action in your own community, from supporting Ukrainian businesses to attending vigils to sharing content on social media. Wars impede our vision for a world where everyone can thrive. They empower tyrannical rulers, threaten democracy, and waste resources on all forms of death and destruction that rip families and communities apart. Together, we will advocate for our government to continue using diplomacy to find a peaceful end to this war. Thanks for all you do. Sources: 1. “U.S. rushing $200 million in weapons for Ukraine’s defense,” Reuters, March 12, 2022 https://www.reuters.com/world/us/biden-authorizes-200-mln-new-weapons-military-training-ukraine-2022-03-12/ 2. “US to accept up to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees, provide more aid,” Aljazeera, March 24, 2022 https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/24/us-to-accept-up-to-100000-ukrainian-refugees-provide-more-aid 3. “Russia says it will reduce military activity near Ukraine capital,” Aljazeera, March 29, 2022 https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/29/no-handshake-as-ukraine-russia-envoys-meet-for-peace-talks 4. “Could the U.S. Do More?” The New York Times, March 29, 2022 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/29/briefing/ukraine-zelensky-west-response.html

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We ❤️ Postal Carriers

MoveOn Staff — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 22:01:23 +0000

We did it! We’ve helped deliver a major victory for mail carriers across America.

President Biden has signed the Postal Service Reform Act, saving the United States Postal Service from the outrageous law enacted in 2006 designed to destabilize and bankrupt the USPS by mandating retirement accounts be prefunded for an untenable 75 years.1

Thank you for taking part in this campaign—and for being part of the momentum that led to this huge victory.

Check out this collection of photos to remember all the work we did together in 2020 to save the post office

This win—which is in no small part thanks to the more than 1.5 million MoveOn members who signed petitions, rallied, called Congress, hung signs and stickers, and more—will save the USPS approximately $50 billion over the next decade and secure family-sustaining union jobs for 550,000 public servants!2 And it comes from years of grassroots pressure to ensure the vital services provided by the USPS that support everyone, no matter their ZIP code, stick around, delivering our medications, our ballots, and so much more without interruption, even during a global pandemic. It’s a proof point that people power can produce results!

Don’t just take our word for it: check out this video with Representatives Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, and Sara Jacobs saying thank you to MoveOn members for all your organizing!

The ability to vote by mail was essential for the 2020 elections during the pandemic. Trump appointed Louis DeJoy, a political donor and crony, to the position of postmaster general, where DeJoy led blatant efforts to undermine the post office and influence the election by slowing mail, removing mail-sorting machines, and warning states not to count on the post office to deliver ballots.3

But MoveOn members spoke out and took action alongside our allies. At more than 800 post offices across the country, MoveOn members showed up—masked and socially distanced—in solidarity with postal workers everywhere and to defend the essential public institution and our democracy from Trump and Postmaster General DeJoy. This pressure forced DeJoy to stop some of his operational changes in their tracks. And in October, mere weeks before Election Day, the USPS finally agreed to reverse many of the destructive decisions.4 Together, we ensured every vote was counted. MoveOn partnered with a broad spectrum of progressive and voting rights allies to demand state and local officials expand access to voting rights.

Together, MoveOn members:

Collected nearly 1.5 million petition signatures.
Led over 800 rallies with allies at post offices across the country. Cher even attended one!
Made thousands of phone calls to elected officials.
Put up over 330,000 “We Postal Workers” stickers on mailboxes.

The first success was blocking DeJoy’s sinister plot to interfere with our election. This week marks a second victory, with Congress and President Biden delivering long-term stability to the Postal Service to ensure it can continue to provide service across the country, especially as we head into the next election season.

We powered this victory not only with pressure on lawmakers but also by turning out in record numbers to create Democratic majorities in the House and Senate, which have delivered to secure the future of USPS.

Next up: We need these elected officials to continue to deliver and hold everyone involved in Trump’s disastrous administration accountable. And for the USPS, there are so many ways they can expand their services, such as postal banking. Post offices—already in nearly every community in the U.S.— used to provide low-cost banking services. Over 100 million people don’t currently have access to affordable financial services, and this solution would ease the burden while we continue to emerge from the pandemic.⁵

At the same time, we’ll also keep working to push the USPS to electrify its fleet—which would be a significant move in reducing our carbon pollution.

