I was just thinking about that question. Why do people wait to be asked to run?
I've encouraged folks to run before, and the response I usually get is that they had been thinking about running for office someday, they were just waiting for someone from the community to ask them.
So I am asking that question because I truly believe we need all hands on deck to get out of the current crisis our state is facing, and because I believe we have to build for the long haul when there are new redistricting maps after 2020. If we don't have people who are right on the issues entering local office now, then how are we going to have a strong slate of state legislative candidates in 2016, 2020, and beyond?
Seeing all the protests in Raleigh has got me thinking about creative ways to engage in activism. In particular I'm wondering how do we break out of the Triangle and spread this message around the state? And how do we come up with other ways to engage in civil disobedience so that those who have been arrested once at the General Assembly can stay engaged?
I just wanted to congratulate and share about the great work a coalition of ECU students did in getting an anti-voter suppression resolution passed by the Greenville City Council last night. The resolution opposed SB 666, cuts to early voting, and barriers to voting in general. Here's a little bit of the work that led up to it.
They are arresting students instead of educating them. Something is wrong with this picture. One of the arrested students said that her arrest is worthwhile if it moves even one person to act. Will you be that person?
Earlier this week a lot of good people got arrested trying to protest the insanity that is happening at the General Assembly. If that inspired you to make your presence and your opposition to these attacks on voting rights and on the people of North Carolina known, then check out this event.
Schedule: http://maydaytrianglenc.wordpress.com/schedule/
3 pm: Welcome and Teach-ins (Moore Square, Raleigh, NC)
4 pm: Sidewalk march steps off (Moore Square going to Halifax Mall with stops along the way)
5-5:30 pm: Arrive at NC Legislature
5:30-8 pm: Rally, speak-outs, music, and more!! (Halifax Mall, Raleigh, NC)
I was only 9 when this happened, but it's an inspiring legacy to try to live up to. Watching this old news clip of the 1993 March on Washington really shows how much things have changed (including clothing styles) and how much work there is still to go. But with places as large as France and New Zealand and as small as Rhode Island all moving towards marriage equality within the last week, the polls in our favor, and SCOTUS likely to move us a step or two towards equality, things are looking more hopeful than ever. h/t to towleroad
Johnson's reversal leaves only three Democratic senators who still oppose same-sex marriage: Sens. Joe Manchin (D-WV), Mark Pryor (D-AK) and Mary Landrieu (D-LA)
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