The Can't Wait Candidate Committee · [email protected]

March 18, 2024 at 2:00 PM

Breaking: a slate of West Virginia candidates you can really believe in

United across race, gender, party, and county lines. Dear John, ? We're excited to share this breaking news with you: these 39 pro-labor, no-corporate-cash candidates below are the recipients of a 2024 WV Can't Wait endorsement. They include candidates for …

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  Katey Lauer · [email protected]

February 21, 2024 at 5:20 PM

10 Days Left to Apply! 🥰

John, I wanted to get you this reminder: ? Applications are due in just 10 days for our intensive workshop for Appalachian organizers who want to grow their training and facilitation skills. ? Maybe you're seeing what I'm seeing: a lot of groups are in …

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  Stephen Smith · [email protected]

February 16, 2024 at 3:50 PM

Register: 5-Day Community Defender Training

Which training(s) are right for you? Dear John, ? White supremacists and authoritarian forces are on the rise. ? Over the last few years, we have found ourselves needing a broader range of skills to fight the battles ahead -- everything from self-defense a…

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  Stephen Smith · [email protected]

February 12, 2024 at 2:50 PM

Spring Workshop Schedule..for Electeds, Community Defenders, Candidates, and Facilitators

Which training(s) are right for you? Dear John, ? We do not know all the crisis and change that lies ahead of us. But we can take some time now to learn, to prepare, and to strengthen our ties to one another. Here are 6 training opportunities that WV Can't …

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  The Can't Wait Candidate Committee · [email protected]

February 8, 2024 at 1:50 PM

Meet our Candidates for Senate, Judge, Delegate, and Municipal Races

February 15th is the deadline to apply for a Can't Wait endorsement. Dear John, ? We're excited to share this breaking news with you: these 11 pro-labor, no-corporate-cash candidates below are the first recipients of a 2024 WV Can't Wait endorsement. They i…

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  Katey Lauer · [email protected]

February 5, 2024 at 4:17 PM

Is this workshop for you?

John, ? I'm writing to invite you to apply to a training. ? This?April 12-14th, WV Can't Wait is teaming up with Training for Change to host a?3-day intensive workshop for Appalachian organizers who want to grow their training and facilitation skills.? ? …

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  Brian Butcher, Morgantown WV City Councilor · [email protected]

December 14, 2023 at 2:20 PM

"I won election twice with the help of WV Can't Wait"

The WV Can't Wait winter fundraising drive is on. Dear John,   Hello, my name is Brian Butcher. I’m a city councilor in Morgantown.   I’ve been in my seat for two and a half years now. I won election twice with the help of West Virginia Can’t Wait. While th…

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  Stephen Smith · [email protected]

September 20, 2023 at 10:30 PM

Help Rosemary make West Virginia history

Be among the first to donate. Dear John, ? Today's a big day for people who give a damn about West Virginia. ? A few minutes ago, Rosemary Ketchum announced her bid to become the next Mayor of Wheeling, and WV Can't Wait is excited to make Rosemary our first…

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  Katey Lauer · [email protected]

September 7, 2023 at 3:20 PM

Feeling overwhelmed? A little lost?

One week left to apply. Dear John,   Maybe you're like me, and you can feel the ground beneath your feet shifting. In fact the more Appalachian organizers I touch base with these days, the more I learn just how many of us are feeling unmoored.   That's why …

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  Katey Lauer · [email protected]

August 16, 2023 at 1:31 PM

You're invited to apply for our 3-Day Organizing Training this Fall

Navigating Uncertainty, Backlash and Loneliness Dear John, ? You are invited to apply for our upcoming 3-Day Organizer Intensive Training this fall, titled: ? Navigating Uncertainty, Backlash and Loneliness: a training for Appalachian organizers searching fo…

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  Stephen Smith · [email protected]

July 19, 2023 at 7:40 PM

Will you pitch-in for the nation's largest Narcan distribution event?

13 states. 150+ counties. Literally thousands of lives saved. Dear John, ? In West Virginia, we face the nation's deadliest overdose crisis. Meanwhile, politicians from both parties have stigmatized and criminalized harm reduction services. ? But that hasn't…

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  Stephen Smith · [email protected]

June 30, 2023 at 12:50 PM

re: thank you

Today is West Virginia Day... Dear John, You're receiving this message because we owe you our thanks… either you already donated to our spring fundraising drive or you played a role in helping us get this far as a movement – as a candidate, volunteer, monthly donor, Homet…

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  Ryan Deems · [email protected]

June 20, 2023 at 8:50 PM

hope for my home

Today is West Virginia Day... Dear John,   Hi, my name is Ryan Deems and I’m a music teacher in Harrison County. I also volunteer as the Fundraising Captain for WV Can’t Wait’s spring fundraising drive, which ends today.   My favorite TV show Ted Lasso introduced me to a …

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  Stephen Smith · [email protected]

June 14, 2023 at 1:30 PM

Could you help us find an accountant?

