Feed Our Democracy

February 3, 2020 In Uncategorized By fodemocracy

POSTCARD WRITING PARTY

A toolkit to make hosting your own postcard event super simple!

ACTIVATION KIT

Want to do something this election cycle, but not sure where to start?

This Tool Kit is here to help you host your own Postcard Writing Party to help #FeedOur Democracy and #MeetEatActivate to make a difference.

What’s a Postcard Writing Party?

Post Card Writing Party
Post Card Writing Party

The name of this party says it all: gather people together to either write postcards to their lawmakers about a cause or upcoming vote that’s important to them. or write to remind people to  GOTV: get out the vote.

Host it in a private home, or even at a big table at a public coffee shop. You’d be surprised how many people join in.

Inviting Guests

You can copy and one of these graphics for your invitation. We like Paperless Post’s free invitation flier, simply add your own date/time/place for the party to the invitation.  Make sure your invite is set to private and share the invitation link with your guests. (Of course if you’re hosting in a public place, you can opt to make the invitation public as well)

  • Postcard Party Invite – GOTV
  • Postcard Writing Party – Elected Official
  • Sample Postcard – Front
  • Sample Postcard – Back

Where to get Postcards

Many online graphic designers and artists have created and shared postcards themed specifically to oppose the Trump administration that you can send to your representatives. Just download, print on cardstock, write your own message and send to your government representative.  They’re free!
Online #Resistance postcard resources:

If you’re doing a GOTV event, Postcards to Voters is a great place for one-stop shopping!  They provide everything from guidelines, to postcard templates, to verified voter addresses from campaigns that need your help.

Your group can be big or small. Every postcard Counts!
Your group can be big or small. Every postcard Counts!

Need an issue to write to your representative about?  How about doing more to ease the refugee crisis?  Postcards for Peace has a downloadable postcard to help you do just that.

Supplies

  • Pre-printed postcards (select from above) for your guests to choose from
  • Pens (optional: different colors)
  • Notepads for drafting your postcards
  • Stamps
  • Your Congressional representatives’ addresses pre-printed on paper for your guests. (Find their office addresses here: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials)
  • Download some nifty Feed Our Democracy printable event decor here. We’ve got designs you can use for

IMPORTANT NOTE:   Federal Election Commission regulations set the limit a private individual may spend on supplies for a partisan event  at $1000 per host. Please make sure you are in compliance with these regulations if you plan to host a GOTV (Get out the Vote) event for a particular candidate.

If your guests ask how they can help prepare, ask them to bring their own stamps and supplies to help you defray costs.

The Party

Have a few postcards already written, and print out a few suggested messages to inspire your attendees. Consider having a few talking points written out ahead of time, if you can, so people will get ideas.  Spread out your supplies so people can get to work right away.

Put out some snacks – or have people bring their own. If you’re at a cafe, each person can order for themselves, or you can run a tab and pass the hat to pay the bill.

Keep speechifying to a minimum.  Introduce the event, then say a bit about why you’ve decided to host this event. You’re there to Meet, Eat and Activate!

The Ask

Writing your representatives and keeping the pressure on elected officials is important work, as is getting out the vote. But should you and your guests want to offer financial support as well, you might consider asking them to donate to organizations that support voter registration drives, or fair voting practices.

The Details

Register your event – We’re building a virtual and real-life community of active citizens. By registering your gathering, you help us keep track of the impact we’re making together, one #FeedOurDemocracy event at a time. 

  • Read and agree to our Code of Conduct.
  • Use the hashtag #feedourdemocracy and tag @feedourdemocracy on Instagram and Facebook and @meeteatactivate on Twitter
  • Follow up! Thank you guests and remind them of the good they did in helping to #FeedOurDemocracy

HAVE FUN and BE PROUD OF YOURSELF

You’re participating in the democratic process and making a difference.

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September 3, 2019 In Activism By fodemocracy

National #DayOfAction Events

Every year on September 17th, National Constitution and Citizenship Day goes largely unnoticed in this country. Feed Our Democracy wants to change that by turning that day into a national #DayofAction.

