"The current president has cloaked America in darkness for much too long. Too much anger. Too much fear. Too much division. Here and now, I give you my word: If you entrust me with the presidency, I will draw on the best of us not the worst. I will be an ally of the light not of the darkness." - Joe Biden
Take a Breath & Celebrate
Before the RNC convention begins, take a few minutes to appreciate all the recent good news:
Despite the limitations of Covid, the Democratic party staged an engaging and inspiring convention last week.
Florida's primary election was a success in several ways: Democrats out-voted Republicans statewide, many good candidates won, and despite the growth of vote-by-mail, votes were counted on time with few challenges.
Last Friday's local Biden rally drew more than 75 sign wavers and enthusiastic support from passersby. Congrats to all!
JEA Board Meeting - Tuesday, 8/24
JEA's board is in the process of developing a new mission statement to guide their search for a new CEO and shape the company's future. When they meet tomorrow at 9 am via Zoom, the first order of business will be taking public comments. Sign on early and use your 3 minutes to make the case for JEA's future to include concrete goals to address climate change and reduce our carbon footprint. Details here.
August 27 - Axe Handle Saturday
The 60th anniversary of this infamous, racially motivated attack on peaceful Jacksonville protesters lands on a Thursday this year - the same day Donald Trump will deliver his acceptance speech to the RNC Convention. It's an excellent day to be reminded of how far our city and our nation have to go in the struggle for racial justice and to take action. Do what makes moves you but consider:
The NAACP is holding a size-limited commemoration event from 12-2 pm in the newly renamed James Weldon Johnson Park. Join in via Zoom.
Make a donation to the racial justice organization of your choice.
Write a Letter to the Editor or to the JAX city council urging more resources for services, schools and jobs in the city's neglected neighborhoods. The city's budget is not yet final, so speak up now.
Defeat by Tweet
Though we can give thanks the RNC Convention is not taking place here this week, it will still be hard to ignore. Let your outrage power your activism. Volunteer for people who inspire you, donate to candidates you believe in, and consider defeatbytweet.org - a PAC that lets you contribute an amount of your choice every time Trump tweets - the money going to racial justice groups like Color of Change. Learn more here.
Phone- and Text-Banking for VBM
Vote-by-mail was a key factor in many Democratic primary victories last week. Now we have exactly one month before VBM ballots will begin to be mailed out for the November general election. That means no time to waste in signing people up for this safe, convenient way to vote. Join BAM groups for Wednesday night Text-banking, or phone-banking Saturday morning or twice on Sundays. These are great ways to meet other progressives and have expert advice standing by via Zoom as you work. If postcarding is your thing, we're doing that, too ! Click here for details.
Want a Yard Sign?
In a year when Covid has closed off a lot of conventional campaign tools, yard signs seem more important than ever. At the rally last Friday, many different people asked where they could get a Biden-Harris yard sign. Over the past month we've also had requests for a variety of other candidates' signs. Though BAM is not in the yard sign business, if you're having trouble finding what you need, write us at beachesactivistmovement@gmail.com and we'll put you in touch with the right contacts.
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