This victory reminds us of what is possible when we work together to create a better future for everyone. We all have a chance to use our power again this November to elect people who will deliver for our communities and keep advocating for what we believe in. This entire campaign started because someone started a petition, and it gave people who agreed an opportunity to have their voices heard. You can start a petition here anytime on an issue in your neighborhood or on something that affects everyone nationwide.

Thanks for all you do.

Sources:

1. Tweet by President Biden, April 6, 2022
https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1511805701827579906

2. “U.S. House to Vote to Provide Postal Service With $50 Billion in Relief,” U.S. News & World Report, February 7, 2022
https://www.usnews.com/news/top-news/articles/2022-02-07/u-s-house-to-vote-to-provide-postal-service-with-50-billion-in-relief

3. “Postal leader defends changes, denies ‘sabotaging’ election,” The Associated Press, August 24, 2020
https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-election-2020-ap-top-news-politics-us-news-dc647214b5fc91cc29e776d8f4a4accf

4. “Postal Service Agrees To Reverse Service Cutbacks Ahead Of Election,” National Public Radio, October 15, 2020
https://www.npr.org/2020/10/15/923960405/postal-service-agrees-to-reverse-service-cutbacks-ahead-of-election

5. “Postal Banking,” American Postal Workers Union, accessed April 4, 2022
https://apwu.org/postal-banking

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MoveOn Members Endorse Jessica Cisneros for Congress

MoveOn Staff — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 15:00:13 +0000

TEXAS — Texas members of MoveOn have voted decisively to support Jessica Cisneros for the U.S. House of Representatives, with 80% of votes cast in favor of endorsing Cisneros for the 28th Congressional District in Texas.

“This primary election represents the competing visions for the Democratic Party,” says Rahna Epting, executive director of MoveOn Political Action. “Jessica Cisneros is an outspoken champion of South Texans. She will fight for everyday people in her community and in the halls of Congress, while Rep. Henry Cuellar continues to side with corporations and the wealthy over the health and well-being of all of his constituents.”

MoveOn Political Action is proud to endorse Cisneros. As a human rights attorney, Laredo native, and community leader, Cisneros has worked to advance policies that ensure everyone can thrive. Over the next two months, MoveOn members will activate their grassroots Texas networks to volunteer to contact voters, fundraise money for the campaign, and mobilize folks in digital spaces.

Here is what MoveOn members in Texas had to say about why they support Jessica Cisneros:

“I believe Jessica Cisneros represents true democratic values. She will fight for poor and working-class Texans, and not just the wealthy and well connected.” –Anna R., Laredo, TX

“She is a fighter. We need a true progressive Democrat in Congress. Someone with a fresh point of view.” –Florencio R., Roma, TX

“I am tired of Congressman Henry Cuellar voting with Republicans over the little guy. His subservience to the oil and gas industry is hurting our communities. Jessica Cisneros will stand up to the special interests in Washington and stand for everyday Texans.” –Ed B., Floresville, TX

About MoveOn Political Action: The 2022 election will be MoveOn’s biggest grassroots organizing effort to date in a midterm cycle. In 2020, MoveOn members:

Raised more than $7 million in small-dollar donations, with nearly $4 million of that directed to critical down-ballot Senate and House races;
Sent 155 million text messages to voters across the country and made 188,000 calls to voters in targeted states;
Organized 986,306 volunteers for a relational voter program who engaged with more than 3 million battleground state voters they personally knew; and
Aired over $5 million in targeted ad campaigns.

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For additional information or questions, contact press@moveon.org.

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MoveOn Executive Director Rahna Epting Statement on the Infrastructure Act Signing

MoveOn Staff — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 21:04:39 +0000

Following President Biden’s signing the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, MoveOn Executive Director Rahna Epting issued the following statement:

“Today, President Biden took a major step forward to ensure America Builds Back Better by signing into law one of the most significant investments in infrastructure since the Eisenhower administration.

“The Infrastructure Act will rebuild and replace crumbling roads, bridges, and lead pipes. It will help create jobs, rebalance the economy, and advance a clean energy future. And once paired with the Build Back Better Act, it will accomplish the truly historic and transformational change that people voted for in overwhelming numbers last year.