Around the country — in Austin, NY, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Denver, Portland, and Seattle – we’re partnering with The Riveter, Mom 2.0 and TueNight, to host events that celebrate National Constitution and Citizenship Day, getting people involved in celebrating our country. Below are events around the country that we have already scheduled.  (Space is limited so please RSVP today.)

Austin

Get Active 101: Citizen Roundtables & Activation Stations. (RSVP here) We want to be active and help others, but sometimes it’s hard to know where to start? Let’s start together! Join us from 11 am – 2 pm for an inspiring day of citizenship and action in service of increasing voter turnout and helping immigrant families at the border. Drop-in, learn, meet new friends, and activate. Register2Vote and Blue Action Democrats will help us learn how to energize our communities to increase voter registration. Learn from Waking Giants and Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls how you can help immigrant families at the border passing through the Val Verde Border Humanitarian Coalition Center. Light snacks and drinks will be provided.  RSVP through this link.

*****

Denver

Voter Registration Training Workshop. (RSVP here) Join us from 11:30-1:00pm, and enjoy a light lunch, while the nonpartisan League of Women Voters provides training on how to register voters in the State of Colorado. You’ll leave empowered with the tools you need to register voters, start your own voter registration drive and feed our democracy. RSVP through this link.

*****

Los Angeles

Voter Registration Training Workshop. (RSVP here) Join us from 11:45am -1:15pm, and enjoy a light lunch, while the nonpartisan League of Women Voters provides training on how to register voters in the State of California. You’ll leave empowered with the tools you need to register voters, start your own voter registration drive and feed our democracy. RSVP through this link.

*****

Brooklyn

TueNight Live #DayOfAction. (RSVP here) TueNight and Feed Our Democracy will co-host an inspiring evening of storytelling and action. Storytellers will share refugee, immigration and citizenship stories and those in attendance will write welcome cards to help welcome recently resettled refugee families. Proceeds from the event will go to Hello Neighbor, whose mission is to support recently resettled refugee and immigrant families through mentorship. RSVP through this link.

*****

Portland (OR)

‘Choose Your Party’ Party: Networking for Excited Oregon Primary Voters!  (RSVP here) Join us from 6pm to 8pm for mingling and networking. Hey, independent and non-affiliated Oregon voters! In the post-debate hubbub, we’re all excited to choose our candidate. The Oregon primary election in May 2020 can’t come soon enough! But, WAIT. Did you know you must choose a political party to vote in that party’s primary? It’s easy and takes seconds online, and we’ll show you how. Hosted by The Democracy Club. RSVP through this link.

*****

Seattle

Voter Registration Training Workshop  (RSVP required here) Join us from 11:45am-1:15pm and enjoy a light lunch while the nonpartisan League of Women Voters provides training on how to register voters in the State of Washington. You’ll leave empowered with the tools you need to register voters and start your own voter registration drive. (Sign Up link here)

*****

Minneapolis

Backpack Service Project for Newly-Released Immigrants (ALL SPOTS RESERVED) Join us for lunch from 11:45am to 1:15pm for an inspiring service project. We will be assembling backpacks with essential personal items for immigrants just released from detention centers so that they can reach their post-release destination with safety and dignity. The nonprofit, Conversations with Friends MN, which will distribute these backpacks, tells us that the responses from people receiving these backpacks would bring tears to your eyes.  

*****

Host your own #DayOfAction event

If you cannot make it to one of these events, why not host your own? You can make it as big or small as you like. Here, Feed Our Democracy shows you how you can host your own events for #DayOfAction centered around Voter Registration Training, Welcoming Immigrants & Refugees, or Writing Postcards to Your Representatives and to GOTV.

NOTE:  Before you host your own event, please read and agree to our FoD Code of Conduct.

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September 3, 2019 In Activism By fodemocracy

#DayofAction: Refugees Welcome Activation Kit

ACTIVATION KIT

Ready to observe National Constitution & Citizenship Day?  We’re so glad!  Your event, big or small, will be part of a larger, national #DayofAction on September 17th,  promoting an active citizenry and celebrating our country’s values.

