“This bill will dramatically lower costs for Americans and signifies a huge political win,” said MoveOn Political Action Executive Director Rahna Epting. “With the passage of this bill, and inflation and gas prices falling, Americans now have more reason to get behind Democrats who are fighting to address their economic concerns and to preserve their freedoms. We will remind voters every day between now and Election Day that it was Democrats who stood up to Big Pharma, the oil & gas lobby, and tax-dodging corporations and delivered a historic investment in the fight against climate change and inflation while every Republican voted against it. And we’re going to run on Democrats’ delivering progress for working people in these challenging economic times.”

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MoveOn is a people-powered force for progress. MoveOn mobilizes the left to elect Democrats and enact progressive change. We are the homebase for millions of members who refuse to accept the status quo and are moved to take action. For more than a generation, MoveOn has been a bulwark against the radical right, channeling our voices to end wars, protect democracy, and advance justice for all.

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The post We ❤️ Postal Carriers appeared first on MoveOn: People-Powered Progress.

Washington, D.C. – In response to President Biden signing the USPS funding bill, MoveOn Executive Director Rahna Epting issued the following statement:

“This is a big win for the millions of people all over the country who took action and made their voices heard to protect this essential American institution from the forces who were hellbent on destroying it through cuts and privatization. Now, we must finish the job of protecting the United States Postal Service by firing the leading culprit, Trump’s hatchet man, Louis DeJoy.”

“Today’s victory ensures that no matter your ZIP code, you can rely on the post office to get important mail and lifesaving medicines on time while also securing family-sustaining jobs for nearly 650,000 public servants. These postal services are especially essential for the elderly and for Black, brown, white, and Indigenous Americans who live in rural and tribal communities. But everything we are celebrating today will remain at risk as long as Donald Trump’s pick to privatize the post office continues as postmaster general.”

“President Biden needs to finish the job he started by securing enough appointees on the USPS board to fire DeJoy. Americans want to finally trust again that neither snow, nor rain, nor Trump appointees shall delay their mail.”

For the campaign to save the post office, MoveOn:

• Worked with partners to hold over 800 rallies at post offices across the country 
• Collected over 1.4 million signatures to petitions to save the post office
• Members made thousands of phone calls to their elected officials 
• Mailed over 100,000 “We Love Mail Carriers” stickers to members

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MoveOn, one of the largest independent progressive advocacy groups in the United States, mobilizes millions for a better society—one in which everyone can thrive. Whether through supporting candidates, passing legislation, or changing our national culture, MoveOn members are committed to mobilizing together for an inclusive and progressive future marked by equality, sustainability, and justice. 

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Elena, a MoveOn member and runner, was excited for the upcoming Olympic games, only to be crushed by the news that Sha’Carri was banned from competing for an outrageous, outdated, and irrational rule around marijuana. So she signed a MoveOn petition along with nearly 600,000 members, calling upon USADA, the International Olympic Committee, and the World Anti-Doping Agency to let Sha’Carri run.

And it’s why Elena organized alongside Isabella and Tom to deliver the petition to the USADA. Check out fellow MoveOn members, our partners at NORML Colorado, state Representatives Naquetta Ricks and Jonathan Singer, and drug policy expert Professor Santiago Guerra supporting Sha’Carri at a run and rally in Colorado Springs, where the USADA is headquartered—an action covered by Westword and local news station KRDO, all of which added to the weeks of publicity which has pushed this issue and the greater cause of rewriting our marijuana laws into the public discourse.^2,3

MoveOn members’ demands are clear: Reverse Sha’Carri’s suspension and remove THC/marijuana from the banned substances list. Marijuana is not a performance-enhancing drug, is legal where Sha’Carri was, and for decades has wrongly been used to criminalize Black and brown communities. 

And we’re not alone in being outraged by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency’s decision. Check out some of what has transpired over the last two weeks to support Sha’Carri:

• Almost 600,000 MoveOn members signed the petition, the second largest petition so far this year.
• Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jamie Raskin formally asked the USADA to end Sha’Carri’s suspension.⁴
• The hashtag #LetShaCarriRun took over Twitter, with celebrities and influencers like Debra Messing,⁵ David Zirin,⁶ and Adina Porter⁷ showing their support in droves.
• The massive petition by MoveOn members was included in tons of articles by ESPN, “The Today Show,” NBC’s “Nightly News,” NPR, Black Enterprise, and many more.^8,9,10,11

The fight against the criminalization of Black, brown, and Indigenous people and communities for marijuana use continues. This week, U.S. Senators Cory Booker, Charles Schumer, and Ron Wyden introduced legislation that is a historic first step in undoing the harms caused by unjust drug policies. The legislation would decriminalize weed and invest the profits in restorative justice to individuals and communities who have long suffered.¹²

The story of Sha’Carri Richardson is one of hope, greatness, and the power of collective action. Together, we can keep this momentum going. Will you share this graphic on Twitter today to show your solidarity with Sha’Carri Richardson?

