E-bulletin - Issue II - April 9, 2008
Dear DC Vote Supporters:
Happy Spring! The flowers are in bloom and the grass is greener - DC Vote is more energized by the day! Our trips to the states have yielded fantastic results. And, local and state supporters continue to be amazing advocates for DC voting rights. We have a few things in store for the coming months and a tight timeline to bring the DC Voting Rights Act (S. 1257) back up for a vote.
There are a number of upcoming events, too. We hope you can join us!
Click through the links below to learn more about DC Vote's current and upcoming activities:
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DC Vote's Public Awareness Campaign Keeps Gaining Momentum
 
In late March, DC Vote's "Team Oregon" took the state by storm on the third official stop of our public awareness campaign. In just one week, Nell Schaffer, Eugene D. Kinlow and Jaline Quinto met with more than 160 Oregonians. Not only did DC Vote staffers meet with students at five colleges and universities, they networked with everyone from the Portland Business Alliance, AFL-CIO, UFCW and the Urban League of Portland to the NAACP, League of Women Voters and Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians. Visit our "DC Vote On the Road" blog site for trip details and photos.
Also, as part of our national public awareness efforts, DC Vote will launch an advertising campaign aimed at engaging thousands of constituents from the states. We will reach out to the rest of the nation through a customized Web site, Internet and blog ads and animation. Stay tuned - you'll see our ads on a Web site near you, soon!
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Local and National Supporters Advocate for DC Voting Rights
On March 23, four DC Ward Chairpersons from the Democratic Party agreed to participate in DC Vote's Adopt a Senator project - an advocacy tool designed to engage, inform and activate leaders in the states who can help pass the DC Voting Rights Act (S. 1257). Ward leaders will facilitate a unique, ongoing relationship between District residents and residents of target states where Senators are filibustering the bill. The Adopt a Senator advocacy campaign encourages Ward teams to take direct ownership in developing a strategy for outreach to the target states. DC Vote will provide advice, guidance and some material in support of Ward goals, while giving teams the freedom to create their own success. For more information, contact Eugene D. Kinlow at ekinlow@dcvote.org.
On March 10, Montana residents participated in a call-in day to Sen. Max Baucus' DC office to voice their support for DC voting rights and urge passage of the DC Voting Rights Act (S. 1257). Read the Montana media coverage of the event here.
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Student Activists Lend a Hand
 
In a whirlwind week of events in March, our outreach team visited five colleges and universities in Oregon, including: Lewis and Clark College, Lewis and Clark Law School, Portland State University, University of Oregon and Reed College. DC Vote looks forward to working with a number of student leaders who are now ardent supporters of DC voting rights.
On April 11, fifteen students from Georgetown Day School participated in a volunteer day at DC Vote's offices. Volunteers assembled more than 2,000 flyers for the Tax Day Protest. The students will return for two more volunteer events in the month of April, including a phone bank to reach out to constituents of our target states.
Stay up to date on the latest Students for DC Vote activities. Visit our dedicated Web pages for student news, events and activities..
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DC Vote and Staff Awarded for Efforts
 
On March 26, Ilir Zherka, DC Vote Executive Director, was awarded the Whitney M. Young Jr. Leadership Award from the Greater Washington Urban League (GWUL). The event featured live entertainment and a video featuring DC Vote. The Leadership Award is presented to individuals "whose vision, commitment, extraordinary service and exceptional leadership established a legacy of positivity and major accomplishments for African Americans and the community at large in Washington, DC."
Spring has brought good fundraising tidings for DC Vote - with two significant foundation grants. The Public Welfare Foundation, which helped fund last year's Voting Rights March, continues to support our initiatives. They recently approved a $50,000 grant for DC Vote's work. The CrossCurrents Foundation, a new DC Vote supporter, has also provided $20,000 to support our Student Outreach Program.
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DC Vote Events and Activities
 
Jews United for Justice will celebrate the voices of DC at the 7th Annual Labor Seder on April 15. Each year the Labor Seder highlights a current workers' rights struggle and brings together the Jewish and labor communities in a shared commitment to social and economic justice. This year's Seder will focus on voting rights for the District of Columbia. Light refreshments and symbolic Passover foods will be served. Children's Seder and babysitting provided.
Register today, pre-registration is strongly preferred and an RSVP is required.
Let your voice be heard: Join DC Vote for a Tax Day Protest on April 15! DC residents pay the second highest per capita federal income tax but are denied representation in Congress. Lend your voice in support of DC voting rights on "Taxed without Representation" Day, Tuesday, April 15. Join staff and volunteers as we distribute thousands of postcards and "wooden nickels" to the Senate and the public.
Save the Date – Champions of Democracy Awards Dinner – October 22, 2008. DC Vote invites you to join us as we celebrate Ten Years Together at our Champions of Democracy Awards. This year we will host a seated dinner, complemented by a small silent auction and the awards program at the beautiful Mayflower Hotel. Look for more details in the coming months.
On February 28, friends, family and colleagues joined DC Vote staff for an Open House celebration at the new office space at 2000 P Street NW.
Buy DC Vote Merchandise
DC Vote has merchandise available for sale through our cafepress.com store. Show your support for DC voting rights and help spread the message with DC Vote apparel and more!
Here are some samples:
  
Click here or on any of the images above to go to DC Vote's online store.
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