“While historic, the Infrastructure Act cannot be the last word. It must be the beginning, not the end of Congress’s work to help this nation truly build back better. The American people cannot afford to wait any longer for the rest of the investments in jobs, care, climate, and immigration. The time for discussion is over. It is time for action. It is time for President Biden and House Democrats to deliver on their promise and vote this week to pass the Build Back Better Act.”

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MoveOn Executive Director Rahna Epting Statement on the Virginia Gubernatorial Election

MoveOn Staff — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 13:07:40 +0000

In response to the election results in the Virginia’s Governor race, MoveOn Executive Director Rahna Epting issued the following statement:

“The politics of Trump, cruelty, and division are very much alive and well. The election results in Virginia are a wake up call for all Americans who believe in a future where every family can thrive—and serve as a fire alarm for Democrats in Washington. Virginia has elected a governor who coddles white supremacists, denies basic facts, and denigrates the core tenets of American democracy itself. Our country is at a critical crossroads: will we slip down the path of authoritarianism or will we champion democracy, fairness and progress?

“Unless Democrats in Washington can deliver on the promises they made to millions of working families, they are inviting the broad, multiracial coalition of voters who ushered them into power to stay home. Voters are looking to our elected leaders for answers and to make bold investments in our communities, to combat the climate crisis, to take on corporate greed, and build an America where the economy can work for everyone. The clock is ticking for Democrats to learn from this moment and come together to pass the Build Back Better Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal.”

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Statement of Rahna Epting, Executive Director of MoveOn, on Joe Manchin’s Latest Comments

MoveOn Staff — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 21:21:01 +0000

Joe Manchin’s latest comments make it crystal clear that the House of Representatives cannot and must not hold any vote on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill until the Senate has completed its work and passed the reconciliation package. As Senator Manchin has now made clear to the world, doing so would mean sacrificing the vast majority of President Biden’s agenda. An agenda that 81 million people voted for.

Manchin has shown his cards. The House must act accordingly.

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Statement of Rahna Epting, Executive Director of MoveOn, on the End of the War in Afghanistan

MoveOn Staff — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 18:31:20 +0000

The war in Afghanistan was an endless war with no military solution. Twenty years. Hundreds of thousands killed. Trillions wasted. Joe Biden did what other presidents only talked about — he ended the war. He had the courage to stand up to the military industrial complex and war hawks that have dominated foreign policy for too long.

He made the right decision.

But the U.S. has a responsibility it must see through. We must continue to ensure all Americans and all vulnerable Afghans are still able to leave. We also must lift the refugee cap, expand the visa program, and with our international allies send humanitarian aid to ensure innocent Afghans do not suffer.

Since our founding, MoveOn members have called for the United States to use diplomacy instead of war, violence and destruction, prioritize human rights and lives, and invest the trillions of dollars spent on war-making in essential services like schools, health care, and child care. Over the last two decades, millions of MoveOn members have taken to the streets, lobbied members of Congress, held town halls and peace vigils, signed petitions, and more to call for peace and an end to U.S.-led forever wars. We’ll continue these efforts to ensure Afghans are supported. So far, over 125,000 people have signed a petition, over 11,000 letters have been sent to senators calling on officials to welcome Afghans and send humanitarian aid.

We are grateful that day has finally come.

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On Filibuster, Biden is Right About the Problem but Wrong on the Solution

MoveOn Staff — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 20:42:00 +0000

Rahna Epting, Executive Director of MoveOn, issued the following statement in response to president Biden’s comments last night about the filibuster:

“President Biden is correct that the filibuster is a Jim Crow relic that is being abused by Mitch McConnell and Senate Republicans to block progress on many issues — especially voting rights.

“However, President Biden must be much more forceful in fighting to fix the abuses of the filibuster that he has correctly identified because we can’t simply allow Mitch McConnell to continue to keep the Jim Crow era alive in the Senate.