Thanks for all you do.

P.S. Don’t forget: Anytime you get outraged or want members to take collective action with you, you can start a petition here. It takes only a few minutes and can create lasting impact.

Sources:

1. “Olympic track star Sha’Carri Richardson: Hug with grandmother was ‘unforgettable,’” “TODAY,” June 25, 2021
https://moveon.org/shacarri-reportback1

2. “Marijuana Supporters Rally in Colorado Springs for Sha’Carri Richardson,” Westword, July 15, 2021
https://moveon.org/shacarri-reportback2

3. “#RunforShaCarri rally & petition delivery happening at U.S. Anti-Doping agency Thursday,” KRDO, July 15, 2021
https://moveon.org/shacarri-reportback3

4. “AOC urges U.S. Anti-Doping Agency to end Sha’Carri Richardson’s suspension,” Axios, July 3, 2021
https://moveon.org/shacarri-reportback4

5. Tweet by Debra Messing, July 2, 2021
https://moveon.org/shacarri-reportback5

6. Tweet by David Zirin, July 2, 2021
https://moveon.org/shacarri-reportback6

7. Tweet by Adina Porter, July 4, 2021
https://moveon.org/shacarri-reportback7

8. “’Let Sha’Carri run!’ – petition for Sha’Carri Richardson to run in Tokyo nears goal,” ESPN, July 8, 2021
https://moveon.org/shacarri-reportback8

9. “Sha’Carri Richardson’s 1-month suspension means she will not compete in Olympics,” “TODAY,” July 5, 2021
https://moveon.org/shacarri-reportback9

10. “Saturday Sports: Sha’Carri Richardson Suspended For Positive Marijuana Test,” NPR, July 3, 2021
https://moveon.org/shacarri-reportback10

11. “PETITION FOR SHA’CARRI RICHARDSON’S REINSTATEMENT HAS GARNERED OVER 450,000 SIGNATURES; SUSPENDED AFTER POSITIVE MARIJUANA TEST,” Black Enterprise, July 5, 2021
https://moveon.org/shacarri-reportback11

12. “Senate Democratic leaders unveil draft bill to legalize marijuana,” Roll Call, July 14, 2021
https://moveon.org/shacarri-reportback12

The post MoveOn members joined to #RunForShaCarri & deliver 590,000+ signature petition! appeared first on MoveOn: People-Powered Progress.

“The people of our multiracial democracy have spoken, loudly and clearly. They have deposed a would-be dictator and voted for government action in the face of crisis.

“We congratulate President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on their decisive victory. Even as officials continue to count the final outstanding votes, the outcome of the presidential election is clear. People showed up in unprecedented and awe-inspiring numbers, continuing the vast reawakening of American democracy that began following the 2016 election, and they voted overwhelmingly for change.

“I am immensely proud of and deeply grateful for the millions of MoveOn members who worked so hard over the past four years and who powered our largest-ever voter mobilization campaign over the past few months. Together, we overcame a flood of voter suppression, misinformation, intimidation, and the unlawful use of government resources for political campaigning. Together, we turned the tide of American politics and created a significant opportunity for progress. But this is no time for complacency or to rest on laurels. There is much work to be done. MoveOn members in Georgia will be all-in to use our grassroots power in that state’s Senate runoffs. And then, with new leadership being sworn in in January, we must dedicate ourselves to making good on the mandate that a broad, multi-racial, multi-generational coalition of voters provided.

“Our country faces multiple crises on a scale we have not faced since the Great Depression and World War II: health and economic crises resulting from mismanagement of the pandemic; a climate crisis fueled by accommodation to fossil fuel lobbyists and denial of science; a crisis of racial injustice that has been part of the story of this this country for far too long and can no longer be tolerated; a crisis of democracy, with Americans divided, the right to vote under attack, and trust in institutions faltering. The election’s results and the record participation of the American people in the democratic process show a clear demand for change.

“Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Democrats in Congress have set forth plans on each of these fronts. We will have their backs as they advance their agenda and will hold them accountable and demand better when they fall short. Now is not the time for timidity or half-measures. Now is the time for those we elected to deliver on behalf of the people, with bold action commensurate with the scale of the challenges we face. That is how we will restore trust in government, and how we will ensure continued widespread participation. We know the stakes are high, and we are ready to meet the moment. We will continue to fight, together, for an America that works for all of its people and country in which everyone can thrive.”

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The post Biden and Harris Win! The People Have Spoken Decisively and Demand Action appeared first on MoveOn: People-Powered Progress.

