Posted on April 20, 2025

Happy Easter to those who celebrate!


Graig Meyer represents neighboring Orange County in the NC Legislature.  Although he's not our Senator here in Chatham County, we thought this email he sent was worth sharing:


What the hell is wrong with the Democrats?


This week saw a turning point in U.S. history. Not only is the Trump Administration brazenly denying the due process rights of Americans, but it has begun to openly defy the Courts. 


I’m disgusted. But not just at Trump. At Democrats. Because so few are speaking up. And silence is complicity. 

I know the pattern, because I’m as guilty of it as any other Democratic leader: 1) We fail to speak up for our values, because 2) We are too afraid of what Republicans might say about us. 


In the face of Trump’s authoritarianism, the Democratic formula is capitulation.


Our latest great capitulation is our failure to speak up loudly and consistently for due process and the rule of law. Ultimately, due process, along with freedom of speech, is what separates us from a totalitarian regime. Due process ensures that every single person: rich, poor, Black, white, citizen, resident alien, everyone gets the same basic chance to hear the evidence against them, and to mount their own defense. Among other things, due process helps prevent us from making mistakes and punishing the wrong people.


As for the rule of law. This would seem to be self-evident. We learn about civics and basic checks and balances in grade school. If the executive no longer respects the courts, why should anyone else? 


Every Democratic leader should be very clear that due process is non-negotiable. Every single leader should be speaking out to denounce the Administration’s descent into lawlessness. And we need to do so no matter what we fear Republicans might say about us. As John Favreau said this week, “The Trump administration disappearing people to foreign prisons is not a ‘soup du jour’ issue, you cowards.”


I know why Democratic leaders show such cowardice, because I’ve done it. Every move I describe here are moves I’ve been guilty of in my 12 years in the North Carolina General Assembly. I’ve made all of the rationalizations. And I’ve gone with the team even when I’ve disagreed. So let me explain how I see it:

Democratic leaders are so afraid of how we’ll be criticized in Republican attack ads or in the media that we stop ourselves from doing anything that might be criticized. Even though we should know the criticism is going to come no matter what we do. 


There is no better example than the current fear to speak up about due process. The fear is that if we make too much of the current abuses of due process and defiance of constitutional order, we will be tagged as being too lax on immigration, or anti-semitic, or whatever label the GOP pins on us next. Likewise, we regularly avoid tough votes on things like criminal penalties or anything that can be described as raising taxes, not because of the policy merits – we all know change is needed – but because of how the other side might twist such votes to look. 

And to what end? We are all going to be described as yellow-bellied immigrant-loving, crime-friendly, tax-and-spend liberals no matter what.


There is no avoiding getting criticized in politics. Whatever we do, the punches will come. So let’s start speaking our truth loud and strong. Rather than cowering in fear, let’s bring the fight to our opponents. Just like, say… Harvard did this week. Or the CEO of Marriott did (and got 40,000 employee emails thanking him). Rather than responding to what we think voters want to hear, let’s use our platforms to LEAD a movement and make change. 

I want to give you a little flavor of my week – actually just Wednesday – to help explain why I am so frustrated. 

Wednesday started at the Governor’s mansion, where I got into a disagreement with the Governor on his approach to Trump Authoritarianism. I understand and appreciate that Governor Stein is trying to prioritize getting the federal support needed for Helene relief, and I told him that. But…


I’m disappointed that our Governor, an attorney and our former Attorney General, has not spoken up about due process violations or denounced Trump’s disregard of court orders at this crucial moment in history. Governor Stein has always been verbal about community safety and the rule of law. Today, North Carolinians are terrified. This is true especially for the most vulnerable members of our community, but honestly, the descent into lawlessness affects and threatens us all. North Carolinians are looking for leaders to stand with them and defend them. Our Governor isn’t out there. Our Democratic members of Congress aren’t out there. And I, too, can do better and more.