This Tool Kit is here to help you join our #DayofAction and to #MeetEatActivate on September 17!

What’s a #RefugeesWelcome Event?

America is a country of immigrants. From our diversity comes our strength. Every day, thousands of people from around the globe seek to join our great democracy.  One of our greatest American ideals is that we are a land of opportunity, open to new people, and new ideas.  A #RefugeesWelcome Party helps make refugees and other immigrants feel welcome to this country, and helps them get started on their new American life with hope.

Inviting Guests

You can copy and paste this graphic for your invitation. We like to use Paperless Post’s free invitation flier, simply add your own date/time/place for the party to the invitation.  Make sure your invite is set to private and share the invitation link with your guests.

 

 

Your Event

Choose one of the following #DayofAction activities to make a difference in the lives of recent immigrants and refugees.

  • Write welcome notes to families. The Multifaith Alliance has a ready-to-go postcard writing kit for Syrian refugees you can sign up for here. A great activation for all ages.
  • Write your Representative to demand action on the immigration crisis. PostCards for Peace has downloadable postcards already addressed to your representative
  • Create Welcome Kits with necessary items to help recent immigrants and refugees settle into their new homes. Your guests can bring items with them, and you can create the packages at your event.

These organizations all accept donations of various items – from hygiene kits to snack boxes.  Contact them directly to see what they might need. Or contact your local Immigrant or Refugee center to see what they need.  World Relief, an official partner of the Department of State for over 40 years,  partners with 5,000 organizations around the globe.  Find one of their offices near you here.  Or try one of these:

Supplies

Download some nifty Feed Our Democracy and #DayofAction printable event decor here. We’ve got designs you can use for tabletoppers, cupcake toppers , stickers or buttons to help make your event feel pulled together (and look awesome on social media!) 

The Ask

Writing notes or collecting supplies is a fantastic way to show your support.  But should you and your guests want to offer financial support as well, you might consider asking them to donate to the organizations you’re serving.

The Details

Register your event -By registering your gathering, you help us all keep track of the impact we’re making together, one #FeedOurDemocracy event at a time. 

  • Read and agree to our Code of Conduct.
  • Use the hashtags #DayofAction and #feedourdemocracy and tag @feedourdemocracy on social media.

 

HAVE FUN and BE PROUD OF YOURSELF

You’re participating in the democratic process and making a difference!

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September 3, 2019 In Activism, Uncategorized By fodemocracy

#DayofAction: Voter Registration Training Party

ACTIVATION KIT

Ready to observe National Constitution & Citizenship Day?  We’re so glad!  Your event, big or small, will be part of a larger, national #DayofAction on September 17th,  promoting an active citizenry and celebrating our country’s values.

This Tool Kit is here to help you join our #DayofAction and to #MeetEatActivate on September 17!

What is a Voter Registration Training Workshop?

The name of this event says it all: gather friends together for a brief workshop (usually 45-60 minutes) to learn best practices on how to register voters and hold your own voter registration drive. You will learn how to organize and run a registration drive, best practices, best locations, best time of day, and more information specific to your state.

To get started, invite a small group (at least 10 to 12) or a large one – any size works!

Contact a Voter Registration Training Organization

For training purposes, we recommend the  League of Women Voters. We have found this non-partisan, non-profit to be very well-organized and with significant reach (700+ local chapters) which is not surprising since the organization is 100 years old! To organize a free private training workshop for your FoD event, contact your local LWV chapter.

DIY Voter Registration Training

Are you interested in being the trainer and to DIY? Check out these sites to educate yourself about the particular voter laws in your state, so you can train your friends or colleagues:

Ignite is dedicated to building political ambition in young women – starting with getting them excited about voting with #IgnitetheVote and #VoteTwice (midterms and general election!).  You can sign up to get a state specific Voter Registration Toolkit here.

Rock the Vote is a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to building the political power of young people. They’ve registered and turned out millions of young voters on campuses, in communities, and online.  Check out their Voter Registration Training Guide.