The story comes after a number of leading candidates—Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Kamala Harris, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Beto O’Rourke, Mayor Julián Castro, Governor Jay Inlsee, and Mayor Pete Buttigieg— said that they will not attend AIPAC’s conference.  

Iram Ali, campaign director at MoveOn, explained the significance:

“The influx of progressive candidates confirming they will not attend—even those who have gone in years past—shows how the momentum is shifting. In 2007, for example, both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton attended, going so far as to throw parties at the conference.

“AIPAC is clearly a partisan lobbying group that has undermined diplomatic efforts. It’s no secret that that AIPAC has worked to hinder diplomatic efforts like the Iran deal, is undermining Palestinian self-determination, and inviting figures actively involved in human rights violations to its stage.  Meanwhile, they give platforms to Islamophobes and refuse to condemn the anti-Semitism stemming from Republicans. It should come as no surprise that progressives don’t want anything to do with this conference.

“The fact that no 2020 Democratic presidential contenders have as of yet publicly committed to attending AIPAC’s conference in DC this weekend—with seven candidates confirming they will definitely not attend—stands in sharp contrast to the past. MoveOn members applaud the candidates for taking a stand against AIPAC’s dangerous, partisan lobbying efforts.”

On Wednesday, MoveOn released the results of a member survey which found that more than 74 percent of MoveOn members who responded agree or strongly agree with the statement that “any progressive vying to be the Democratic nominee for President should skip the AIPAC conference.”

Here are some of the reasons MoveOn called on 2020 candidates to skip AIPAC:

• AIPAC spent tens millions of dollars in 2015 to defeat the Iran nuclear deal negotiated by President Obama along with our European and international allies—a historic diplomatic agreement that Trump has tried to derail since taking office.
• This year’s AIPAC conference is headlined by Benjamin Netanyahu … under whose leadership, according to the U.N., Israel may have committed war crimes in attacks on Gaza. Netanyahu also has been indicted on bribery and fraud charges, and recently made a deal to bring the “Israeli KKK” … party into the next government.
• AIPAC has been known to traffic in anti-Muslim and anti-Arab rhetoric while providing a platform to Islamophobes.
• AIPAC has refused to condemn the anti-Semitism of Republicans, such as Trump’s friend and advisor Steve Bannon. Bannon’s wife reported that he had their kids removed from a school because of “the number of Jews that attend,” and that “he didn’t want the girls going to school with Jews. While many groups condemned Bannon, Politico reported that AIPAC “declined to weigh in.” This is one of many examples.

The post 2020 Candidates Skip AIPAC! appeared first on MoveOn: People-Powered Progress.

CHICAGO — Ilya Sheyman, executive director of MoveOn Political Action, had the following statement in response to tonight’s election results:

“A historic wave of grassroots activism made its force felt across the country tonight, as people of all faiths, colors, and origins came together to end Republican control of the House and elect new progressive leaders, including many women and people of color, up and down ballot.

“Despite Republicans’ concerted efforts to gerrymander safe districts and suppress the vote, by a massive popular vote margin voters overwhelmingly rejected Trump and Trumpism. These results are a repudiation of white nationalism, misogyny, oligarchy, and corporate cronyism. But this election wasn’t just about Trump. Voters also embraced a diverse new generation of candidates who look like America and who ran on a bold, inclusive, and progressive vision for our future, including expanding access to health care with solutions like Medicare for All.

“The results prove the vast majority of people in this country want a society that works not just for the wealthy or the privileged, but one in which all Americans, white, Black, or brown, can thrive.”

More information about MoveOn’s work this cycle:

WHAT MOVEON MEMBERS DID TO BUILD THE WAVE IN 2018

Together, millions of MoveOn members helped power an historic midterm wave that ended Republican control of the House and saw the election of a diverse slate of progressive candidates up and down ballot. Our $25 million Resist & Win program combined grassroots resistance energy with innovative technology and tactics, and likely ensured hundreds of thousands of additional votes were cast for Democrats.

Mass Mobilization to Get Out the Vote

• Hundreds of local volunteer leaders hosted 1,000+ volunteer-led voter contact Wave events.
• Week after week, tens of thousands of activists joined MoveOn’s massive Resist & Win calls.
• More than 35 million peer-to-peer text messages to potential voters were sent by more than 1,500 MoveOn text team volunteers.
• More than 5,000 volunteers made calls in the final days before the election to voters in flippable districts.

A Groundbreaking Video Persuasion Program: Real Voter Voices

• We collected, vetted, and prepared more than 2,500 videos of real people from all walks of life sharing their reasons for voting.
• We tested and ran the most persuasive 260 videos in 90 House districts, 10 Senate races, and 10 gubernatorial races, including Spanish-language video ads in Texas.
• Our $3.5 million in Facebook ads for the program made us the largest political ad spender on Facebook in the election’s closing days
• We targeted more than 20 million voters, likely adding hundreds of thousands of votes to Democrats’ totals.