Later, the same day my colleagues in the Senate Democratic Caucus plunged me into deeper despair. During debate on the state budget, Republican leaders ran an amendment that would punish anyone convicted of assaulting a law enforcement officer with losing their access to in-state tuition. To me, this amendment was just one more example of our slide to authoritarianism. Trump and his allies for authoritarianism want to silence dissent and protests, and specifically protests on college campuses that have historically been so important in bringing about change.


No one condones assaulting a police officer, but it is also not hard to see how a student, engaged in a protest which gets out of hand, could end up with such a charge. The very same day of this debate, students at NC Central University were arrested for protesting substandard housing conditions! Watch this video and see how easily a peaceful protest can turn into criminal charges and the worst day of a student’s life. A bill like this chills dissent. We already have punishments for this crime. Using the ability to access education as an additional punishment is unconscionable, and just falls in step with Trump’s playbook.


I was stunned, then, when all Democratic Senators joined Republicans to vote for the amendment – with the exception of myself and Sen. Val Applewhite. I understand why, because I’ve taken votes like that too – a vote that is afraid to be “soft on crime” because it could be used against you in a campaign attack later on. But Republicans will give us this label one way or another anyhow. Wouldn’t it be better to speak up with courage and explain to our constituents and the public why the amendment is dangerous and counter to our values? 


My disappointment deepened when we got to the budget vote. The proposed budget would be deeply harmful for North Carolina, it stands in direct opposition to all the values the Democratic party stands for. Yet four democrats voted with the Republicans to pass it. Acting like this is how Democrats become a permanent minority party. I’ve talked with Democrats from other southern states that have given up on reclaiming power. They use the same logic as we heard this week from my colleagues. “We’re not going to win, so I have to get something for my district.” I suppose I understand the logic, but North Carolina is a purple state. I am not ready to give up, and I truly believe the only way we can win is if we speak out clearly consistently about the values and policies we care about, rather than spending our time cowering in fear and capitulation. 


And we know bravery is possible. In striking contrast to so much Democratic cowardice, we have seen a series of brave and powerful acts from conservatives this week. Most consequentially, perhaps, was the Supreme Court’s 1:00 AM order putting an immediate halt to Trump’s latest due process abuses. Earlier in the week, conservative Judge Harvey Wilkinson issued a blistering opinion explaining that the Trump Administration’s immigration actions “reduce the rule of law to lawlessness and tarnish the very values for which Americans of diverse views and persuasions have always stood.” (Read it, it’s incredibly inspiring.) David Brooks said “America needs an uprising that is not normal.” Bill Kristol asked “Where does the ‘Abolish ICE’ movement go to get its apology?” Former Trump staffers signed an open letter comparing his actions to those of a “royal despot.” And perhaps most strikingly Senator Lisa Murkowski said “We are all afraid.” But what she said after a long pause was perhaps even more important:


“It’s quite a statement. We’re in a time and place where — I don’t know, I certainly have not — I have not been here before. And I’ll tell you, I’m oftentimes very anxious myself about using my voice because retaliation is real. And that’s not right. But that’s what you’ve asked me to do and so I’m going to use my voice to the best of my ability.”


So, what should Democratic leaders do? PUSH BACK. And PUSH FORWARD


Pushing back works. I’ve written previously about the principle of Do Not Comply in Advance, but now we need to take this a step further. What I hear people saying to Democratic leaders like me is PUSH BACK. Columbia is an example of complying in advance. Harvard is an example of PUSH BACK. Chuck Schumer complied in advance. Jerome Powell is an example of PUSH BACK.And the best example of PUSH BACK this week was Senator Chris Van Hollen going to El Salvador and insisting on a meeting with Kilmar Abrego Garcia.


Democratic leaders, including me, need to remember that the fear of pushing back drives us further and further away from any core values. There’s no end point when you go down this path. You’re automatically losing because your opponent has set the terms. In today’s regime there is nowhere to hide. One way or another, Democratic politicians are going to take punches. So let’s be ready for them. Get strategic about them. And PUSH BACK with values and principles.

