John --

So many groups see their grassroots supporters as an ATM machine, but here at Country First we are determined to rise above that. We want to inspire folks to take action, not scare them into donating. We strive to provide value in the form of education, information, inspiration, and community -- and keep our asks to a minimum. But we are also going to be open and honest.

So here’s the truth. We need your help this coming week.

Country First will is participating in Dash for Democracy, the nationwide celebration of American democracy.

Next week the competition heats up with many other pro-democracy orgs going head-to-head to raise the most money for democracy, and we need as many people as possible to help us with the following:

1) Create your own fundraising page as a "Team Member" on Country First's Dash Team and get the word out to your friends and family who support a strong American democracy

OR

2) Directly donate to Country First's Dash Team.

We are looking for passionate volunteers to help us raise funds to support our critical mission, to host events in their community and neighborhoods, to bring people together for our Virtual 5k, and/or to share on social media about the celebration. You can learn more about all of the activities, virtual events, and fun at our Country First's Dash Team page.

We know not everyone can afford to give right now, but creating a fundraising page and helping us raise funds is a huge help -- whether your goal is $20 or $200. It all adds up to a big difference for democracy. Regardless, this movement has always been rich from your moral support, and we will always be grateful for your presence in this movement. 

No matter what, we’re glad you’re here!

All things Country First,

Dave Rapids

National Grassroots Director

PS: Check out the Movement Memo below, created for you by Country First volunteers!

See something of interest? All are welcome! Click on the event to register.

COMING UP @ COUNTRY FIRST

Dash for Democracy Presents: Democracy Dialogues

- September 11: September 11th & Foreign Affairs

- September 12: Democracy in Arts & Sports

- September 13: Religion & Democracy

- September 14: Electoral History & Reform

- September 15: Technology Modernization & Democracy

Each week, Country First highlights a key volunteer who has demonstrated placing Country over Party. If you would like to submit someone who has made a positive impact on your experience with Country First, please email [email protected]. 

MEET RICK PLOCINSKI

Where are you from and how long have you been a volunteer for Country First?

I am originally from the Chicago area but currently live in Indianapolis, and have been a volunteer for about a year.

What was your motivation for joining Country First and how did you hear about us?

My motivation has been very simple. It's to defend our democracy so that future generations can enjoy the freedoms and liberty so many before have fought to preserve. If we cannot halt this assault on our democracy from within and protect our country from these domestic threats, there may not be a democracy left to defend.

I'd heard about Country First from watching an interview of Rep. Adam Kinzinger. His words reflected the exact frustrations and fears I'd been feeling for a very long time and once I learned this effort had been created, I was on board from that moment.

What are your hopes for America in the coming years and generations?

I hope that we can all become better neighbors...not just locally or nationally, but globally as well. There is no need for all the negativity, name calling, ridicule, bigotry, hatred, and complete disrespect for political opponents. We all have different backgrounds, environments, experiences, needs, and desires and our individual ideology is shaped by these. We can disagree with someone and respect their position at the same time if we just remembered that we are all different for different reasons.  Not "good" or "bad", just different.

Do you think we can right the ship?

Yes! Absolutely the ship can be righted! But we need to make sure it doesn't sink before we turn it back right side up. This will take the conscious effort of Americans to work together towards the collective goal of preserving democracy by putting the country before party politics. If that doesn't happen in this next election, we are going to be floating in the water a long time before we're able to steam ahead.

Thank you, Rick, for all of your hard work and dedication to promoting and preserving democracy! 

RANKED CHOICE VOTING

Richmond Times-Dispatch: Commentary: “No, Arlington hasn't 'abandoned' ranked choice voting”

In his recent op-ed, “Arlington abandoned ranked choice voting, which is a good thing,” Aug. 22, Trent England said that Arlington “abandoned ranked choice voting” — never mind the fact that a majority of County Board members clearly stated they want to use RCV again in the future, and 70% of Arlingtonians said they supported it in a recent survey. Read Joan Porte’s response in the link above.

GERRYMANDERING

NPR: DeSantis Florida redistricting map is unconstitutional and must be redrawn, judge says

A Florida redistricting plan pushed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis violates the state constitution and is prohibited from being used for any future U.S. congressional elections since it diminishes the ability of Black voters in north Florida to pick a representative of their choice, a state judge ruled Saturday.                                                                                         

CNN: State election officials studying whether 14th Amendment disqualifies ‘insurrectionist’ Trump from ballot

Election officials in key battleground states are studying the legal viability of efforts to disqualify Donald Trump from running for president, based on the 14th Amendment’s ban on insurrectionists holding public office.

STATE OF DEMOCRACY

Axios: AG denounces election worker threats as DOJ charges over a dozen people   Attorney General Merrick Garland on Thursday spoke out against rising threats towards election workers as the Department of Justice's specialized task force announced a ninth conviction as it seeks to combat the problem.

WATCH our Dash for Democracy orientation (only 15 minutes!)

SHOP our Stand for Truth t-shirt! 

BRING a friend to one of our events!

Join one of our Volunteer Working Groups! As a grassroots coalition, Country First is dedicated to providing each member with the opportunity to contribute to the success of the movement. National Volunteer Working Groups are separated by interest and are aligned with one of Country First’s key pillars. 

Election Reform

Political Research

Communications 

Mending Divisions