Framing the Conversation

• MoveOn’s in-house Video Lab produced 150+ election videos about candidates and issues that were viewed more than 50 million times on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
• Our national spokesperson and senior advisor Karine Jean-Pierre was a regular guest on CNN, MSNBC, PBS, NPR, and other outlets, making the case that voters were ready for change.
• We reached an average of more than a million people a day with progressive content and information about how to get involved in the election via our social media channels.

Direct Support for Candidates

• MoveOn members endorsed more than 100 candidates for Congress and more than 100 for state and local office, including inspiring progressive champions.
• We helped swing important primaries by supporting candidates including Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at the federal level and other candidates down ballot.
• Of the House candidates we endorsed, 33% are people of color, 60% identify as women, 10% identify as LGBTQ, 11% are veterans, 36% are 40 or younger, and 71% are first-time candidates.
• Of the non-federal candidates we endorsed, 72% are people of color, 64% identify as women, 15% identify as LGBTQ, and 8% are Muslim-Americans.
• MoveOn members chipped in more than $4.5 million in small-dollar contributions to campaigns in dozens of key House and Senate races.
• Our contributions include $1.6 million in support for Black women congressional candidates.

MoveOn Political Action represents the collective will of MoveOn’s members by helping to elect progressive candidates. For more information, or for interviews with MoveOn, please contact Anna  Zuccaro at press@moveon.org.

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Statement from Rahna Epting, Election Program Managing Director, for MoveOn Political Action on Ilhan Omar’s win in Minnesota’s 5th congressional district Democratic primary.

“Ilhan Omar’s victory represents the future of the progressive movement. By laying out a bold, progressive agenda that includes Medicare for all, public education access, criminal justice reform, housing reform and environmental justice, Omar is mobilizing an energetic, multiracial coalition that serves as a model for the rest of the country. Her victory will help unify and lift up white, Black, and brown working families across her district.

“This historic win should remind Democrats across the country that voters are looking for authentic candidates who will stand up to Trump, resist his attacks on our communities, and protect our freedoms.

“Omar’s victory – the second week in a row where a Muslim woman may be heading to Congress –  proves that Muslims in the U.S. are building political power and that the attacks against them from Trump and his administration will not be tolerated. MoveOn members were proud to endorse Omar earlier this year and mobilize to support her. We congratulate Ilhan Omar on her historic victory, and plan to show up for her again this November.”

Earlier this year, more than 98 percent of MoveOn members in Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District voted to endorse Ilhan Omar for Congress.

• There are more than 24,000 MoveOn members in MN-5. MoveOn and its members contributed over $23,000 to Omar’s campaign.
• MoveOn volunteers sent over 9,000 text messages into MN-05.
• MoveOn produced a video that has received more than 300 K views on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
• MoveOn spent more than $18, 000 on digital GOTV ads targeted to progressive voters in Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District.
• MoveOn activated its more than 24,000 members in Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District to volunteer and vote for Omar.

The post MoveOn Members Celebrate Ilhan Omar’s Historic Win In Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District appeared first on MoveOn: People-Powered Progress.

Three weeks after the Las Vegas shooting, more than 20,000 people signed a petition by MoveOn member Sandy Phillips—whose daughter, Jessi, was slaughtered in the Aurora, Colorado theater massacre in 2012—asking the DNC, the governing body of the national Democratic Party, to reject donations from the gun industry.

The DNC heard us and took action: They passed an official resolution rejecting donations from the gun lobby and other corporate donors that conflict with the Democrats’ platform.

Additionally, dozens of members of Congress who have received NRA campaign support are now facing pressure from tens of thousands of MoveOn members in their districts to give back or donate NRA contributions to causes focused on gun violence prevention. Click here to find out if your members of Congress have received money and sign or start a similar petition to #RejecttheNRA.

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Statement by MoveOn Washington Director Ben Wikler:

“The GOP attempt to rip coverage away from millions of Americans has once again crumbled in the face of furious opposition. But it’s now clear that health care repeal will remain a threat until Republicans no longer control Congress and the White House. Republicans’ fealty to their extreme-right donors at the expense of their voters and all Americans can only be addressed through an electoral landslide that destroys the GOP’s political power as surely as Graham-Cassidy would have destroyed Americans’ health care.”

The post Trumpcare Again Defeated in Senate appeared first on MoveOn: People-Powered Progress.