 

PUSH FORWARD with answers. PUSH FORWARD better solutions. PUSH FORWARD to the next advancements that protects democracy from authoritarians like Trump and his death eaters.

 

I very rarely publicly criticize other Democratic leaders, but this is not a moment for silence. And while I’m sure some of my colleagues will feel justifiably attacked by me airing my criticisms publicly, I hope that many more will feel the courage to join the growing ranks of Democratic leaders who are going to loudly PUSH BACK and creatively PUSH FORWARD.


What you can do this week: 

Graig

______________


Posted on April 17, 2025

Speak Out Now


This post is much longer than usual, but recent events call for more action. We are posting a message about continuing protests in Pittsboro:


SPEAK OUT NOW 

Put your frustration into action on a regular basis! What is happening in our country is not normal. This is not politics as usual. We cannot become numb. The world is watching and we want to build on the energy of our rally on April 5.   Join us to 

SPEAK OUT NOW! and show that the administration does not have a mandate for their harmful actions.

 

We are planning to gather for a peaceful protest the first and third Saturdays of each month in Pittsboro. 


We will gather at the sidewalk in front of the Food Lion on Hwy. 64 at noon and walk up to and around the old courthouse. 


Bring signs. Bring friends, family, and neighbors. Meet like-minded people, network with others who are concerned for our democracy and 


SPEAK OUT NOW! Our first event is scheduled for Saturday, April 19, 12 noon. 


Here's a forwarded message with good advice from Liz Cheney:


Like her or not, we're now on the same side and this woman knows what she's talking about. She suggests actionable steps step we must take to win our country back from the fascists.


Dear Democratic Party,

I need more from you. You keep sending emails begging for $15, while we’re watching fascism consolidate power in real time. This administration is not simply “a different ideology.” It is a coordinated, authoritarian machine — with the Supreme Court, the House, the Senate, and the executive pen all under its control.


And you? You’re still asking for decorum and donations. WTF. That won’t save us. I don’t want to hear another polite floor speech. I want strategy. I want fire. I want action so bold it shifts the damn news cycle — not fits inside one.


Every time I see something from the DNC, it’s asking me for funds. Surprise. Those of us who donate don’t want to keep sending money just to watch you stand frozen as the Constitution goes up in flames — shaking your heads and saying, “Well, there’s not much we can do. He has the majority.”


I call bullshit. If you don’t know how to think outside the box…If you don’t know how to strategize…If you don’t know how to fight fire with fire…what the hell are we giving you money for?


Some of us have two or three advanced degrees. Some of us have military training. Some of us know what coordinated resistance looks like — and this ain’t it. Yes, the tours around the country? Nice. The speeches? Nice. The clever congressional clapbacks? Nice.


That was great for giving hope. Now we need action. You have to stop acting like this is a normal presidency that will just time out in four years. We’re not even at Day 90, and look at the chaos.


Look at the disappearances. Look at the erosion of the judiciary, the press, and our rights. If you do not stop this, we will not make it 1,460 days. So here’s what I need from you — right now:

⸻

1. Form an independent, civilian-powered investigative coalition. I’m talking experts. Veterans. Whistleblowers. Journalists. Watchdog orgs. Deputize the resistance. Build a real-time archive of corruption, overreach, and executive abuse. Make it public. Make it unshakable. Let the people drag the rot into the light. If you can’t hold formal hearings, hold public ones. If Congress won’t act, let the country act. This isn’t about optics — it’s about receipts. Because at some point, these people will be held accountable. And when that day comes, we’ll need every name, every signature, every illegal order, every act of silence—documented. You’re not just preserving truth — you’re preparing evidence for prosecution. The more they vanish people and weaponize data, the more we need truth in the sunlight.