“State-by-state, county-by-county, Republicans across the country are rigging the rules to keep people from voting to protect their political power and ultra-wealthy donors. Mitch McConnell has said himself that he plans to stop Biden’s agenda at every turn, the very agenda 81 million of us voted for in November. President Biden must do everything in his power to put an end to this obstruction so that Congress can get to the urgent business of governing for the people and delivering on their mandate to aggressively tackle the climate crisis, pass a living wage, pass common sense gun reform, safeguard our democracy, restore our right to vote, and so much more.”

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MoveOn members joined to #RunForShaCarri & deliver 590,000+ signature petition!

MoveOn Staff — Fri, 16 Jul 2021 20:28:41 +0000

Sha’Carri Richardson captivated the entire nation when she won the Olympic trials for the 100-meter sprint in her iconic orange hair and large eyelashes and ran into the stands to find her grandmother.¹She earned her spot to represent our country, but the United States Anti-Doping Agency has handed down a harsh punishment forcing her to miss the 2021 Olympic games—which is why MoveOn members and allies delivered nearly 600,000 signatures in person yesterday to demand that Sha’Carri be allowed to run.

Elena, a MoveOn member and runner, was excited for the upcoming Olympic games, only to be crushed by the news that Sha’Carri was banned from competing for an outrageous, outdated, and irrational rule around marijuana. So she signed a MoveOn petition along with nearly 600,000 members, calling upon USADA, the International Olympic Committee, and the World Anti-Doping Agency to let Sha’Carri run.

And it’s why Elena organized alongside Isabella and Tom to deliver the petition to the USADA. Check out fellow MoveOn members, our partners at NORML Colorado, state Representatives Naquetta Ricks and Jonathan Singer, and drug policy expert Professor Santiago Guerra supporting Sha’Carri at a run and rally in Colorado Springs, where the USADA is headquartered—an action covered by Westword and local news station KRDO, all of which added to the weeks of publicity which has pushed this issue and the greater cause of rewriting our marijuana laws into the public discourse.^2,3

MoveOn members’ demands are clear: Reverse Sha’Carri’s suspension and remove THC/marijuana from the banned substances list. Marijuana is not a performance-enhancing drug, is legal where Sha’Carri was, and for decades has wrongly been used to criminalize Black and brown communities.

And we’re not alone in being outraged by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency’s decision. Check out some of what has transpired over the last two weeks to support Sha’Carri:

Almost 600,000 MoveOn members signed the petition, the second largest petition so far this year.
Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jamie Raskin formally asked the USADA to end Sha’Carri’s suspension.⁴
The hashtag #LetShaCarriRun took over Twitter, with celebrities and influencers like Debra Messing,⁵ David Zirin,⁶ and Adina Porter⁷showing their support in droves.
The massive petition by MoveOn members was included in tons of articles by ESPN, “The Today Show,” NBC’s “Nightly News,” NPR, Black Enterprise, and many more.^8,9,10,11

The fight against the criminalization of Black, brown, and Indigenous people and communities for marijuana use continues. This week, U.S. Senators Cory Booker, Charles Schumer, and Ron Wyden introduced legislation that is a historic first step in undoing the harms caused by unjust drug policies. The legislation would decriminalize weed and invest the profits in restorative justice to individuals and communities who have long suffered.¹²

The story of Sha’Carri Richardson is one of hope, greatness, and the power of collective action. Together, we can keep this momentum going. Will you share this graphic on Twitter today to show your solidarity with Sha’Carri Richardson?

Thanks for all you do.

P.S. Don’t forget: Anytime you get outraged or want members to take collective action with you, you can start a petition here. It takes only a few minutes and can create lasting impact.

Sources:

1. “Olympic track star Sha’Carri Richardson: Hug with grandmother was ‘unforgettable,’” “TODAY,” June 25, 2021
https://moveon.org/shacarri-reportback1

2. “Marijuana Supporters Rally in Colorado Springs for Sha’Carri Richardson,” Westword, July 15, 2021
https://moveon.org/shacarri-reportback2

3. “#RunforShaCarri rally & petition delivery happening at U.S. Anti-Doping agency Thursday,” KRDO, July 15, 2021
https://moveon.org/shacarri-reportback3

4. “AOC urges U.S. Anti-Doping Agency to end Sha’Carri Richardson’s suspension,” Axios, July 3, 2021
https://moveon.org/shacarri-reportback4

