Friends --
Last week marked the one year anniversary of RISE Stronger. The last year has been nothing short of exhausting, terrifying, and at some moments, paralyzing. But it's also been full of hope and a new sense of empowerment. In many ways, we have prevailed. We have seen millions of people unite to resist an agenda that seeks to erode our democracy and the very values that are core to this nation and its people. And this new movement has achieved tangible victories.
We marched — in pink hats for women; for science; to demand Trump's taxes.
We rallied — at airports against the Muslim Ban; in front of the White House against cabinet nominees and the repeal of the Affordable Care Act
We made calls— for net neutrality; affordable healthcare; preservation of our National Parks and wildlife; no ban no wall
We showed up — at hundreds of town halls, all around the country, month after month
We persevered, together, as Americans united by a common cause. Together, we have formed The Resistance.
The most remarkable feature of the Resistance is that no one controls it. This groundswell of energy present throughout American streets and town halls across the country belongs to no single candidate or leader, is guided by no political party, and is funded by no organization. The Resistance belongs to the people.
Since day one, our motto at RISE Stronger has been No Ego, No Turf. This is not our movement. This is your movement. We are here to inform you, to empower you, to engage with you. Since our inception in November 2016, we have:
- Hosted half a dozen webinars with leaders in the field on topics including the Muslim Ban; funding and running candidates; building coalitions; and the federal budget process
- Developed dozens of explainers on key policy issues
- Written letters to the editor and op-eds for science, in partnership with 500 Women Scientists, the Union of Concerned Scientists, and ESEP
- Pulled together hundreds of Calls to Action (CTA) and partnered with the leading CTA provider, Rogan's List
- Organized state chapters in 10 states and the District of Columbia that are building coalitions, working on state legislative issues, and mobilizing volunteers
- Developed civic engagement tech tools, including the People's Calendar and the United States of Resistance, and led monthly civic technology round tables
- Distributed more than 30 weekly United States of Resistance digests
We do this work because we believe in our mission, and we believe in you. But we won't be able to continue without your support. Are you able to chip in just $10 to help us meet our end of year goal of $10,000? We're so glad to be doing this work with all of you. Thank you for leading the way, and for forging ahead even in the darkest of times.
In solidarity,
Ashley Gaudiano
Director of Communications
Founding Board Member