⸻

2. Join the International Criminal Court. Yes, I said it. Call their bluff. You cannot control what the other side does. But you can control your own integrity. So prove it. Prove that your party is still grounded in law, human rights, and ethical leadership. Join.  If you’ve got nothing to hide — join. Show the world who’s hiding bodies, bribes, and buried bank accounts. Force the GOP to explain why they’d rather protect a war criminal than sign a treaty. And while you’re at it, publicly invite ICC observers into U.S. borders. Make this administration explain — on camera — why they’re terrified of international oversight.

⸻

3. Fund state-level resistance infrastructure. Don’t just send postcards. Send resources.

Channel DNC funds into rapid-response teams, legal defense coalitions, sanctuary networks, and digital security training. If the federal government is hijacked, build power underneath it. If the laws become tools of oppression, help people resist them legally, locally, and boldly. 

This is not campaign season — this is an authoritarian purge.


Stop campaigning. Act like this is the end of democracy, because it is.  We WILL REMEMBER the warriors come primaries. Fighting this regime should be your marketing strategy. And let’s be clear: The reason the other side always seems three steps ahead is because they ARE. They prepared for this. They infiltrated school boards, courts, local legislatures, and police unions. 

They built a machine while you wrote press releases. We’re reacting — they’ve been executing a plan for years.  It’s time to shift from panic to blueprint. You should already be working with strategists and military minds on PROJECT 2029 — a coordinated, long-term plan to rebuild this country when the smoke clears.


You should be publicly laying out:

• The laws and amendments you’ll pass to ensure this never happens again

• The systems you’ll tear down and the safeguards you’ll enshrine

• The plan to hold perpetrators of human atrocities accountable

• The urgent commitment to immediately bring home those sold into slavery in El Salvador

You say you’re the party of the people? Then show the people the plan.

⸻

4. Use your platform to educate the public on rights and resistance tactics.


If they’re going to strip us of rights and lie about it — arm the people with truth. Text campaigns. Mass trainings. Downloadable “Know Your Rights” kits. Multilingual legal guides. Encrypted phone trees. Give people tools, not soundbites. We don’t need more slogans.

We need survival manuals.

⸻

5. Leverage international media and watchdogs.

Stop hoping U.S. cable news will wake up. They’re too busy playing both sides of fascism.

Feed the real stories to BBC, Al Jazeera, The Guardian, Reuters, Der Spiegel — hell, leak them to anonymous dropboxes if you have to. Make what’s happening in America a global scandal.

And stop relying on platforms that are actively suppressing truth.


Start leveraging Substack. Use Bluesky. That’s where the resistance is migrating. That’s where censorship hasn’t caught up. If the mainstream won’t carry the truth — outflank them. Get creative. Go underground. Go global. If our democracy is being dismantled in broad daylight, make sure the whole world sees it — and make sure we’re still able to say it.

⸻

6. Create a digital safe haven for whistleblowers and defectors.

Not everyone inside this regime is loyal.  Some are scared. Some want out. Build the channels. Encrypted. Anonymous. Protected. Make it easy for the cracks in the system to become gaping holes.  And while you’re at it? Stop ostracizing MAGA defectors. Everyone makes mistakes — even glaring, critical ones. We are not the bullies. We are not the ones filled with hate. And it is not your job to shame people who finally saw the fire and chose to step out of it. They will have to deal with that internal struggle — the guilt of putting a very dangerous and callous regime in power. But they’re already outnumbered. Don’t push them back into the crowd.  We don’t need purity. We need numbers. We need people willing to burn their red hats and testify against the machine they helped build.

⸻

7. Study the collapse—and the comeback.


You should be learning from South Korea and how they managed their brief rule under dictatorship. They didn’t waste time chasing the one man with absolute immunity. They went after the structure. The aides. The enforcers. The loyalists. The architects. They knocked out the foundation one pillar at a time — until the “strongman” had no one left to stand on. And his power crumbled beneath him. You should be independently investigating every author of Project 2025, every aide who defies court orders, every communications director repeating lies, every policy writer enabling cruelty, every water boy who keeps this engine running.