5. Tweet by Debra Messing, July 2, 2021
https://moveon.org/shacarri-reportback5

6. Tweet by David Zirin, July 2, 2021
https://moveon.org/shacarri-reportback6

7. Tweet by Adina Porter, July 4, 2021
https://moveon.org/shacarri-reportback7

8. “’Let Sha’Carri run!’ – petition for Sha’Carri Richardson to run in Tokyo nears goal,” ESPN, July 8, 2021
https://moveon.org/shacarri-reportback8

9. “Sha’Carri Richardson’s 1-month suspension means she will not compete in Olympics,” “TODAY,” July 5, 2021
https://moveon.org/shacarri-reportback9

10. “Saturday Sports: Sha’Carri Richardson Suspended For Positive Marijuana Test,” NPR, July 3, 2021
https://moveon.org/shacarri-reportback10

11. “PETITION FOR SHA’CARRI RICHARDSON’S REINSTATEMENT HAS GARNERED OVER 450,000 SIGNATURES; SUSPENDED AFTER POSITIVE MARIJUANA TEST,” Black Enterprise, July 5, 2021
https://moveon.org/shacarri-reportback11

12. “Senate Democratic leaders unveil draft bill to legalize marijuana,” Roll Call, July 14, 2021
https://moveon.org/shacarri-reportback12

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MoveOn Executive Director Rahna Epting Responds to the Supreme Court’s Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee Decision

MoveOn Staff — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 14:38:06 +0000

The Voting Rights Act — already a shell of its former self — was dealt another crippling blow by today’s Supreme Court ruling. At a time when Republicans are engaged in a devastating disenfranchisement campaign against Black and brown communities, we need our highest court to defend our rights, not destroy them. Unfortunately, decades of Republican court packing led by Senator McConnell has left our judicial system toothless against real threats like this one.

“We will not stand for this sustained attack on voting rights and our democracy. Millions of MoveOn members will continue to mobilize to push for both For The People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act to protect everyone’s right to cast their ballot safely and securely and ensure our government represents to the will of the people. The stakes are too high for the filibuster or a quest for bipartisanship to get in the way. Unless both laws are implemented to counteract this systematic dismantling of our voting process, Republicans will continue their relentless assault on our democracy and rig the rules in their favor, and the voices of millions will be swept away.”

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MoveOn Executive Director Rahna Epting on the Escalating Crisis in Palestine and Israel

MoveOn Staff — Wed, 12 May 2021 15:51:17 +0000

Washington, D.C. — Today, Rahna Epting, the executive director of MoveOn, released the following statement on the escalating crisis in Palestine and Israel:

“President Biden campaigned on advancing human rights and a diplomacy-first foreign policy to restore America’s leadership around the world. He now must take urgent action to help de-escalate the situation in Palestine and Israel, and secure an immediate ceasefire. The violence has already led to dozens of deaths, including children.

“Military action will never bring about a just and peaceful resolution between Israelis and Palestinians. The Biden administration must forcefully address the root causes of the cycles of violence in the region by calling on the Israeli government to end the occupation, ease the blockade, and put an immediate stop to the forced evictions and displacement of Palestinian families in order to achieve a just solution grounded in human dignity.

“MoveOn has a long history of pro-diplomacy and anti-war activism, and this is no exception. We will continue to mobilize our members and engage the Biden-Harris administration in demanding an immediate ceasefire and an end to the decades-long occupation of the Palestinian people. The world is watching — and the people of Palestine can no longer wait.”

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MoveOn Statement on Derek Chauvin Verdict

MoveOn Staff — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 21:11:40 +0000

Rahna Epting, executive director of MoveOn, released the following statement on the Derek Chauvin verdict:

“Today, we express a collective sigh of relief. The Derek Chauvin verdict is a welcome measure of accountability. Yet, the truth is that Chauvin being convicted for killing George Floyd is, unfortunately, the exception in this country, not the rule.”

“In order to truly achieve justice, we must fundamentally transform public safety. We must reimagine a society that truly protects and takes care of one another, and treats one another with dignity and respect. And we certainly must ensure that no police officer ever again is empowered to brutally inflict harm upon anyone and callously take their life.”

