November has been an exciting month for the American Promise community. Four American Promise Associations have joined the growing AP family, and just in time for the holiday season!
Port Clinton, Ohio was the first, where 30+ people packed the public library to discuss tangible steps to take towards winning a 28th Amendment. Since the launch, they have already had two meetings and are focused on engaging both members of Congress and Ohio State Representatives.
In Narberth, Pennsylvania, citizen leaders gathered to discuss the importance of a 28th Amendment to the US Constitution and how this new APA will join the chorus of Americans ready to stomp big money out of politics. Pennsylvania State Representative Mary Jo Daley was in attendance and read aloud letters written by constituents about the need for a 28th Amendment. Needless to say, democracy was in full action at this launch!
Nashville, Tennessee is also the home of a brand new American Promise Association. This launch brought together citizen leaders of various backgrounds including two ballerinas, a neuroscientist and an ELS elementary school teacher, just to name a few. This APA proves that citizens across the nation, from diverse backgrounds, are coming together to ensure that citizens govern, not money.
Fired-up citizens gathered in St. Louis, Missouri for another successful APA launch. This vibrant group of citizen leaders are going to make huge waves in this movement for the 28th Amendment. Their lively commentary, unique insights and vigor for change are going to aid this group in creating champions for the 28th Amendment.
These four new APAs join other growing American Promise Associations across the country all working to advance a 28th Amendment to the Constitution. How are they getting this important work done? Through a strong focus on strategic action by empowered citizen leaders. They lead by example, creating champions in Congress, the media, and the general public all focused around a 28th Amendment . All groups plan to meet around the National Citizen Leader monthly conference calls, as well as a second time that month to take part in the four-part new group trainings and strategize on how to best win the 28th amendment, starting in their community.
These APAs present a real opportunity for breakthroughs in this movement. With only one republican co-sponsor of federal legislation calling for a Constitutional amendment in Congress, all four states have the exciting opportunity to to push their, often republican, elected officials to support this cross-partisan solution to a cross-partisan problem.
People power this movement forward, and only the people who will win back our democracy. If you’d like to start an APA in your community, email Citizen Empowerment Coordinator Wambui Gatheru at wambuig@americanpromise.net!