You can’t stop a regime by asking the king to sit down. You dismantle the throne he’s standing on — one coward at a time.

⸻

Stop being scared to fight dirty when the other side is fighting to erase the damn Constitution.

They are threatening to disappear AMERICANS.


A M E R I C A N S. And your biggest move can’t be another strongly worded email. We don’t want your urgently fundraising subject lines. We want backbone. We want action. We want to know you’ll stand up before we’re all ordered to sit down — permanently. We are watching. And I don’t just mean your base. I mean millions of us who see exactly what’s happening. I’ve only got 6,000 followers — but the groups I’m in? The networks I touch? Over a quarter million.  Often when I speak, it echoes. But when we ALL  speak, it ROARS with pressure that will cause change. We need to be deafening. You still have a chance to do something historic.


To be remembered for courage, not caution. To go down as the party that didn’t just watch the fall — but fought the hell back with everything they had.


But the clock is ticking. And the deportation buses are idling.

______________


Posted on April 17, 2025

 Here's a letter from the Chatham County Superintendent of Schools:


April 16, 2025

Dear Chatham County Schools Staff and Families, 

I am writing to share an important update regarding a recent directive from the U.S. Department of Education, requesting that school districts reaffirm their compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This directive follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard and is tied to our continued eligibility for federal education funding. 


As Superintendent, I have signed the required certification, affirming our district’s longstanding commitment to operating in full compliance with federal law. We will never discriminate based on race, color, or national origin, and we remain accountable to the legal standards that guide public education across this nation.

That said, I also feel it is my duty to speak candidly with you about what this moment means.

While we must and will comply with the law, I am deeply concerned by the suggestion—implied in recent federal messaging—that efforts to support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are inherently unlawful. Let me be clear: DEI is not illegal. Current law does not prohibit districts from creating inclusive environments or from meeting the unique needs of diverse learners.

Here in Chatham County Schools, we are proud of the rich diversity that defines our community. Through our ONE CHATHAM framework, we are committed to building a system where every student is seen, valued, and supported—where belonging is not a privilege, but a promise. 

Our DEI work is not about preference; it is about fairness. It is about ensuring that students—regardless of background—have the opportunity to thrive in schools that reflect the strength and promise of the communities they serve.

Let me be clear: We will not retreat from that commitment.

We will continue to follow the law with integrity; but we will also continue to lead with our values. We will remain legally compliant—and morally courageous. This is not only about education; it is about the kind of future we want to build for our children.

I thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your shared belief that every child matters, every voice counts, and every student deserves the opportunity to shine.

With gratitude and unwavering commitment, 

Dr. Anthony D. Jackson, Superintendent

Chatham County Schools

______________


Posted on March 20, 2025

Hands Off Event

Are you angry about the inhumane actions of the Trump/Musk administration? Come to Pittsboro to be part of a national event on April 5, from 11:00 - 1:00.  Our local protest will be held at the Courthouse.  Bring signs and sign up here:


Update on Friday March 28, 2025 -- Change of Location

The organizers have had an amazing response to the rally in Pittsboro on April 5 (11 - 1) and are now expecting around 600 people!  As a result, the location has been moved from the Courthouse to the Chatham County Justice Center (MAP).  Because of the large crowd, parking will be an issue.  Please carpool if you can, and if you're able to walk, please park far away from the circle.


Similar events are being held in all 50 states and in Washington, DC, in a total (so far) of 657 locations.  This is a movement!



Update on Sunday March 23, 2025


The Pittsboro rally on April 5 that we publicized earlier will be part of a national day of demonstrations.  For those who might be interested in going to Washington, we're forwarding this message from a CVJer:


Saturday, April 5 is scheduled to be a national day of protest organized by many political action groups.  In Washington, the protest will be centered on the Washington Monument.  Some residents of Carolina Meadows are determined to be a small part of this historic event in DC and have contracted to fill a large bus - 50 passengers max.  The bus will leave CM at 7:00 AM on Saturday and will return at about 7:00 PM on Saturday evening.  The cost per passenger will be $100 and yes, there is a bathroom on the bus. 