HeadCount is a non-partisan organization that stages voter registration drives at concerts and run programs that translate the power of music into real action. By reaching young people and music fans where they already are – at concerts and online – they make civic participation easy and fun.

When We All Vote has a  comprehensive Voter Registration guide and can help you get started volunteering.

Inviting Guests

Feel free to cut and paste one of these graphics to use with your invitation. We like to use Paperless Post’s free invitation flier, simply add the logo for the organization that will be training your group, any hashtags, plus your own date/time/place for the party to the graphic.  Make sure your invite is set to private and share the invitation link with your guests.

Voter Registration Training

Voter Registration Training 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplies

  • Voter Registration Training Handouts (if you have one, ask your trainer  if they will be bringing handouts, or find out how to get or print your own from your local Board of Elections.)
  • Pens 
  • Notepads  
  • Download some nifty Feed Our Democracy and #DayofAction printable event decor here. We’ve got designs you can use for tabletoppers, cupcake toppers , stickers or buttons to help make your event feel pulled together (and look awesome on social media!) 

If your guests ask how they can help prepare, ask them to bring their own supplies (or to help with pens and notepads for the group) to help you defray costs.

The Event

It’s a party!  Serve whatever you like.  From pizza to healthy snacks, to cake and coffee.  Whatever works! Have refreshments out when guests arrive and don’t be shy to ask people to chip in.

While it is a get-together, you do have work to do!  So while you want to make sure you give people time to mingle before the presentation  – make sure that whether you’re doing the training or an expert is showing up, you don’t wait too long to get started. 

Keep ‘speechifying’ to a minimum.  Just introduce the event, say a bit about why you decided to host this #FeedOurDemocracy event and about the #DayofAction and how you’re all a part of it.

The Ask

Registering voters and getting the word out about the importance of voting is important work.  But should you and your guests want to offer financial support as well, you might consider asking them to donate to the non-profit who is training you and your guests.  We recommend a donation in the amount of what they would normally spend on a night out with their friends.

The Details

Register your event – We’re building a virtual and real-life community of active citizens. By registering your gathering, you help us keep track of the impact we’re making together, with #DayofAction events around the country. 

  • Read and Agree to our Code of Conduct
  • Follow-up with guests.  Let them know you appreciate their time and remind them of the action they committed to take.
  • Post on social. Use the hashtags #DayofAction and #feedourdemocracy and tag @feedourdemocracy on social media. 
     

 

HAVE FUN and BE PROUD OF YOURSELF

You’re part of a bigger celebration of
National Constitution & Citizenship Day! 

 

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September 3, 2019 In Activism By fodemocracy

#DayofAction: Potluck & Postcards Party

ACTIVATION KIT

Ready to observe National Constitution & Citizenship Day? We’re so glad!  Your event, big or small, will be part of a larger, national #DayofAction on September 17th,  promoting an active citizenry and celebrating our country’s values.

This Tool Kit is here to help you join our #DayofAction and to #MeetEatActivate on September 17!

What’s a Potluck & Postcard Writing Party?

The name of this party says it all: gather people together to either write postcards to their lawmakers about a cause or upcoming vote that’s important to them. or write to remind people to  GOTV: get out the vote.

Why the Potluck?  Well, it’s supposed to be easy!  And what’s easier than having friends bring food and drink to share?

Inviting Guests

You can copy and one of these graphics for your invitation. We like Paperless Post’s free invitation flier, simply add your own date/time/place for the party to the invitation.  Make sure your invite is set to private and share the invitation link with your guests.

Get Out the Vote

Write Postcards to Elected Officials

  

Where to get Postcards

Many online graphic designers and artists have created and shared postcards themed specifically to oppose the Trump administration that you can send to your representatives. Just download, print on cardstock, write your own message and send to your government representative.  They’re free!
Online #Resistance postcard resources:

If you’re doing a GOTV event, Postcards to Voters is a great place for one-stop shopping!  They provide everything from guidelines, to postcard templates, to verified voter addresses from campaigns that need your help.

Need an issue to write to your representative about?  How about doing more to ease the refugee crisis?  Postcards for Peace has a downloadable postcard to help you do just that.