“Jon Ossoff’s first-place finish tonight is a huge triumph for the Resistance and for progressives, who boosted Ossoff to the top of a crowded race in a Republican-leaning district. Less than six months ago, a Republican won this district by more than 20 points. Tonight, a progressive Democrat got the most votes in a seat Newt Gingrich once held, and, as votes continued to be tallied, was hovering near 50 percent. The reason is clear: voters are rejecting Trump and his policies, especially the highly unpopular GOP-led health care repeal proposals like Trumpcare.

“From the Women’s March to the airport protests in response to the Muslim ban to the Tax Day marches this weekend, the Resistance has proven that not only is it not going anywhere but that it is growing. Millions have taken to the streets, flooded congressional phone lines, and attended town hall meetings to hold the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress accountable. And now, we’re taking to the ballot box as well. Last week in deep red Kansas a progressive Democrat erased a 20-plus-point Republican advantage to nearly win a seat that Democrats haven’t held in a generation. And tonight, a progressive Democrat just got the most votes in a seat no one thought would be in play six months ago.

“Tonight once again proves that momentum is clearly on the side of the Resistance and that Donald Trump has no mandate for his dangerous, reckless, and hateful policies.

“MoveOn members are fired up—and if Ossoff doesn’t top 50 percent tonight, we’re ready to help him finish this race with a victory in June, and to elect the MoveOn-endorsed Rob Quist in Montana in May, continuing to show Donald Trump and Republicans that their unpopular push to take away health care from millions will cost them at the ballot box.”

On March 6, MoveOn.org members in GA-06 voted overwhelmingly to endorse Jon Ossoff. Since then, MoveOn has engaged in a big way to inject the health care debate into this race, mobilizing grassroots volunteers and more than half a million dollars for Ossoff. MoveOn’s campaign has included:

• A $250,000 TV and digital ad buy focused on Trumpcare;
• Bundling $314,000 in contributions directly for the Ossoff campaign;
• Launching a text message peer-to-peer voter turnout program;
• Mobilizing MoveOn members to volunteer for Ossoff;
• Contacting 16,000 MoveOn members in the district for GOTV.

In addition to Ossoff, MoveOn members in Montana have voted to endorse congressional candidate Rob Quist, noting his support for the Affordable Care Act in the endorsement.

The post Jon Ossoff comes in first in GA-06 primary appeared first on MoveOn: People-Powered Progress.

During her testimony against the bill, Catherine said, “If we have teachers enforcing immigration law, that is going to destroy the relationship between students and teachers. No one wants a teacher acting as a policeman in the classroom.”

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The post Bernie Sanders Wins Oregon appeared first on MoveOn: People-Powered Progress.

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Tonight’s victory for Bernie Sanders provides more evidence that his ideas are the future of the Democratic Party.

If Democrats want to ensure victory in November it’s imperative that they embrace Bernie Sanders’ ideas such as a $15 minimum wage, debt-free college, banning fracking, and rejecting trade deals that have devastated communities in Indiana and across the country. Voters should have no question about which party stands with the poor and working class and which one stands with the billionaires.

With each victory, Sanders’ political revolution is forging a Democratic Party that is stronger and more engaged than ever before. The movement that Bernie has ignited is continuing to catch fire.

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The post Sanders Victory in Indiana Is Evidence His Ideas Are the Future of the Democratic Party appeared first on MoveOn: People-Powered Progress.

THE TOP 10 THINGS MOVEON MEMBERS GOT DONE IN 2015

1. WE SECURED DIPLOMACY WITH IRAN, PREVENTING AN UNNECESSARY WAR

MoveOn members continued our long history of advocating for a progressive and peaceful foreign policy by mobilizing during the August recess to tell Congress: “No War With Iran!”

Preventing war with Iran and allowing diplomacy to work marked MoveOn members’ biggest accomplishment of the year. Had we not mobilized in support of the nuclear deal that President Obama reached with five world powers and Iran, the world could have seen a very different outcome.

After the deal was announced in July, many in Congress, including Democrats, threatened to overturn it, risking war. But if enough Democrats stood with President Obama, we would ensure the deal remained in place. We made this fight our top priority.

Throughout the August recess, with members of Congress at home in their districts, we showed up at hundreds of town hall meetings and other public appearances, organized hundreds of events and demonstrations, made tens of thousands of phone calls, and placed substantial ad buys in states whose senators were on the fence, making clear to Democrats that their base wanted them to stand with the president and support the deal. When Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced he opposed the deal, we mobilized quickly to launch a donor strike and get the “SchumerMobile” onto the streets of New York City, showing other senators that we’d hold them accountable too if they chose war over diplomacy. It worked. Few other Democrats made the wrong choice.

President Obama recently sent MoveOn.org Political Action Executive Director Ilya Sheyman a note thanking MoveOn members for their work on the Iran deal, which the president said “made a huge difference,” adding, “the world will be safer for it”:

2. WE KEPT REPUBLICANS FROM SLAMMING THE DOOR ON SYRIAN REFUGEES

We rallied in support of Syrian refugees, carrying the message “America Welcomes” and turning back an effort in Congress to block refugees from entering the United States.