In order to keep this bus, we are under a timeline crunch and need to have commitments and $ asap.  If you are interested, please contact Judy Tiilson, judytilson1@gmail.com or call 207-233-9120.


Here's your chance to be a part of history and have a good time with friends along the way.

______________


February 21, 2025


As you may be aware, various groups have been promoting a 24 hour boycott of big businesses on February 28.  This action originated with a group called The People's Union, which fights against corporate greed.  Some groups have said that the purpose of the boycott is to protest against the removal of DEI initiatives in response to the Trump administration's policies.  Other groups are promoting the boycott as a general protest against other Trump policies.  Some boycott promoters have mentioned endorsements from progressive leaders, who have not, in fact, endorsed the initiative. However, the boycott could be a way of showing that we, the people, have some power--and all the stated purposes seem quite acceptable.


So, we believe it can't hurt to refuse to support large corporations like Amazon and Target for a day.  Who knows--maybe if the boycott is successful, we will have another effective protest tool that can be used in the future.


So, if you're so inclined, please consider buying nothing online or in person from any big retailer from midnight, February 27 to midnight, February 28.  At the same time, buying from local stores (like Chatham Marketplace, Weaver Street Market, and local drug stores) is encouraged (and not just on February 28!).


Onward,

Roz and Jon

______________


February 13, 2025


With so many dangerous and unconstitutional things happening in Washington, it's hard to know where to focus our protests.  Democrats in the US House of Representatives have formed a Rapid Response Task Force to try to keep track of it all.  Please keep calling our senators to express your concerns (one issue at a time).


On the state level, there's a rally in Apex this Saturday in support of Allison Riggs:

https://www.mobilize.us/commoncause/event/752833/


We know we've sent a link to one of Nick Kristof's columns recently, but this one provides additional good (and horrifying) information that can be used in communicating with lawmakers about the elimination of USAID:

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/12/opinion/usaid-foreign-aid.html?unlocked_article_code=1.wk4.25US.Rjxorfa0mlvn&smid=url-share


Please let us know if you are aware of other actions we might share with our list.  (There's a lot going on, and we try to limit our emails in both frequency and number of items included in order to have the greatest impact--but we do appreciate suggestions about events worth sharing.  Thanks!)


Onward,

Roz and Jon


P.S. If you have friends who might like to be added to our list, please have them contact us at chathamvoices@gmail.com.

______________


December 6, 2024


Stop the Legislative Coup & Coverup!

December 9, 2024 -- MORAL MONDAYS RETURN

What: People’s Assembly and Candlelight Demonstration w/Bishop Barber and the Poor People Campaign. Join us for refreshments and fellowship in action!  Where: NC State Capitol, 1 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27601


We know it conflicts with the climate action meeting in Pittsboro (described just below) but still wanted to share this information about a Moral Monday event with Rev. Barber in Raleigh on December 9.  This gathering is intended specifically to oppose the recent power grab by our State Legislature. Read the description HERE:


Use This Link to RSVP

We hope you can attend one of these events.


Sorry for multiple emails this week (we try not to flood your inboxes), but this action needs to be done this weekend if possible.


Whether or not you are able to go to the Moral Monday in Raleigh, you may want to contact some Republican legislators to ask them to not override Governor Cooper's veto of SB 382, (which removes powers from newly and fairly elected Democrats, including Gov Elect Stein).  You do not need to be one of their constituents to do this.  Your email should emphasize that the bill was passed with no chance of debate or amendment and does not provide enough aid for victims of Hurricane Helene (some of these legislators are from Western NC).


CVJer Bert Bowie has put together the attached list of legislators along with hotlinks to the email addresses.  You can just write one email and copy all the names in a BCC.  Thanks, Bert, for doing the work for us!