Supplies

  • Pre-printed postcards (select from above) for your guests to choose from
  • Pens (optional: different colors)
  • Notepads for drafting your postcards
  • Stamps
  • Your Congressional representatives’ addresses pre-printed on paper for your guests. (Find their office addresses here: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials)
  • Download some nifty Feed Our Democracy and #DayofAction printable event decor here. We’ve got designs you can use for tabletoppers, cupcake toppers , stickers or buttons to help make your event feel pulled together (and look awesome on social media!) 

IMPORTANT NOTE:   Federal Election Commission regulations set the limit a private individual may spend on supplies for a partisan event  at $1000 per host. Please make sure you are in compliance with these regulations if you plan to host a GOTV (Get out the Vote) event for a particular candidate.

If your guests ask how they can help prepare, ask them to bring their own stamps and supplies to help you defray costs.

The Party

A Potluck & Postcard Writing party is super casual.  Buy a few pizzas, and ask people to bring other,  shareable dishes, drinks or desserts.  (Think about creating a sign-up sheet so you don’t end up with three lasagnas!)

Have a few postcards already written, and print out a few suggested messages to inspire your attendees. Consider having a few talking points written out ahead of time, if you can, so people will get ideas.  Spread out your supplies so people can get to work right away.

Keep speechifying to a minimum.  Just introduce the event, say a bit about why you’ve decided to host this #DayofAction event. You’re there to Meet, Eat and Activate!

The Ask

Writing your representatives and keeping the pressure on elected officials is important work, as is getting out the vote. But should you and your guests want to offer financial support as well, you might consider asking them to donate to organizations that support voter registration drives, or fair voting practices.

The Details

Register your event – We’re building a virtual and real-life community of active citizens. By registering your gathering, you help us keep track of the impact we’re making together, one #FeedOurDemocracy event at a time. 

  • Read and agree to our Code of Conduct.
  • Use the hashtags #DayofAction and #feedourdemocracy and tag @feedourdemocracy on Instagram and Facebook and @meeteatactivate on Twitter

HAVE FUN and BE PROUD OF YOURSELF

You’re participating in the democratic process and

making a difference!

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March 25, 2019 In Activism By fodemocracy

Kids are Activists Too: A Toolkit for kids and families

Democracy isn’t just for grown-ups. After all, kids are citizens, too!  Feed Our Democracy and KidzVuz have joined forces to put together this Kids Are Activists Too! Toolkit.  Here, you’ll find resources to get your kids started along the path of actively participating in the democratic process. Kids can’t vote…yet,  But kid activists have the ability to be heard, to influence others, and to make a difference.  This year alone, thousands of kids showed up for the March For Our Lives and The National School Walkout – both initiatives, incidentally, organized by kids. Being activists doesn’t mean your kids have to be political; kids can be active in helping those less fortunate, helping out after national disasters, or raising awareness about a cause that matters to them like the environment, literacy, or homelessness.

Getting your kids used to being active in political and social movements now is a great way to make sure they group up to be productive, compassionate adults.

Kids are activists too!

For the Littlest Ones:

It’s never too early to start encouraging and developing empathy in your kids.  Here are some simple ideas for even the youngest kids.

  1. Home Visits. Do you have any older neighbors who might enjoy a visit with a smiley, happy child?  Visiting elderly or lonely neighbors to show off a new Halloween costume, sing a song, or just say hello is an easy way to teach your kids that they are part of a broader community.
  2. Greeting Cards. Is your kid a bit too shy to visit with neighbors? They can make greeting cards to send to Military personnel, wounded veterans, homebound elderly, hospitalized kids, and more.  Keep the messages uplifting and devoid of any personal information.  Your kids can make a difference.
  3. Simple Acts of Kindness. Have your kids give sanitation workers or their mail carrier cold drinks or popsicles on a hot day. Pick up litter in your local park.
  4. Donate.  Encourage your kids to give away toys and books once they’re done with them.  This wonderful post is about teaching children about real giving and its lessons can be applied to children of any age.
  5. Make treats and deliver them to your local police or fire station.
  6. Read books about compassion, understanding, and more. See a few of our favorites in the Resources section below.

