Welcome! Take Action Webinar: Introduction to Move to Amend August 4, 2015 The webinar will begin in a few moments.

Transcription

1 Welcome! Take Action Webinar: Introduction to Move to Amend August 4, 2015 The webinar will begin in a few moments.

2 Webinar Orientation & Participation Tips You should be hearing audio now: turn up your computer speakers OR use conference call line (long distance charges apply): Number: Attendee Access Code: Questions: Type your questions - chat bar at bottom. If you have any technical difficulties viewing the webinar, type your question using the chat bar. If that isn t enough, please support at support@anymeeting.com

3 Agenda 1. Quick Overview of Move to Amend Projects 3. Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities 4. Questions 5. Next Steps

4 Mission Move to Amend is a coalition of hundreds of organizations and hundreds of thousands of individuals committed to social and economic justice, ending corporate rule, and building a vibrant democracy that is genuinely accountable to the people, not corporate interests.

5 Goals Pass the We the People Amendment to make clear that artificial entities do not have Constitutional rights and that money is not speech. Provoke discussion and organizing about how to make real the promise of American democracy through Constitutional renewal.

6 Our Principles & Values 1. Anti-Oppression and Solidarity Organizing 2. Coalition and Movement Building 3. Grassroots Organizing 4. Dedication to Political Education 5. Political and Economic Independence

7 Amending the Constitution Congress 2/3 of both houses (House and Senate) must pass amendment resolution 3/4 of states must ratify (38 states) Constitutional Convention 2/3 of state legislatures call for a Convention to propose amendment (34 states) 3/4 of states must ratify (38 states)

8 Strategy Primary target is American people at this time (not Congress) to build a movement for power Coalition building reaching out to other organizations working on issues affected by corporate power Building a broad and diverse, multi-racial & inter-generational movement reaching out to those most affected by corporate rule Community organizing, not just activism Focus on grassroots organizing to pass local and state resolutions calling for amendment

9 2015 Projects: Resolutions Build on over 600 local resolutions passed to date Emphasis on public education, not just getting it passed! Citizen initiatives whenever possible Gear up for statewide ballot initiatives More info:

10 2015 Projects: Pledge to Resist I pledge, if necessary, to join others in my community, and engage in acts of dignified, peaceful civil disobedience that could result in my arrest in order to send the message to the Supreme Court and the Congress of the United States that we must amend the Constitution to state that corporations are not people and money is not free speech. Take the pledge:

11 2015 Projects: Pledge to Amend Focus on office holders at all levels: local, state, federal Educate elected officials Emphasis on skills building citizen lobbying Build up support and pressure to lawmakers who are currently standing aside August recess for Congress set up meetings More info:

12 House Parties for Democracy Bring together friends and neighbors, emphasis on fundraising and education Legalize Democracy DVD showings Possible Skype conversation with National MTA Organizer Collect donations, petitions, possibly start new group More info:

13 Stampede to Amend Stamp your money (and anything else) with messages calling for an amendment Emphasis on outreach Involve Others Hold a Stamp-In, publicly or at your house More info: stamps

14 Collect 500,000 Signatures Emphasis on outreach and skills building Many ways to do it Bring petition to work, school, church, meetings you attend Petition at community events, farmer s markets, festivals Table in front of local grocery store, community events, etc. More info:

15 National Committees If you have a particular skill set or area of expertise, consider applying for one of our National Committees (note that there is a pretty significant time commitment and limited positions: Law & Research Fundraising Outreach & Education Grassroots Movement Political Organizing More info:

16 Caucuses and Working Groups If you have background or interest (professional or personal) in any of the following areas, check out our current caucuses: Interfaith Caucus Arts & Culture Caucus (artists and cultural workers) Organized Labor Caucus More info:

17 Resources for Grassroots Volunteers Motion to Amend/Petition /petition Take Action Toolkit /toolkit Affiliation Page /affiliate Volunteer Signup Page /volunteer Movement Education Program /education

18 Questions?

19 Next Steps Complete the survey at the end of this webinar (you will automatically be directed there after we end) Contact Move to Amend if you have any questions (707) Next webinar is September 8 th at 5pm PT/ 8pm ET: Launching campaign to reach out to organized labor