HAPPY EARTH DAY!!
"There is no Planet B..."
Dear Fellow Democrat,
My number one issue is saving the environment, and I think it should be yours, too. As an earthling, I know we depend on clean air, water and dirt to survive. As a Democrat, I know that we have to fight corporate interests for regular people and in particular, the most vulnerable among us. But in order to have any power to protect the planet and its inhabitants, we have to win elections and get into positions of power. So I try to keep my eye on the ball... and more importantly, I try to keep YOUR eyes on the prize and the work we have to do - EACH OF US - to get Democrats elected. Together. All of us. Let's talk about what we are doing.
Early voting has started! You can vote through April 28th, then Election Day is May 2. City of Richardson is proposing 50 Charter Amendments and a Bond Proposal; these items will appear on all our ballots and we are recommending you vote YES on all of them. Richardson ISD has two Trustee races open. One is district-wide and we are recommending Eric Eager for that position. The other is open to District 3 voters only and we strongly recommend Nazlee Burney. We will be out knocking on doors again this weekend to make sure folks know how important this race is. This is a great way to get in shape for the midterms! We've got work to do! JOIN US at 11 a.m. on Saturday and 1:30 p.m. on Sunday at Shibam Coffee Co (850 S Greenville Ave)!!
The greatest threat to our democracy is ALSO the belief that someone else will save it. It's up to US. Each of us can do something. Maybe it's just talking to your neighbor, maybe it's hosting a meet and greet for your neighbors to meet your favorite candidates! Maybe you are more suited to writing postcards or making phone calls! Maybe you can support a candidate with your donations. Maybe you are a creative and can help on a campaign. Or maybe you are willing and able to knock on doors. There's something for everyone. Find your place and let's get to work.
Our next Happy Hour will be May 21st and it will be focused on Military Appreciation as we go into the Memorial Day Weekend. We have several candidates right here in the Richardson area who are military veterans, and we've asked them to come talk with us about their reasons for running. From Congressional candidates Evan Hunt for CD3 and Kevin Burge for CD24 to State Senate candidate Keenen Colbert for SD2 and Zach Herbert for House District 112 (the MOST-likely-to-flip district in the STATE!), we are honored to have them join us. We'll also hear from Kate Rumsey of Mission: Texas Podcast, as well as Frederick (Nic) Nickens, the Chair of the Texas Democratic Veterans. Kate and Nic are both Veterans themselves, and they are continuing to serve our country by helping elect Democrats across the state! This will be a special evening honoring true patriots to take us into Memorial Day weekend. Please join us and bring a friend - Sign up HERE!
As usual, we continue to show up weekly, ROARing on the bridge and with our signs! We are now EIGHT months into our weekly protests, and they continue to be a fun and effective way to inspire others and to lift our spirits in community. You can join the ROAR Bridge Brigade on Thursday evenings from 4-6 and Saturday mornings from 9-10 on the Collins Blvd Bridge over I-75 (park at Cafe Max on the east side and walk up!). They are always happy to have more hands to hold the banners and flags and wave at the honking cars on Central! We also meet every Saturday morning from 10-11 on the southeast corner of Campbell & 75 to let our community know that there is a resistance in Richardson! Join Us!
Don't forget - on April 25th, Vecinos Unidos is having a New Volunteer Orientation to introduce us to volunteer opportunities and provide guidance on how we can be effective participants in this important work. Vecinos has come to speak with RAD at our Happy Hour to introduce their program before, and they were back this month to invite attendees to this local training. The training is going to be Saturday, April 25th, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Arapaho United Methodist Church. You can register here to attend. With increased activity in our own area, we need folks to get trained and ready to work to support our immigrant neighbors.
Saving and honoring the Earth starts with us... coming together to elect Democrats. This community is showing up and getting things done. Thank you for being a part of it.
~ See You Soon ~
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Once again, if you haven't done so yet, we invite you to join or renew your membership in Richardson Area Democrats. Your suggested donation of $10/month will help us continue to build this inclusive community! Thanks for all you do.