It’s past time we divest from violent policing and reinvest in our communities. Now, we call on our political leaders at every level of government to take bold action and pass legislation to do just that.”

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MoveOn on Biden Infrastructure Plan: “Democrats Must Move With Boldness And Urgency To Meet This Moment”

MoveOn Staff — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 18:52:19 +0000

Statement of Rahna Epting, Executive Director of MoveOn, on President Biden’s infrastructure plan:

“President Biden has laid out a bold first step to rebuilding our country after the catastrophic impacts of the pandemic and President Trump’s failed leadership. It is the exact kind of leadership and change from the past that voters voted for in historic numbers last year.

“The plan is a great start as it puts working families ahead of the ultra wealthy and corporations and prioritizes investments in traditionally marginalized communities and workers.

“But the plain truth is the problems are big and so must be the solutions. And now is the moment to go big and move quickly.

“The Republican Party has made it crystal clear that they are more interested in debating Dr. Suess and making appearances on Fox and Friends than engaging in good faith on policy solutions to the multiple crises this nation faces.

“The truth is Republicans are not interested in governing, and we cannot allow them to get in the way. Democrats must be prepared to pass this vital legislation without them.

“We must move with boldness and urgency to meet this moment. This plan is a very good start. Democrats must build upon it and act without delay.”

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A New Supporter Briefing—See Our Impact

MoveOn Staff — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 21:49:51 +0000

Thank you so much for supporting MoveOn!

Contributors like you power our massive and vibrant network. You’re a Partner for Change who helped fuel our work in 2020 to protect the right to vote, to advance racial justice, protect our democracy, and so much more. And our work does not stop. Over these next four years, we will continue to organize millions of people to push our country and democracy toward a future of justice, equality, sustainability, and love.

Read on to see how your contributions help make progress every day.

Historic Legislation: We Helped Push Congress to Pass a Strong COVID Relief Bill

The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan brings immediate relief to Americans. In the video above, MoveOn Executive Director Rahna Epting talks about what Democrats should do to overcome Republican obstructionism and pass more bold legislation like this.

And it wasn’t easy getting the American Rescue Plan over the line. Your support helped mobilize masses of people to pressure Congress to pass a robust bill. A glimpse of our actions:

We ran a full-page ad in the Arizona Daily Star pressing Senator Kyrsten Sinema to fight for everyone in need of support.

Members made thousands of calls to senators and representatives, and showed up outside senators’ offices to urge them to support robust relief, amplified by billboards member donations helped fund.

Thousands joined our Twitter rally #OurSurvivalAtStake, sharing their stories of pandemic hardship. #OurSurvivalAtStake was the #3 trend nationally on the day of the rally.

WE ARE MOVEON: PROFILE HIGHLIGHT

Mohammad Khan
MoveOn Campaign Director

Mohammad has been a MoveOn member since 2003, worked at MoveOn since 2019, and played a vital role in organizing our MoveOn member community to fight for robust COVID relief.

Fighting for Accountability for GOP Seditionists

We are determined to hold traitorous officials in Congress accountable for helping to incite the deadly January 6 insurrection. Supporters like you helped launch a Treason Caucus Accountability campaign (read more about it here). Together, we took actions such as these:

Homepage ads on the sites of the home-district newspapers of Josh Hawley (R-MO), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Ron Johnson (R-WI) to remind constituents how their senators failed them.

We helped remove extremist Marjorie Taylor Greene from her House committee assignments by intensifying public pressure with eye-catching billboards and in-person member events.

Emergency Humanitarian Aid for Texans

When millions of Texans suffered massive power outages and clean water shortages, we swung into action:

Together, we raised more than $500,000 for the Workers Defense Fund and the Texas Organizing Project, who worked frantically to deliver water and food to hard-hit communities.

MoveOn volunteers also used text messaging to check in on hundreds of thousands of Texans and to share helpful resources.

While our fundraising for aid for Texans has wrapped up, we’re pushing for accountability and changes. Check out and sign petitions such as “Ted Cruz: Resign,” “Investigate ERCOT Now,” and “Greg Abbott: Reinstate Texas Mask Mandate.“

WHAT'S NEXT FOR MOVEON?