Just weeks ago, an anti-refugee backlash had enormous momentum, with Donald Trump and other Republican presidential candidates shamelessly stoking fears and dozens of governors declaring Syrian refugees weren’t welcome in their states.

But something happened that Washington wasn’t expecting: our community stood up. MoveOn members signed and delivered hundreds of thousands of petition signatures. We joined allies in flooding Congress with phone calls, including at least 25,000 from MoveOn members alone. We marched in the streets at dozens of vigils and rallies with “Refugees Welcome” signs. We conducted polling showing Democrats that the public would support them if they stood with refugees. We used social media to share more than 150 digital posters. And we welcomed refugee families into our homes for Thanksgiving-themed dinners.

It worked. When Republicans tried to tuck an anti-refugee measure into the big, must-pass end-of-year spending bill, we stopped them. In the new year, we’ll continue to fight for a country that lives up to the promise on the Statue of Liberty: “Give us your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”

3. WE ELEVATED ELIZABETH WARREN’S LEADERSHIP WITH THE RUN WARREN RUN CAMPAIGN, SETTING THE TERMS OF THE DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

MoveOn members organized across the country to encourage Sen. Elizabeth Warren to run for president and to force the issue of economic inequality into the presidential race as part of our Run Warren Run campaign.

From December through May, MoveOn members organized to show our support for Senator Elizabeth Warren and encourage her to enter the presidential race. We launched the Run Warren Run campaign after more than 86 percent of MoveOn members voted to go forward, and we were quickly joined by our allies at Democracy for America, the Working Families Party, and others. We didn’t ultimately persuade Senator Warren to run, but our campaign and the substantial, sustained media coverage it generated elevated Senator Warren’s voice, focused national attention on the issue of economic inequality, and laid the groundwork for the Democratic primary race.

The Huffington Post’s Sam Stein noted Run Warren Run “affected several debates along the way, helping Warren submarine President Barack Obama’s nomination of Antonio Weiss, a Wall Street banker, to be a top ranking Treasury Department official, and encouraging lawmakers to support the expansion of Social Security. … Side-victories … large enough to hang a few hats.” And Slate’s Josh Voorhees credited Run Warren Run with helping to persuade Hillary Clinton to take “more progressive stands … than anyone had expected.”

4. WE MOBILIZED PUBLIC PRESSURE TO HELP FORCE DOWN THE CONFEDERATE FLAG IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND SUPPORT THE MOVEMENT FOR BLACK LIVES

MoveOn members and allies from Color of Change march to the South Carolina state house, calling on Governor Nikki Haley and legislators to take down the Confederate flag.

After the June massacre of nine Black members of Charleston, S.C.’s Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal church, MoveOn member Karen Hunter launched a petition campaign demanding the removal of the Confederate flag. Her petition became the second-fastest-growing one in MoveOn’s history and helped generate the public attention and pressure that led the state of South Carolina to take down the flag from state house grounds. This was just one of many times this year that MoveOn members rallied for justice for Black Americans, inspired by the moral force of the growing movement for Black lives. We also called for justice for Sandra Bland and Tamir Rice, stood in solidarity with #SayHerName activists who challenged presidential candidates at the progressive Netroots Nation conference, and supported organizers in Chicago calling for Rahm Emanuel’s resignation in the wake of the Laquan McDonald video cover-up.

5. MORE THAN 32,000 GUN-OWNING MOVEON MEMBERS ADDED TO THE PUSH FOR EXECUTIVE ACTION ON GUN VIOLENCE

Fifteen gun-owning MoveOn members traveled to Washington, D.C., in November and met with Senior Advisor to the President Valerie Jarrett and elected officials (including Senator Chuck Schumer [D-NY], above) to convey that they will support President Obama if he takes executive action to strengthen background checks.

After the shooting at Umpqua Community College in Oregon, MoveOn members made gun violence prevention a top priority this fall—with the goal of persuading President Obama to close a gaping gun-sale loophole that allows people to buy guns without background checks. More than 650,000 MoveOn members have now signed a petition calling for tighter gun laws. And more than 32,000 gun-owning MoveOn members worked together to elevate their voices this fall. Fifteen of those gun owners traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with lawmakers and presidential advisor Valerie Jarrett. We also conducted a poll finding overwhelming support for background checks among gun owners and released the results to the media. We anticipate that President Obama will take executive action in January to strengthen background checks and save lives.

