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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nLike a lot of Americans, I went to a party on the Fourth of July. We celebrated Independence Day with fervent expressions of patriotism: BBQ, beer, and, of course, politics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The sign on the door welcoming us read: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThis was a couple of weeks after the first Democratic\npresidential debates, so there was a lot of buzz about the candidates. A few\npeople had someone they were leaning toward, but most were so overwhelmed by\nthe sheer number of contenders that they were waiting awhile for things to\nshake out. They wanted to give money to somebody, but who?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The presidential race of course generates a lot of\nattention (and money). But no matter who the nominee is, it\u2019s what happens on\nthe ground that matters most. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Luckily, there\u2019s a lot we can do RIGHT NOW for\nDemocratic victories, not just for President, but also for all-important\nSenate, House, and down-ballot races. Right before July 4th, I had gone to a\ngathering where I learned about Airlift<\/a>, a new group I was excited to\nshare with my fellow partygoers who were itching to join the fight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Airlift\u2019s tagline is \u201cFeeding the Grass Roots,\u201d with the goal of turning non-voters into voters. Airlift focuses not so much on candidates but on funding grassroots organizations working tirelessly year-round in their local communities to engage low-propensity voters, particularly young ones and people of color. Organizers listen to and talk with people about issues that matter to them, giving them a reason to vote. After a careful vetting process, Airlift funds groups with a proven track record of electoral success in key areas nationwide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n That strategy works. Remember how exciting it was in 2017, when Democrats flipped 15 seats in the Virginia House of Delegates, paving the way for Medicaid expansion, and Doug Jones won Alabama\u2019s Senate seat? These successes were followed by the 2018 mid-terms, when the steadily growing blue wave swept Democrats to victory up and down the ballot. Airlift played a key role, helping to: <\/p>\n\n\n\n And that was in the\nFund\u2019s infancy! This year, Airlift hopes to triple its first-year\ncontributions. Efforts are organized around three strategic funds comprising 17\norganizations: Lift the Midwest; West by Southwest; and Voter Motor. You can\nread all about these amazing groups here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If we want to be\ntrue patriots and save our democracy, it\u2019s time to engage and expand the\nelectorate. 2020 will be a heavy lift. Make it easier by supporting<\/a>\nAirlift today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It will lift your spirits\nas well!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Like a lot of Americans, I went to a party on the Fourth of July. We celebrated Independence Day with fervent expressions of patriotism: BBQ, beer, and, of course, politics. The sign on the door welcoming us read: This was … Continue reading