Often, it makes sense to join organizations that already exist.  They’ve got the experience, and they’ve got it down. Here are some existing organizations geared towards getting kids involved.

For Teens and Tweens

Many organizations allow kids 13 and up to participate in organized volunteer activities.  Check with your local soup kitchen or food bank. Others will only allow kids if there is an adult along with them.  Check Volunteer Match and  Red Cross Youth for lots of ideas for kids to volunteer.

It’s important that kids know why they’re volunteering, so the more involved they can be in picking the cause and deciding how to help, the better. As kids get older, they can even organize their own

Not looking for something quite so organized? The ideas above for younger kids can also work for older kids. Or use these ideas to inspire you:

  1. Town Halls. Is there something going on in your neighborhood that will affect your kids?  Have them attend a Town Hall where local citizens are invited to speak and ask questions.  KidzVuz is all about letting kids express their opinions and have their say. Show your kids that they’re entitled to be heard.
  2. Help the homeless. Bring your children with you to cook or serve meals at a homeless shelter. Kid activists don’t have to be political – just involved.
  3. March. There are no age restrictions when it comes to the age-old democratic tradition of taking to the streets for a cause. Encourage your kids to get their friends marching, too.

Lots of our Feed Our Democracy Tool Kits will work – or are easy to adapt –  for anyone from age 8 and up. Check out these toolkits with your kids to get ideas for how they can host their own events.

How to Host a Save the Environment Event

Even the littlest kids can participate in making recycled crafts, while older kids can plan their own events.

Kid Activists at a Feed Our Democracy/March for our Lives Pizza and Posterboards Party

Pizza and Posterboards Party – Is there a march coming up in your neighborhood?  This toolkit gives them the tools they need to get ready for the big day with their friends of all ages.

Postcard Writing Party – Maybe kids can’t vote, but lawmakers still represent them, and they have a right to be heard.  If there’s an issue that matters to your kids, have them host a Postcard Writing party to let their elected officials know what’s on their minds. Kid activists grow up to be voters, and officials know that. 

Existing Organizations for Kids:

DoSomething.Org mobilizes young people in every US area code and in 131 countries! Their volunteer, social change, and civic action campaigns are all designed to make a real-world impact on causes important to young people, including the environment, homelessness, and more.

Most of DoSomething’s initiatives aren’t particularly political or controversial (I mean, who doesn’t want to clean up 3.7 million cigarette butts?), so they’re a great place to start looking for a way for your teen to, well, Do Something they can feel good about.

Youth Service America (YSA), Powered by YSA, BE FEARLESS BE KIND,  is a philanthropic initiative of  Hasbro, Inc. Designed to inspire and empower kids to have the compassion, empathy and courage to stand up for others and be inclusive throughout their lives, the initiative asks kids to take a pledge to be good to others.  For everyone who takes the pledge through Hasbro will donate a toy or game to Toys for Tots for up to 50,000 children in need during the holiday season.

This is a simple way to get younger kids started on joining organized efforts to improve the world we live in, and to make compassion a part of their daily lives.

Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) is a network of affiliated organizations across the U.S. and Canada engaging youth ages 11-18 in team-based, structured, diverse, flexible service-learning opportunities.

March for Our Lives

Several survivors of the Parkland shooting started this movement to elect leaders who will stand up to gun violence and hold them to task. While geared towards older kids and teens – the site encourages kids of voting age to register themselves and others – there’s lots of practical advice on the site how any kid get involved at a local level and be heard.

Resources

Want to raise “woke” kids, but not ready to commit to hosting an event or joining an existing organization?  Check out this list of 40 picture Books for Young Activists from All the Wonders website to inspire you and your kids.

March for Our Lives family pic

The author and her extended family at the 2018 March for our Lives in NYC

Older kids might find inspiration from these 7 Inspiring Reads for Kids who want to Change the World, from Brightly.

Preschool to Third Graders will enjoy the What Does It Mean series by Rana Diori.