6. WE HELPED STOP THE EXECUTION OF AN INNOCENT MAN

MoveOn members demonstrated outside of the United States Supreme Court to stop the scheduled execution of Richard Glossip after a MoveOn Petition campaign led by actor and activist Susan Sarandon and Sister Helen Prejean garnered more than 250,000 signatures and generated nationwide media attention.

Actor and activist Susan Sarandon and Sister Helen Prejean (whom Sarandon played in the film Dead Man Walking) started a MoveOn petition calling on Oklahoma’s governor to stop the execution of Richard Glossip. Glossip came within days or minutes of his death three times this year for a crime the record in the case makes clear he did not commit. More than 250,000 MoveOn members signed Sarandon and Prejean’s petition and thousands called the governor, shared information on social media, participated in on-the-ground demonstrations, and chipped in to run ads that helped to thrust the issue into the national spotlight and to support Glossip’s legal defense. In September, Gov. Fallin stayed his execution at the very last minute, and all executions in Oklahoma are now on hold until at least next spring. This was just one of many campaigns MoveOn members organized this year to call attention to structural flaws in and the need for reform of our nation’s broken criminal justice system.

7. WE CONTRIBUTED FUNDS TO RESPOND TO INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC TRAGEDIES

MoveOn members joined together to contribute hundreds of thousands of dollars to organizations doing direct relief work after tragedy struck.

More than 100,000 MoveOn members chipped in to fund our campaigning this year—but we didn’t stop there. When tragedy struck, we passed the virtual hat to raise funds for organizations doing relief work, including contributing more than $500,000 to organizations on the ground after a devastating earthquake in Nepal in April, groups helping rebuild Black churches in the South after arson attacks this summer, and relief efforts supporting Syrian refugee families in meeting basic, everyday needs.

8. WE RAN THOUSANDS OF CAMPAIGNS ON THE MOVEON PETITIONS PLATFORM

MoveOn member and petition creator Lois Wilkins delivers her MoveOn petition calling for an investigation into the death of Sandra Bland to the federal Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.

MoveOn members started and led thousands of petition campaigns this year using MoveOn Petitions, collecting more than 9 million signatures, organizing nearly 500 in-person petition delivery events, generating thousands of news stories, and using our progressive people power to put pressure on decision makers to do the right thing. MoveOn members averaged one victory every other day this year, fueling wins such as expanding Medicaid coverage in Montana, stopping cuts in disability services in Connecticut, blocking Gov. Scott Walker from undermining teacher licensing standards in Wisconsin, and defeating anti-gay religious freedom legislation in Arkansas.

9. WE PARTNERED WITH ROBERT REICH TO TELL THE TRUTH ABOUT OUR ECONOMY

Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich partnered with MoveOn on The Big Picture — a video series debunking right-wing myths and setting the record straight about how we can strengthen our economy and make it work for everyone.

This year, we did an end run around corporate media with a video series featuring Robert Reich that debunks right-wing economic myths and focuses on commonsense solutions to our nation’s most pressing problems. Our Big Picture series addresses issues including money in politics, too-big-to-fail Wall Street banks, mass incarceration, the fight for a $15-per-hour minimum wage, threats to Social Security, and the skyrocketing cost of education. Millions watched and shared these big ideas which would vastly improve the lives of regular Americans—and the project was so successful that we’re planning more videos in the year to come.

10. WE STOOD IN SOLIDARITY WITH PLANNED PARENTHOOD AND SAID NO TO CUTS

MoveOn.org Civic Action Executive Director Anna Galland joined allies from DailyKos, CREDO, and Democracy for America to deliver more than 1 million petition signatures to senators, including Democratic Leader Harry Reid and Sen. Elizabeth Warren.

When anti-abortion extremists released deceptively edited videos to undermine Planned Parenthood, MoveOn members mobilized. More than 288,000 MoveOn members signed petitions demanding that Congress not cut funding for Planned Parenthood’s health centers. We ran ads and shared powerful graphics setting the record straight. We generated more than 10,000 calls to Congress. And we partnered with Planned Parenthood to organize 138 events—about half of which were led by MoveOn members—to #PinkOut the country. Thanks to our work and the work of allies at dozens of other feminist and progressive organizations, Democrats in Congress stood strong and prevented cuts.

And that’s hardly all we accomplished. MoveOn members also did powerful work this year to prevent Congress from signing off on the Trans-Pacific Partnership, to support the Federal Communications Commission in adopting new rules to protect Net Neutrality, to secure President Obama’s rejection of the Keystone XL pipeline, to build support for expanding Social Security benefits, to build the movement to overturn Citizens United and get big money out of politics, and so much more.

In these fights, as in many others, we made our voices heard and made real progress, showing what people power can accomplish. And this work was fueled by more than 100,000 MoveOn members chipping in—with an average contribution of $23—and by millions of MoveOn members taking action. Thank you for all you’ve done to make this happen.