Job description below. Dear John,   WV Can't Wait is hiring a part-time Accounting and Reporting Contractor. If you know someone who might be a good fit, please forward them the job description and encourage them to apply ASAP. Here's the link: https://docs.…

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  Brittney Barlett · [email protected]

June 8, 2023 at 1:20 PM

WV Can't Wait Live - Stephen Smith

Tune in tonight, Thursday 6/8, at 4pm Dear John,   You already know this WV Can't Wait Live guest: Stephen Smith! Stephen was a founder of WV Can't Wait, ran for governor in 2020, and has helped direct the organization since then. Anyone who works with him k…

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  Stephen Smith · [email protected]

May 24, 2023 at 4:29 PM

oops!

Can you pitch in a few bucks? Dear John, ? Oops!? ? For at least some of our folks, it appears that the email blast this week contained a broken donation link. First, thanks so much for those of you who reached out to us to let us know. Second, thanks to th…

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  Stephen Smith · [email protected]

May 22, 2023 at 6:36 PM

Help defeat the Manchin machine in '24

A real, homegrown, long-term strategy to defeat corporate power. Dear John,   In West Virginia, the leadership of both major parties is up for sale to the highest out-of-state bidder. The Manchin and Capito machines answer to Big Energy and Big Pharma, not the rest of us. …

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  Stephen Smith · [email protected]

May 4, 2023 at 3:00 PM

We're $8k away from opening WV's first LGBTQIA shelter

Help us make history. Dear John,   Project Rainbow is only $8,000 away from being able to open West Virginia's first LGBTQIA safe haven shelter. Please consider donating (or at least sharing) this gofundme link. 🌈   This program is a miracle.   And it's …

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  Stephen Smith · [email protected]

April 27, 2023 at 4:30 PM

re: deadline Sunday

Click to open your WV Can't Wait strategy survey Dear John, ? 177 WV Can't Wait candidates, elected officials, county captains, neighborhood captains, staff, volunteers, board members, Hometown Heroes, Organizer Apprentices, campaign managers, citizen journalists, and volu…

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  Stephen Smith at WV Can't Wait · [email protected]

April 19, 2023 at 1:20 PM

could you pitch for these municipal races?

Dear John, Contrary to popular belief, 2023 is an election year. Across West Virginia, brave local citizens are running for town councils this spring and summer. Morgantown. Princeton. Middlebourne. Weston. Charles Town. Two Run. And more... Of the 17 municipal races we've wo…

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  Stephen Smith · [email protected]

April 14, 2023 at 1:29 PM

miss last night's meeting?

John, ? Did you miss last night's WV Can't Wait Spring meeting? Not to worry. ? You can still watch the recording here (it starts at the 00:27 mark!): https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/beYIvAZKxSmLAMabl30Y9DmAqluQqotEwp9MoBoh6OAcIairaR8OIsCpzkAY20Dy.AbIB7-y…

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  Stephen Smith · [email protected]

April 10, 2023 at 1:30 PM

REGISTER: WV Can't Wait Spring Zoom THURS (w/ guests Cathy Kunkel, Rosemary Ketchum, and 11 more)

John, ? Hope this finds you well. This is your last chance to register for the WV Can't Wait Spring Statewide Meeting on Thursday, April 13th at 7pm. ? If you haven't done so, you can register now by clicking this link. ? We'll be covering lessons learned f…

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  Stephen Smith · [email protected]

April 5, 2023 at 12:50 PM

I'd love your recommendations...

for 2024 and beyond Dear John, ? As you know, we're in the process of building out the WV Can't Wait strategy for 2024. In that spirit, I wanted to ask you for some recommendations. Thanks for taking the time to consider this request. WV Can't Wait is built on personal rel…

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  Brittney Barlett · [email protected]

April 2, 2023 at 7:00 PM

WV Can't Wait Live - Ryan Deems

Tune in Friday 2/17 at 3pm Dear John,   I'm here to share this week's WV Can't Wait Live guest: Ryan Deems! Ryan is a teacher, organizer, and political activist in Harrison County. If you live in the area, you may have seen his name on the ballot for House o…

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  Stephen Smith · [email protected]

March 23, 2023 at 12:20 PM

Could you pitch in for '24?