What Does It Mean to Be Global? What Does It Mean to Be Green? What Does It Mean to Be Kind? By Rana DiOrio; Dreamers by Yuyi Morales; Lost and Found Cat: The True Story of Kunkush’s Incredible Journey by Doug Kuntz

Remember, involved kids grow up to be involved adults. And your kid activists don’t have to do a lot to make a big difference.

 

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save the enviroment
January 10, 2019 In Activism By fodemocracy

How to Host a Save the Environment Party

So you want to Save the Environment but don’t know where to start?

Lately, the reports on the state of our environment have not been good. The recently released National Climate Assessment  painted a bleak picture, coming to the conclusion that Global warming is affecting the United States more  severely than ever before, and that the risks of future  coastal flooding, crop failure, forest fires, droughts and more— could cost the United States billions and deeply effect our health and well being.  But don’t despair!  You can make a difference by hosting a Save the Environment party with your friends and neighbors to help raise funds or awareness (or both) around the environment.

Here are downloadable materials and specific suggestions you can use to host your own Save the Environment Party, to get you and your community psyched and ready to take action to (literally) save the world.

What’s a Save the Environment Party?

Saving the Environment means a lot of things:  addressing global warming, light and sound pollution, ocean and air pollution, endangered species, protected lands, sustainability, and so much more.  Whichever aspect of saving the environment you choose to focus on, this kit will give you the tools you need to host a party with lasting impact.

Choose Your Focus

Like we said, Saving the Environment is a big job.  There are many ways to approach making a difference through your Feed our Democracy event.  You can:

  • Raise funds for environmentally sound candidates. The League of Conservation Voters has a scorecard to help you know which candidates are most likely to support environmentally sound policies. (the midterms may be over, but the elections of 2020 are sooner than you think)
  • Write Postcards or Call either your local or federal officials about environmental issues that matter to you. You can use our Postcard and Calling party Tool Kits as a guide.  Citizens Climate Lobby helps you find the names and numbers of your local elected officials and provides scripts to guide you in making calls or writing cards.  
  • Do a Craft – Kids care an awful lot about the environment.  So if you’re including them in your event, consider making crafts using upcycled materials.  You can find some great ideas here, from our friends at AlphaMom.

READ MORE

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January 10, 2019 In Activism By fodemocracy

Postcard Party to END THE SHUTDOWN

Wondering what you can do to help end the partial government shutdown?  You can make yourself heard in a big way by sending postcards to your representatives telling them to refund the government and END THE SHUTDOWN.

 This Activation Kit contains everything you need to host a Pot Luck and Postcards Party,  making it easy for you, your friends and neighbors to write to your lawmakers, give them a piece of your mind, and be heard.  Right now, we’re focused on how we can help END THE SHUTDOWN, but you can host a postcard writing party to contact your representative about any cause that matters to you.

 

What’s a Potluck & Postcard Writing Party?

The name of this party says it all: gather people together to write postcards to their lawmakers about a cause or upcoming vote that’s important to them. In this case, you’re telling your representatives that you’re tired of  this shutdown and want them to end it now. 

Your representatives represents YOU, and sending them postcards is a great way to make sure they know what you think.  Postcards have been shown to be more effective than emails  or even phone calls to let representatives know their constituents are paying attention.

Why the Potluck?  Well, it’s supposed to be easy!  And what’s easier than having friends bring food and drink to share?

Inviting Guests

You can right click to copy and use the graphic here for your invitation.  Add your own customization – date, place, etc – to make it yours.  Or sometimes we like to use Paperless Post’s free invitation flier, simply add your own date/time/place for the party to the invitation.  Make sure your invite is set to private and share the invitation link with your guests.  READ MORE

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December 27, 2018 In Activism By fodemocracy

Action Plan for LGBTQ Rights

Feed Our Democracy believes that each of our small actions can add up to big change.

This Action Plan for supporting LGBTQ Causes & Rights gives you some simple steps you can take to make a difference.

 

Don’t just vent on social media:  Do something.  We’re here to make it easy to make a difference and #FeedOurDemocracy.