______________


December 5, 2024


We're posting information about a meeting in Pittsboro to address climate change on the local level:


As a result of the election, local climate action is going to be even more critically important. You have the opportunity to show your support for climate solutions next week. The Pittsboro Board of Commissioners will consider and possibly vote on a Resolution for Policy to Address Climate Change, Such a resolution could lead to a climate action plan - the first in Chatham County. The Board will meet on Monday Dec 9 at 6:00 pm at the Chatham County Agricultural and Conference Center, 1192 US Highway 64 West Business, Pittsboro.  


Please come. I've been told "a good turnout would really help." You do not need to speak or be a resident of Pittsboro to support this action. Most of us visit, work in or do business in Pittsboro. Thanks for your support.

______________


October 31, 2024


Here's some information from our friends at Common Cause and Carolina Jews for Justice about volunteering to monitor the vote canvassing in any county.  Help make sure that every vote is counted!

Help count every vote: Be a Canvass Monitor!!!  

Training Materials:

Below are the resources you need to help you monitor County Boards of Elections pre-canvass and canvass meetings between November 5 to November 15:

Don’t forget, if you need to report an issue when monitoring, text or call 888-OUR-VOTE (888-687-8683).

Contact Amy Webb at Common Cause with any questions:  awebb@commoncause.org or 919.259.1236.

Thanks!

With hope for a good election outcome,

______________


October 01, 2024


Early voting starts on October 17.  (You may want to wait to vote until Sunday to support the push to keep the Sunday voting option in Chatham County).

As they do before every election, the League of Women Voters has prepared an easy-to-use tool with all the voting information you need and even an option to print a personalized ballot to take to the polls:

The League of Women Voters of North Carolina announces that its non-partisan voter guide, VOTE411.org , is now ready to be used by North Carolinians as they prepare to cast their ballots in the November 5 general election. VOTE411.org is a comprehensive resource on voting information where citizens can learn about the policy positions of candidates, get detailed instructions on registering to vote, find an early voting location in their county, confirm their Election Day polling place, learn about acceptable forms of voter ID, and take the guesswork out of the absentee-by-mail process.  

Voters in 40 counties – which are represented by 14 local League of Women Voters organizations – can also access personalized candidate voter guides. For those counties, the League of Women Voters has contacted all statewide and local candidates, giving them the opportunity to provide voters with their contact information, responses to broad survey questions, and personal profiles.

Also, if you still want to write postcards or letters to progressive-leaning individuals to help with the Get Out the Vote effort, check out these options:

1) Postcards to Swing States

Sign-ups for postcards are back open as we make a final push for 40 million postcards to rally Democrats to vote! We will likely send you postcards for a competitive US House district or Florida, though we have some additional voter lists for swing states and Ohio. If you aren't willing to write to voters for whatever list we send you, please do not sign up.

The mailing dates for these final orders are between Oct 24 and Oct 29. We'll ship the postcards as quickly as possible.

There's also an option to opt-in to write postcards to persuadable seniors about the importance of voting for Democrats in order to protect social security from Republican proposals to cut this vital program. 

Please note: You will be responsible for providing Postcard Stamps, which are currently $0.56. We'll mail you free postcards, along with voter lists and instructions with proven message options.


2) Letters to Voters in Several Key States

https://votefwd.org

(You download and print the letters and mail in your own envelopes.)

______________


September 12, 2024


Hi CVJers,

We're feeling energized right now but need to keep working hard in this month leading up to the election (early voting starts on October 17).


If you want to "do something" more and have a little bit of time in the next couple of weeks, you can volunteer to write letters to potential voters from underrepresented groups.  Vote Forward has started a new voter registration drive in battleground states, including North Carolina.  You just have to download and print (5 or more) letters that include space for your personal message about the importance of voting, along with a list of addresses.  The letters include a QR code and email address to make registration easy for the recipients.  Sign up at: https://votefwd.org.  (They also still need volunteers to write letters for their Get Out the Vote campaign in October.)