We have much to be proud of, but much remains to be done. Will you chip in to power MoveOn members’ organizing in 2016? Click here if you can.

MoveOn.org Political Action is a federally registered political committee and is subject to the Federal Election Campaign Act. MoveOn.org Civic Action is organized as a nonprofit organization of under section 501(c)4 of the Internal Revenue Code. Although each organization undertook its own programs, for the sake of simplicity this top 10 list describes the work of both organizations as having been carried out by “MoveOn.”

The post Reflecting on our work in 2015 appeared first on MoveOn: People-Powered Progress.

It didn’t just happen. We fought for it. And we won.

In the middle of this holiday season, we wanted to share what happened—and celebrate—with you.

Just weeks ago, an anti-refugee backlash had enormous momentum. Donald Trump and other Republican presidential candidates were shamelessly stoking fears and scapegoating refugees in the aftermath of the Paris attacks. Dozens of governors declared Syrian refugees weren’t welcome in their states.

Congressional offices were “hearing more on this refugee issue than they have heard on any other issue in the last eight years, more than Obamacare, more than anything,” according to insiders quoted by Politico.² The U.S. House quickly passed a draconian bill, with a veto-proof majority, to effectively stop Syrian resettlement programs.

Everyone thought the anti-refugee bill would sail through the Senate. Or if it didn’t, then surely it would be attached to the must-pass spending bill, as conservatives were demanding. Either way, thousands of Syrian families would find their hope of safety suddenly disappear.

But something happened that Washington wasn’t counting on: our community stood up.

We signed and delivered hundreds of thousands of petition signatures. We flooded Congress with phone calls—at least 25,000 calls from MoveOn members alone. We marched in the streets at dozens of vigils and rallies with “Refugees Welcome” signs held high. We conducted polling research showing that Democrats can confidently stand with refugees. We used social media to share more than 150 digital posters celebrating legislators who did the right thing—and calling out those who caved in the face of fear.

And we welcomed refugee families into our homes for Thanksgiving-themed dinners. I hosted one at my home—where newcomers to America broke bread with civic leaders, my family members, and our member of Congress, Representative Jan Schakowsky.

Through all of this work, we gained momentum in our work to defend America’s highest ideals. First, the Senate refused to pass the terrible House bill. Then, when Republicans tried to tuck the anti-refugee measures into a big, must-pass spending bill, we kept fighting back—and by the time House Speaker Paul Ryan counted his votes, so many representatives had changed their position that he had to abandon the effort.

There is so much more we can—and must—do to tackle one of the greatest global migration and refugee crises since World War II. But last week marked an important victory in turning back some very dark impulses in American politics.

As many of us prepare to spend holidays with family, we also remember that there are many people who have no home to turn to, including more than four million Syrian refugees—half of whom are children—and millions more around the world.³ Over the past month, we have taken small steps to help these families. In the new year, with new resolve, let’s continue to work to live up to the essential values proclaimed on the Statue of Liberty: “Give us your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”

The post VICTORY: Anti-Refugee Measure Defeated in Congress appeared first on MoveOn: People-Powered Progress.

On Wednesday June 19, nine Black South Carolinians were gunned down after welcoming a man into their Bible study. Their deaths were a direct result of hatred and racism.

The next day, as South Carolina—and the nation—mourned their deaths, a symbol of hatred and racism against Blacks still flew in front of the South Carolina statehouse. This didn’t sit well with MoveOn member Karen Hunter, and so she decided to do something about it. The next day, she began a petition that would become the second-fastest-growing in MoveOn.org history. In total, more than 500,000 Americans signed Karen’s petition demanding that South Carolina #TakeDownTheFlag.

Karen and dozens of South Carolina MoveOn members delivered our petition to Governor Nikki Haley, and the next day, we found out that we had won! The Confederate flag was ordered to be removed from in front of the statehouse.

To be sure, this is the result of decades of work by thousands of Americans and many groups, including especially the NAACP. But we’re excited and honored that MoveOn members were able to play an important role in this historic moment.

Check out this video from the petition delivery in South Carolina.

The post VICTORY: The Confederate Flag comes down from the South Carolina statehouse appeared first on MoveOn: People-Powered Progress.

“Today’s Supreme Court ruling in King v. Burwell upholds critical components of the Affordable Care Act and means millions of Americans will keep their health care coverage. This is tremendously good news.

“Plain and simple, the Affordable Care Act is the law. It is popular, essential, and constitutional. Republicans need to cease their frivolous attacks on this law that threaten the health care and well-being of the American public. It is time for them to move on.”

The post MoveOn Applauds SCOTUS Decision on ACA: ‘GOP Must End Frivolous Attacks on Obamacare and Move On’ appeared first on MoveOn: People-Powered Progress.