Susan here. I wanted to write you all personally after the astonishingly wonderful results of the midterm elections. I needed to take a brief pause to take it all in before writing you ....moving from semi-shock to wonderment to joy and, most importantly, newfound hope about the future that is now possible for all Americans, and for future generations. I've been pinching myself, crying tears of joy, and letting the incredible relief finally sink in. I imagine many of you are nodding your heads and have been processing these same emotions.
Yes, there will be challenges ahead, and we will face them. BUT what the American people made loud and clear on Tuesday was a wholesale rejection of the cruel, corrupt, fascist MAGA regime and its billionaire enablers. AND they gave Democrats their votes of confidence, entrusting us to deliver real change to improve the lives of all Americans. WE THE PEOPLE will continue the work to ensure that Democrats indeed deliver on the voters' clear mandate.
I'm not going to run through the specifics of the races or the overall stats because many wonderful commentators have already written before me and done it so well. (See links at the bottom of this email to a few of my favorite posts and reels.)
Instead I want to write something more personal about IndiMarin and our incredible community of volunteers and leaders.
About six months ago we said to all of you that our focus up through Election Day would be on voter outreach so that Dems would "win by margins too big to rig." We were clear that this approach was the best form of election protection. Well, y'all....you stepped up to that call to action!!! You called, texted, and wrote voters. You knocked on doors and registered students on college campuses. You talked to your friends and neighbors and encouraged them to vote early. You invited friends to join IndiMarin and get involved in the fight. You generously donated to toss-up races and you showed up at protests throughout the year. (I learned from Leah and Ezra today at "What's the Plan" that counties which had hosted a No Kings event had significantly higher turnout rates than counties that did not host events.)
SO...IT ALL MATTERED. Every single action that each of you took contributed to this incredible and historic "EARTHQUAKE" election that marks the end of the Trump/MAGA era. YOU did this. WE did this. Collectively, the INDIVISIBLE MARIN COMMUNITY was a crucial part of this incredible outcome and we realized our goal - Margins too big to rig AND majorities too big to challenge. 👏 💪 💙 🇺🇸 ❗️
Now, we'd like to celebrate this sweetest of victories with you all. Since we are fortunate to have members throughout California and across the US, we are planning a virtual experience with an informal, participatory, joyful vibe. Those who are so inclined will be able to share short personal reflections on topics including "favorite volunteer moment," "how I felt on election night," "what volunteering with IndiMarin has meant to me" and more. Or you can just listen and soak in the positive vibes. Sign up to join us on Wednesday, 11/11, at 4pm PT/7pm ET. It will be a great way to cap off this victory with a community of people who helped make it happen. (All friends of IndiMarin...our valued partners and allies.... also very welcome! SIGN UP HERE
Also, for our fabulous Marin members, we will also have an in-person Open House celebration at Panera Bread in Novato on Tuesday, 11/17 from 10am - 12pm. Coffee and pastries on us. Drop in for a bit or stay for the whole time. It will a wonderful way to connect with other dedicated volunteers, many of whom have been writing postcards at this location weekly all year long. SIGN UP HERE.
In closing, I want to thank our INCREDIBLE leaders, many of whom have worked nearly full-time on a volunteer basis for YEARS! IndiMarin has been blessed with a smart, talented, dedicated and caring team! A huge shout out to our wonderful Steering Committee members - Laurie F, Joy M, Andie T and Veronica N!! They keep us strategically aligned and always moving forward. Additional shout outs to the amazing leaders on our expanded leadership team - Dan K, Zah D, Jay S, Alice H, Linda S, Fern G, Betsy G, Sue E, Betty V, Susan Mc, Neal S, David P, Dan K, Alex T and Bhavesh S. You are all rock stars!!! 🌟 🌟 🌟🌟🌟
FEEL GOOD READING - Sharing just a few of the many inspiring posts I have reading over the last two days:
A Republican Wipeout for the Ages - Dan Pfeiffer
A Late Night Video Message - Jessica Craven of Chop Wood Carry Water
A Victory for Democracy - Robert Hubbell of Today's Edition
We'll be in touch in coming days and weeks about next steps in our ongoing work to help build a more just, caring and inclusive America. But for now....soak it in. We f-ing did it! The work each of us did feels so very worth it! I hope to celebrate with many of you on 11/11 or 11/17 or both!
With love and appreciation!
Susan M 💙