4 things you can do right now to get ready Dear John, ? It's not too early to start strategizing for 2024. ? Will we be called toward to broad, statewide races or deep canvassing to lift up city slates? Will we continue the Hometown Hero program or move mor…

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  Brittney, Emily, & Bill · [email protected]

March 15, 2023 at 5:30 PM

RSVP for WV Can't Wait Spring Zoom Meeting

You're invited! Dear John, ? You're invited to the next WV Can't Wait Statewide Meeting on April 13th at 7:00pm, by Zoom. ? Please RSVP at this website now, and as we get closer, we'll send you the Zoom link and final agenda. ? This is your chance to tune …

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  Brittney Barlett · [email protected]

March 12, 2023 at 10:18 PM

WV Can't Wait Live - Dr. Shanequa Smith (rescheduled)

Tune in Friday 2/17 at 3pm Dear John,   We've rescheduled our next guest on WV Can't Wait Live: Dr. Shanequa Smith!   Shanequa is a powerhouse organizer and inspiration across WV and I think it's impossible to find someone who isn't in awe of her work. She s…

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  Stephen Smith · [email protected]

March 1, 2023 at 1:50 PM

quick reminder: we don't have your survey yet :)

Who should we support in 2024? Dear John, ? I noticed we don't have a survey from you yet. Would you mind taking 15 minutes to help us chart the future of WV Can't Wait? You've got a unique perspective, and we've got some big decisions to make. ? Here's your survey link: …

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  Brittney Barlett · [email protected]

February 25, 2023 at 7:31 PM

WV Can't Wait Live - Dr. Shanequa Smith

Tune in Friday 2/17 at 3pm Dear John,   I'm honored to announce our next guest on WV Can't Wait Live: Dr. Shanequa Smith! Shanequa is a powerhouse organizer and inspiration across WV and I think it's impossible to find someone who isn't in awe of her work. S…

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  Brittney Barlett · [email protected]

February 16, 2023 at 12:18 AM

WV Can't Wait Live - Councilwoman Rosemary Ketchum

Tune in Friday 2/17 at 3pm Dear John,   I can't wait for our next guest on WV Can't Wait Live: Councilwoman Rosemary Ketchum! A poised and generous activist, Rosemary was elected in 2020 as a WV Can't Wait candidate for city council in Wheeling. She made his…

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  Stephen Smith · [email protected]

February 3, 2023 at 3:50 PM

Can you pitch in for Black Policy Day?

John, ? On February 15, WV Can't Wait is proud to co-sponsor the 2nd ever Black Policy Day at the State Capitol. Can you pitch in? ? ? To make a donation, buy a ticket, or sponsor?the event, click here: https://givebutter.com/BPD2023? To volunteer for the e…

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  Brittney Barlett · [email protected]

January 31, 2023 at 7:11 PM

WV Can't Wait Live - Shalom Tazewell

Tune in Wednesday 2/1 at 6pm Dear John,   We had a great time on our first WV Can't Wait Live event, and can't wait for our next guest: Shalom Tazewell! A fellow giant-dog-owning friend and admired by many for her kind soul and creative mind, Shalom has been…

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  Brittney Barlett · [email protected]

January 20, 2023 at 3:22 PM

Introducing: WV Can't Wait Live

Tune in Monday! Dear John,   We are excited to announce our new Facebook Live series featuring some awesome WV Can’t Wait people. As a movement powered by “1,000 leaders, not 1” we want to hear what those leaders are up to and spend some time over the next s…

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  Katey Lauer · [email protected]

January 18, 2023 at 2:20 PM

What did you learn?

John, ? This winter, WV Can't Wait is celebrating our 5 year Anniversary.?Can you believe it?? ? So much has changed in such a short period of time.?We want to know: what did you learn? ? Do you remember... our Constituency Teams (Seniors Can't Wait, Studen…

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  Katey & Stephen · [email protected]

December 19, 2022 at 3:50 PM

Could you make an extra donation this month? Here's why.

Please donate before Jan 7, when our WVCW leadership team meets. Dear John, ? After an election, most establishment politicians stop giving a damn. No more campaign promises or appearances. The airwaves clear. Donations dry up. ? For us, the election is jus…

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  Stephen Smith · [email protected]

December 15, 2022 at 4:00 PM

Care about Harm Reduction in WV?

Meet our one of our Organizer Apprentices... Dear John, ? Meet Lill Prosperino.? ? Lill is one of the 6 2022 WV Can't Wait Organizer Apprentices, and the first Director of? Mountain State Harm Reduction (MSHR), West Virginia's first ever statewide harm reduc…

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  Katey Lauer · [email protected]

December 5, 2022 at 4:50 PM

What's next for WV Can't Wait

Rest. Reflection. Governance. Safety. John, ? When we hosted our big public launch in Matewan in 2019, there were zero WV Can't Wait no-corporate-cash candidates in office. Now there are 24. ? We made it this far not only because of a lot of hard work and s…

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  Katey & Stephen · [email protected]

November 29, 2022 at 2:30 PM

Will you help us fund more slates?