When millions of Texans suffered massive power outages and clean water shortages, we swung into action:

We’re campaigning to ensure Biden’s Build Back Better package, the next COVID recovery bill, is a robust, inclusive, and progressive one that speaks to the needs of everyday people.

We are fighting hard for the Senate Democrats to ditch the filibuster rule so Congress can work again and deliver for the people…

and pass the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. They are vitally important for our democracy, especially with over 250 state-level attacks on access to voting already in motion.

And Finally

All of this critical work to protect our democracy and fight for justice would not be possible without contributors like you. Thank you for being a Partner for Change. As Representative Pramila Jayapal’s tweet below from the eve of President Biden signing the American Relief Plan says, everything we’ve done in the past year—and continue to do—paves the way for big, bold, progressive change. And we couldn’t have done any of it without your support!

We’re in a critical moment now—with Democrats leading the White House, Senate and House—to make groundbreaking changes that our country badly needs. Help us maximize the huge progressive potential of this opportunity.

Will you chip in to help sustain our non-stop work to make these bold changes happen?

Yes, I’ll chip in!

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MoveOn Applauds Congressional Passage of the COVID-19 Relief Package

MoveOn Staff — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 19:21:06 +0000

WASHINGTON, DC — Moments ago, the United States House of Representatives passed the Senate’s version of President Biden’s COVID-19 relief bill, which will provide millions of people with $1,400 direct payments, billions of dollars for vaccines and testing, and tax breaks to low-income earners and families with children, among other vital policies.

In response, Rahna Epting, executive director of MoveOn, issued the following statement:

“This is a major step toward critical aid for millions of Americans who are suffering.

“For nearly a year and counting, our nation has endured a devastating war with a deadly virus that has killed over half a million people and exacerbated fundamental issues within our society, economy, and government. The coronavirus relief bill provides us with a chance to get people back on their feet and rebuild systems that have failed too many for too long.

“Elections do indeed have consequences and the American Rescue Plan is a big win for our country.

“We applaud Democrats in Congress for passing this relief bill and delivering urgently needed relief to the American people. But this is only the first step on our road to recovery and prosperity. Now all eyes are on President Biden’s commitment to Build Back Better. The American people want to see a robust recovery package that prioritizes the creation of millions of high-quality, good-paying jobs, combating the climate crisis, advancing racial justice, investing in care infrastructure, providing a pathway to citizenship for immigrant essential workers, and more.

“It is shameful that this critical legislation did not earn the support of any Republicans in the Senate. Make no mistake – the American people see that the Democrats are working for them, while Republicans continue to obstruct, delay, and deny.

“America needs relief, and we need it now. There is no time to waste.”

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New York MoveOn Members Endorse Brittany Ramos DeBarros for Congress

MoveOn Staff — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 19:36:26 +0000

Members in NY’s 11th Congressional District praised DeBarros’s commitment to progressive values.

NEW YORK — Today, MoveOn Political Action is announcing that its members in New York’s 11th Congressional District have voted to endorse Brittany Ramos DeBarros for the U.S. House.

Sixty-eight percent of voting MoveOn members in the district supported endorsing Ramos DeBarros, citing her political and military experience and her progressive agenda.

DeBarros is a combat veteran and progressive organizer who understands how powerful we are when we come together. She is stepping up early to build a people-powered movement to defeat extreme Republicans, such as incumbent Nicole Malliotakis. The DeBarros campaign is making an investment in organizing the community in order to flip this critical district and elect another progressive leader to Congress in 2022.

Here is what MoveOn members in New York had to say about why they support Ramos DeBarros:

“Brittany Ramos DeBarros knows how to get things done. We need her experience, compassion, and diversity in office.” –Silvia V., Staten Island, NY

“Brittany will bring a new progressive voice to Congress. In 2022, she can flip a Republican-held congressional seat and serve as a consistent vote for progressive policies that will benefit the middle class and marginalized communities.” –Ashely O., Staten Island, NY

“It’s time to offer a genuine alternative to the GOP and to motivate Staten Island’s progressive voters. Brittany Ramos DeBarros is the future of the Democratic Party!” –Shaun R., Staten Island, NY

“New York MoveOn members are ready to have representatives that stand with them for progressive change, something Brittany Ramos DeBarros can bring to the 11th District,” said Rahna Epting, executive director of MoveOn Political Action. “Nationwide, voters are rejecting the policies of far-right, Trump-aligned candidates like Nicole Malliotakis, and New Yorkers are ready to once again stamp out Trumpism and elect progressives like Brittany Ramos DeBarros, who will bring both a fresh voice and an organizer’s and veteran’s experience to Congress.”

