February 2023
GETTING READY TO SPRING INTO ACTION
We now understand that there are no off years when it comes to politics. Still, it’s hard to shed the illusion that we can take a break until the next “big” elections roll around. Changing this perilous misunderstanding is possible when we take to heart the lessons of nature’s cycles. Underneath the apparent quiet times, there’s vital activity underway to prepare for the more eye-catching seasons to come. You can’t have one without the other.
So it is with grassroots organizing.
Nobody better understands this cycle of replenishment and restoration to create the conditions necessary for growth and high yields than Airlift’s partner groups. As our friend Dan Pfeiffer of Pod Save America notes, “There is a level of exhaustion in knowing that democracy depends on every election, but these are the times in which we live.” We cannot wait for 2024 to get ready. Our partners don’t just go away during so-called off years (unless they can’t meet their monthly payroll). They plan, improve operations, develop leadership, build and sustain a community of supporters based on shared interests, hold elected officials accountable, register and engage voters, and make sure they can hit the ground running for the crucial elections ahead.
Some of those crucial elections occur in 2023, and already require active mobilization. Wisconsin’s rapidly approaching state Supreme Court race is a crucial chance to flip the conservative majority to more progressive. (Read more about it below, and be sure to save the date for Live from the Frontlines, February 28, 5:00 pm PT.) Later in the year, Virginia’s entire state legislature is up for re-election—a chance to restore progress sadly reversed by GOP gains in 2021. These are just the headline races—there are plenty of local elections in 2023 in every battleground region. Sustained investment is necessary for both the short- and long-term progress we seek.
Esteemed journalist Anand Giradharadas recently counseled in his must-read, brief post to “ignore the sideshows and focus on building . . . a movement [that is] attractive, fun, substantive, visionary, tomorrow-oriented, rooted in people's lives, open-armed, fiery, merciful.” It’s an apt description of every single one of the grassroots groups Airlift supports.
Our role is to feed the grassroots with financial support so they have what is necessary to build the bright future to come. Thank you for being a vital part of this cycle.
AIRLIFT TOO IS BUSY!
Airlift is deep into planning for 2023 and beyond. We’re meeting with group leaders to learn their priorities and plans; fine-tuning our portfolio to best address the political landscape; and planning events and communications to keep you engaged and informed throughout the year.
Your feedback matters to us
So if you haven’t yet filled out our recent survey,
please take two minutes to share your thoughts:
FLIP THE WISCONSIN SUPREME COURT!
The April 4th state Supreme Court election is a moment of extreme peril—and opportunity. It has implications that will affect national politics for years to come, really at every level of government. We can go down one path or the other.
--Ben Wikler, Chairman of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin
Conservative justices on Wisconsin’s top court have held a 4-3 majority for years, enabling the most notoriously gerrymandered maps in the country, unfair representation, harsh voter restrictions, and a near-total ban on abortion. But with one of them retiring, we have a chance to flip the court to a more progressive majority.
This could mean:
Fairer maps in place for 2024, ending the GOP stranglehold on the state legislature
Thwarting election deniers’ ability to overturn results they don’t like, including the 2024 presidential race
Overturning a draconian 1849 abortion ban reinstated after Roe’s fall
Making it easier, not harder for Wisconsin residents to vote
The top two winners of the officially non-partisan February 21 primary will face off in the general election April 4. There are two outstanding progressives and two conservatives. One from each camp is expected to advance. You can be sure that the far right will be going all in to win. We must do the same.
Be a part of making sure Wisconsin goes down the better path . . .
SAVE THE DATE
On Wisconsin: Courts Really Matter
Ben Wikler, Chair Wisconsin Democratic Party
February 28, Tuesday, 5 pm PT / 8 pm ET
with dynamic leaders from Airlift's partner group in Wisconsin:
Leaders Igniting Transformation (LIT)
WE FEED THE GRASSROOTS
Airlift donors really knocked it out of the park in 2022. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to surpass our million dollar goal and distribute $1.06 million among our partner groups. Check out the fundraising fact sheet.
Now it’s time to help the grassroots groups that Airlift funds replenish, rebuild, and gear up for the fight ahead.
Donate by Check. Set up automatic payments to Airlift with the Bill Pay service at your bank, or send a check directly to: Airlift, PO Box 617, Corte Madera, CA 94976
Donate Online at ActBlue. Just click the DONATE button.
For Tax-Deductible Giving. Email Ruth Jaeger at ruth@airlift.fund
Spread the word! Tell your friends and family about Airlift and our events and share this newsletter.
Thanks
FIELD NOTES
This is what people power looks like in Arizona! LUCHA’s Alex Gomez meets with newly elected Governor Katie Hobbs. LUCHA was key to her victory and the fight for expanded family leave.
♥ Down Home North Carolina is Sending valentines to every state legislator to push for Medicaid Expansion:
Pennsylvania Stands Up scored a huge victory last year getting $125 million into the state budget for Whole-Home Repairs. Now they’re lobbying Governor Shapiro for recurring funding.