This Giving Tuesday, donate to an electoral strategy that works... Dear John,   First it was Morgantown. In 2021, we ran three candidates for Morgantown City Council. They signed on to a bold platform written by Morgantown residents and a pledge not to accep…

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  Katey & Stephen · [email protected]

November 23, 2022 at 2:20 PM

gratitude

Giving thanks Dear John,   Thank you.   Many of us have spent this year under siege. In our communities, we are losing more of our people to overdose, suicide, and incarceration. In our homes, the dollars we had last year aren’t worth the same this year. On …

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  Katey Lauer · [email protected]

November 9, 2022 at 5:41 PM

some reasons for hope

Two years ago we set a goal... Dear John,   Two years ago, we were celebrating our first election night victories together: We had just helped 11 no-corporate-cash, pro-labor candidates get elected.    With the 2022 cycle ahead of us, we challenged ourselves…

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  Stephen Smith · [email protected]

October 25, 2022 at 4:22 PM

The best 15 minutes you'll watch this week

Help Dear John, ? Republican Frank Annie and Democrat Joe Solomon, two WV Can't Wait endorsed candidates, teamed up on The Young Turks last night to talk about the cross-partisan "political uprising in the nation's overdose capital." ? As Cenk Uyghur remark…

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  Katey Lauer · [email protected]

October 17, 2022 at 1:20 PM

your $20 = 1000 texts from a real person

Help Dear John, ? Thanks to you, there are 67 brave, pro-choice, pro-labor, no-corporate-cash candidates running for office in West Virginia this year -- up and down the ballot. In addition to door cards, postcards, FB ads, personalized webpages, volunteers…

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  Katey Lauer & Stephen Smith · [email protected]

October 6, 2022 at 12:50 PM

the West Virginia miracle

It's not left versus right. It's the people v. the establishment. Dear John, ? Something miraculous is happening in West Virginia.? ? Here in the Mountain State, Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and 3rd Party Candidates are running together -- on the sa…

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  Stephen Smith · [email protected]

September 29, 2022 at 8:00 AM

Tomorrow's the next fundraising deadline

The average donation is about $30. Dear John, ? Tomorrow, September 30th is the last fundraising deadline before the election. We're gonna use your donations to support more than 30 candidates for office... with postcards, doorcards, textbanking, Facebook ad…

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  Stephen & Katey · [email protected]

September 26, 2022 at 3:04 PM

Hot off the presses..

Good news for dark times... Dear John, ? We are excited to share the WV Can't Wait Fall Newsletter with you -- just four days before our last fundraising deadline this election season. See below! ? In these tough times, we feel extra grateful to be in this m…

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  Stephen Smith · [email protected]

September 9, 2022 at 1:50 PM

Two months of sacrifice left.

Want to pitch in? Dear John, ? Our people aren't rich. When tragedy strikes, they can't just write a check. None of them is dropping a million dollars of their own money into the race. They rely on their friends and families. They also rely on us. And we del…

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  Katey & Stephen · [email protected]

August 15, 2022 at 1:20 PM

You can now make tax-deductible donations to WV Can't Wait

Here's one more way to support the movement... even after election time. Dear John, ? WV Can't Wait is about more than elections. ? We also work year round to support West Virginians who are fighting for change in their workplaces, communities, local governm…

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  Sarah and Stephen · [email protected]

August 5, 2022 at 1:50 PM

a letter from the road (with pictures too)

Dear John, ? For the last 3 weeks, we (Field Director Sarah Hutson and Co-Chair Stephen Smith) have been traveling the state to meet with WV Can't Wait endorsed candidates, face-to-face. We use these strategy sessions to craft a tailored, week-by-week campa…

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  Rosemary Ketchum · [email protected]

July 29, 2022 at 12:50 PM

Nominate your local elected official to WV Can't Wait

ATTN: WV Can't Wait Members, Volunteers, Candidates, and Allies ? We are on the lookout for West Virginia's best elected officials -- the city councilors, school board members, lawmakers, and county officials who choose the side of local people over out-of-…

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  WV Can't Wait team · [email protected]

July 22, 2022 at 1:31 PM

new website y'all

Dear John, ? Thanks to your feedback, our new and improved website is up-and-running. Visit wvcantwait.com now to find... * Photos of our WV Can't Wait elected officials * Recent news stories, from outlets like The Forge and Newsweek * Opportunities to volu…

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