LOOKING FOR HOPE AND OPTIMISM?

Join us Oct. 10

October FFD Zoom Meeting



Tuesday, Oct. 10

7:00 - 8:15 PM EST

"Hope and Optimism for Democracy"



Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88926672763?pwd=ODdtUngzdUFzT0tQQmlBSjVNN2tNdz09

Simon Rosenberg is a leading political strategist who ran a think tank and advocacy group for 30 years. Simon received massive media attention when he challenged the polling and correctly predicted a “no red wave” in the 2022 midterm elections. He currently provides expert political commentary, fights for democracy, and provides hope and optimism through "Hopium Chronicles."

Learn more about Simon here:

• 'Democrats are kicking ass’ in elections after Dobbs ruling says dem strategist.
• Meet the most optimistic Dem online.

FFD GOAL UPDATE: ENHANCE GOTV TEAM

This is Karen and Katelyn from FFD's Enhance GOTV & Run for Something Team! On October 5th, 6:30 - 8:00 PM EST we will be meeting to discuss local volunteer events and opportunities that we believe will support voters and democracy in our FL communities.

We invite you to sign up for the Enhance Team in order to receive an invite to the meeting! Don't worry existing Enhance members, you are already on the list! During the meeting we will discuss grassroots organizing, supporting community events, and how our volunteers can support local pro-democracy efforts.

We will also have some "homework" to prepare for the discussion:

• What are issues in upcoming elections concerning democracy, and what can we do to support them with volunteer efforts?
• What support are you expecting from Leadership in the Enhance GOTV Team?
• What does grassroots organizing mean to you?
• Extra Credit: If possible, identify one possible volunteer event in your community or with another group/organization that you are affiliated with that we can support as a team.

We look forward to seeing you all in this meeting!

UPCOMING FFD ZOOMS

Pro-Democracy Summit with David Jolly

Thursday, Oct. 26

7:00 - 8:15 PM EST

Former Florida Congressman David Jolly will share his observations and concerns about democracy at risk in Florida, the US, and beyond and discuss opportunities for engagement of pro-democracy groups.

Pro-Democracy groups throughout Florida will be invited to participate and discuss planning for a Florida Democracy Day in January 2024. Encourage others to participate.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82312861832

pwd=dk8yQ3pCUDVRWGM4b2xxVHgzUGdKUT09

Learn more about David here:

David Jolly on MSNBC with Mehdi Hasan talks 2024 Primary Election

David Jolly is a fifth-generation Floridian, son of a minister, and resides in Belleair Bluffs, FL, with his wife Laura and two young children. He has a BA from Emory University and a JD law degree (Cum Laude) from George Mason. David is a former US Congressman who has held Congressional roles from intern to member and outside Congress roles as an attorney, political consultant, and political analyst … often seen on MSNBC and CNN. He is known for his fierce independent streak and bipartisan approach.

Some quotes about David:

• “Jolly speaks the truth.”
• “It’s refreshing to hear someone take on the system.”
• “Farewell to the one Congressman willing to compromise.”

Meet Florida Legislators

Wednesday, Nov. 8

7:00 - 8:15 PM EST

Have you wondered what it's like working with today's anti-democracy extremists in the current Florida legislature? Join state legislators Anna Eskamani and Rita Harris for a conversation on the state of Florida politics. Hear their insider stories and learn their perspectives on what we can do to help in the fight to save democracy!

SIGN & JOIN PETITION DRIVES

FFD NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

Letters to the Editor

Active FFD participants Michael Sales (Collier) & Randy Kammer (Duval), have volunteered to assist with “Letters to the Editor” on behalf of Floridians for Democracy. If you are interested in volunteering or seeking some assistance, please reach out to Michael at mjsales@me.com or Randy at rkammer1012@comcast.net.

Ask Nurses and Doctors

A number of FFD participants are involved with the bipartisan Ask Nurses and Doctors, focused on healthcare access and health system reform. Recently AND published a brief impressive document demonstrating how Floridians' health has been adversely harmed by recent health related policies. For 2024, AND is helping organize local health care professionals in Florida and other states to elect competitive House and Senate candidates who have practical approaches to universal health insurance coverage.

Donor Quote

"If my contribution can help save democracy in Florida, I'm all in!"

SPOTLIGHTING PRO-DEMOCRACY ORGANIZATIONS

Common Cause Florida

is a nonpartisan grassroots organization working to create open, honest, and accountable government that serves the public interest; promote equal rights, opportunity, and representation for all; and empower all people to make their voices heard in the political process.

Their work includes:

• Expanding Voting Rights
• Ensuring Fair Districts & Reflective Democracy
• Protecting the Constitution, Courts & Other Democracy Reforms

Check out Common Cause Florida's guide: How Floridians Can Help Each Other Register to Vote.

INDIVISIBLE

is a grassroots movement of thousands of local Indivisible groups with a mission to elect progressive leaders, rebuild our democracy, and defeat the Trump agenda. Many FFD participants are also active with INDIVISIBLE. Check it out; keep making a difference!

Floridians Protecting Freedom (FPF)

is a citizen-led Florida ballot initiative, the “Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion” to create a constitutional amendment that explicitly blocks the implementation of laws that prohibit, delay, or restrict abortion access. Goal: To put personal health decisions back in the hands of Florida families and their doctors.

What you can do:

• Gather and Sign Petitions - Floridians Protecting Freedom
• Volunteer with FPF Volunteers to Help Put Abortion on the Ballot
• Attend FPF petition training sessions: On-Line Volunteer Petition Training
• Add your Organization to the FPF Official Partners Campaign Partner Sign Up
• Share petition information with your networks
• Post to social media and write letters to the editor (Organizational and Personal)
• Establish more Hubs (petition collection points) and attend Hub Trainings

Defense of Democracy

is a national nonpartisan organization advocating for an inclusive public education system including chapters in Florida of pro-democracy volunteers. If interested, visit this link to register in their database; you’ll be invited to workshops, free trainings, and other events and to a local Facebook group with active discussions about action steps.

Defense of Democracy has a Pledge to Protect our Public Schools for pro-democracy candidates and other advocates of inclusivity in our public schools and libraries. Individuals signing this pledge can be seen at defenseofdemocracy.org/pledge. Here is suggested text for candidates, elected officials, and former elected officials to sign.

Other Pro-Democracy Organizations

The Union: jointheunion.us

   Mi Vecino: mivecinoflorida.com

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