If you're looking for something more active, The "Long March for Unity and Justice" will be passing through Durham, where they will have a rally on September 24.  For more information, see:

https://belovedcommunitycenter.org/news/the-long-march/#

______________


August 21, 2024


If you're feeling energized by new possibilities for victory in the upcoming election and want to help get out the vote, here are a couple of organizations that inform you about local events and/or provide a way to get involved even if you don't leave home:


Progressive Turnout Project

https://www.mobilize.us/ptp/

This website provides a wonderful, updated list of events in Chatham County and elsewhere in North Carolina.


Vote Forward

Organizes letter-writing campaigns to underrepresented communities.  Here is the website for a campaign targeted at young voters in North Carolina:

https://votefwd.org/district/NC_2024_C3_STATE


Thanks for taking action!

Onward,

Roz and Jon

______________


June 10, 2024


You may be interested in this conversation in the spirit of the Braver Angels movement:


Chatham Conversations - Protecting our Natural Environment

Saturday, June 29th, 2024
                           

Come join the conversation about environmental impact in Chatham County!

The Environmental Defense Fund, with support from the Braver Angels Alliance of Central North Carolina, invites you to be part of a pilot program that brings everyday Americans together to help find environmental solutions that work to make the biggest difference in our communities today and into the future.

 In our current social atmosphere of distrust and political polarization, it can be hard for all voices to be heard. The Environmental Defense Fund, a non-partisan organization, recognizes the value of respectful citizen-to-citizen engagement in fostering healthy debates and creative problem-solving to address important environmental challenges that impact everyone.

This workshop provides the opportunity for you to have one-on-one conversations with other Chatham County citizens who may have different perspectives and experiences. There will also be group discussions to help discover common ground and innovative ideas on key environmental issues and possible solutions.

 The goal is for you to leave this workshop with greater confidence that meaningful citizen engagement and cross-party collaboration can create positive changes and improve environmental health in Chatham County and beyond.

Saturday June 29: Option 1: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM Option 2: 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Event Space: 79°West Coworking Space & Innovation Hub

Address: 120 Mosaic Blvd #120, Pittsboro, NC

Note: Refreshments will be provided, and you will also receive a $50 gift card for your participation.

Click Here to Register

_________________


June 04, 2024


If you are as concerned as we are about all the ageism being promoted during this election cycle, you might want to check out this excellent guide from the Gerontological Society of America for rebutting ageist arguments.  The guide also includes pointers for writing op-ed articles and letters:

https://www.reframingaging.org/Portals/0/pdfs/GSA6314%20(NCRA%20Election%20Ageism%20Guide)Final2-web%20(1).pdf?ver=5yKYF7JLhKam84qQCPxLGQ%3d%3d


_________________

May 10, 2024

We received the following invitation from Carolina Jews for Justice for a weekly meeting of progressive groups in North Carolina.  The meeting sounds like a great opportunity to learn about actions you may want to take:

Since May of 2020, Rev. Lisa of the Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministry of NC and friends/partners, including CJJ!, have gathered on Fridays to take action and experience the joy and power of community. Every Friday at 11:00am there's a recap of the past week and an opportunity to take action on the issues impacting our state and country. And there is always great music to help us feel the justice movement in our bones!

ALL are welcome! Over the past two years, our Friday Action Hour community has grown to include justice partners like The People’s Budget Coalition, The Poor People’s Campaign, NC Justice Center, ProChoice NC and many more! 

Sign up here if you wish to receive the Weekly Friday Action Hour Email that will include a promo of the week's actions, the Zoom link, and the link to the Actions Google Doc. If you can't make it on Fridays, you can still take action at any time by checking out the.weekly action list  Here is the zoom link if you want to join!

WHEN

May 10, 2024 at 11:00am - 12pm