So what’s at stake?  Here’s some BACKGROUND INFO on the issues

 

  • It’s 2018. Most people oppose discrimination against LGBT people, but it’s still commonplace. We need to update our federal laws to ensure comprehensive protections.
  • 31 states still lack clear, fully-inclusive non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people, meaning that LGBTQ people are at risk of being fired, denied housing, and denied services for who they are or whom they love.
  • Our country’s current anti-discrimination laws are full of holes. There are laws protecting people based on race, sex, disability, and religion – but there are no explicit protections for people based on their sexual orientation or gender identity in all areas of public life.
  • In 2015, 85% of LGBTQ students reported being verbally harassed at school. Of the students who chose to report these incidents of bullying, over 60% said that school staff did nothing in response.

ACTIONS.

Here are a few actions you can take now.READ MORE

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November 18, 2017 In Activism, Resistance By nancyjrab

10-Steps to Hosting a #FeedOurDemocracy Event

Your #FeedOurDemocracy event can build community, build awareness, advocate or fundraise for something that matters to you. A candidate, a cause, new playground equipment for your neighborhood…whatever mobilizes and energizes you to be involved. Meet, eat, activate.

Like democracy itself, a #FeedOurDemocracy gathering is what you make of it. But here are some guidelines to get you started.

1. GET HOST-Y Decide if you want to host alone or with a friend, family member or colleague

2. GET  ACTIVE Pick a cause, issue or candidate you want to focus on during your gathering.

3. GET THOSE INVITES OUT –  Invite up to 10 people (ideally who don’t all know one another) to join you for an evening of conversation, organization, and action. If you’re co-hosting, you can each invite 3-5 people. If you’re hosting alone, invite 3-5 friends and ask them each to bring a friend you don’t know

4. GET ORGANIZED Plan your gathering like you would any other party: pick a menu, plan a potluck, bake cupcakes, have postcards ready to be written…whatever it is you’ll need to make your event a success.

Check out our ToolKit for links to downloadable, customizable post card templates,  recipe and menu ideas from The Mom 100, even sample invitation language for your new friends.

5 GET SOME INFO OUT. Send your #FeedOurDemocracy guests some information before they arrive so they know what to expect.  Hosting your event to fundraise for a candidate?  Send your guests a link to her website?  Is your event about a advocating for a particular group?  Find some great articles that got you interested and share those. You get the idea!

Guests should know ahead of time if you’ll be raising funds, writing letters, or simply having meaningful discussions around a cause.

6. GET  YOUR GOALS SET- Your event can raise cash, raise awareness, give people a chance to write some postcards…but it should do SOMETHING.  Choose a goal,  tell people what it is, and figure out how to get there.

If you are raising funds, a good benchmark for how much to solicit from your guests could be to ask your guests to contribute what they would normally spend on a night out for dinner. For example, you could have a suggested minimum donation of $25 or $30, or even $5.  Ultimately, you know your friend group and social circle and what would be acceptable and make sense.

Check out our tool kit for many more resources to help your event be a success.

7. GET THE CONVERSATION STARTED Not sure what to talk about?  The ToolKit has got everything you need to ensure you break the ice and keep the conversation flowing. We’ve also got information on how to find and contact your local representatives, techniques for talking about difficult issues and more.

Check out our TOOL KIT and RESOURCE PAGE for everything you need to make your party a success.

8. GET ONLINE – What’s a movement these days without a Hashtag?  Encourage your guests to share photos and more on social media using the #FeedOurDemocracy hashtag, so even people who can’t be with you and get in on the excitement.

9. GET ONLINE AGAIN – Once your event is over, we’ll ask you to fill out a survey so we know  how it went.  What worked, what didn’t?  What did you accomplish?  Evetually, the site will feature a running tally of the numbers:  funds raised, letters written, conversations enjoyed and more so we can all see how our small events are having a big impact.

10. GET HAPPY – You’re part of a movement!  Have fun.  Our goals are serious, but you’re having a party.  Enjoy making change happen while you #FeedOurDemocracy.

 

 

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