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NEW ADS: MoveOn Members Demand Sinema Fight for Arizonans

MoveOn Staff — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 17:38:48 +0000

Print & Digital Ads Call on Sinema to Support Survival Checks, Expanded Unemployment Insurance, and Increasing the Minimum Wage

Today, MoveOn is releasing new print and digital ads in the Arizona Daily Star and on Tuscon.com demanding that Senator Krysten Sinema (D-AZ) stand up for Arizonans in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. With a state jobless rate of 7.5%, 262,000 Arizonans are behind on rent and nearly 700,000 are struggling to keep food on the table.

Sinema’s first priority should be providing support to her constituents, and they need survival checks, expanded unemployment insurance, and an increase in the minimum wage to $15. The people of Arizona put her in office to protect their livelihoods and families, not stand in the way of President Biden and the Democrats’ COVID bill that has the bipartisan support of 78% of the public.

“COVID has devastated the health and livelihood of Arizonans—and as President Biden has said, the danger is doing too little, not too much,” said Rahna Epting, executive director of MoveOn Civic Action. “Arizonians need relief checks, expanded unemployment insurance, and an increased minimum wage—all of which are directly related to fighting this pandemic. These programs are even more crucial for people of color, women, young people, immigrants, and LGBTQIA+ communities who have borne the disparate impacts of COVID and the recession. Arizona MoveOn members are counting on Senator Sinema to fight for them and bring real relief to The Grand Canyon State.”

View the print ad in the AZ Daily Star & Digital Ads at Tuscon.com below:

These ads are funded by MoveOn.org Civic Action.

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MoveOn Members in Ohio’s 11th Endorse Nina Turner for U.S. Congress Ahead of Special Election

MoveOn Staff — Wed, 17 Feb 2021 00:20:04 +0000

78% of voting members in the 11th District of Ohio support Turner, applauding her previous work for Ohioans and her commitment to progressive values.

MoveOn members in Ohio’s 11th District have voted overwhelmingly to endorse Nina Turner for U.S. Congress, with more than 78% of votes cast in favor of Turner.

Watch the exclusive announcement on The Young Turks here:

More than 39,000 MoveOn members live in Ohio’s 11th District. MoveOn—the nation’s largest grassroots, progressive organization—will mobilize its members to support Turner in this upcoming special election.

Here’s what fellow MoveOn members in Ohio’s 11th District had to say about why they support her:

“Nina Turner has served our community with passion and expertise. She advocates strongly for what she believes in. She will always have my vote.” –Shawn J., Euclid, OH

“Ms. Turner has proven to be a strong advocate and supporter of policies to enhance the quality of life for all people in this country. We sorely need her energy and clear vision in the U.S. Congress.” –Brenda S., Cleveland, OH

“We need MORE progressives in Congress, and Nina would be a great addition to The Squad.” –Kelly B., Cleveland, OH

Nina Turner has worked tirelessly in Ohio and across the country to champion these progressive values and to put pressure on our elected leaders to pass progressive legislation. Nina will prioritize creating a national health insurance program that provides everyone in America with comprehensive coverage, raising the minimum wage, and building a country that works for all of us, not just the wealthy and well connected.

“We need more leaders like Nina Turner in Congress, and Ohio MoveOn members agree that her tenacity and dedication to fighting for working-class Ohioans will make her a strong congresswoman,” said Rahna Epting, executive director of MoveOn Political Action. “Ms. Turner has worked hard throughout her career in Ohio politics as a champion for fair labor, housing, and women’s rights. From serving Ohioans as city councilor and state senator to advocating for progressive values on the national stage, Nina Turner has shown she’s more than ready to serve in Congress and push to create an America that works for everyone.”

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