At American Promise, 2021 was a year for connecting and collaborating: in person and online, with citizens and organizations across our nation. As we welcome new supporters and volunteers who join the fight for their political voice and the future of our democracy, we continue to advance our movement for a Constitutional amendment.
As the end of the year nears, American Promise looks back on some key accomplishments, milestones, and successes — all due to the grassroots campaign to get big money out of politics powered by citizens across the country.
Democracy for All Amendment Introduced in Congress
A bipartisan group of representatives including Ted Deutch (D-FL), John Katko (R-NY), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), and Jim McGovern (D-MA) in February introduced federal legislation calling for a Constitutional amendment to end unlimited political spending. The Democracy for All Amendment, which would affirm the right of states and the federal government to pass laws that regulate spending in elections, was introduced in the Senate in September by U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).
Virginia Is 22nd State to Call for 28th Amendment
In January Virginia became the 22nd state to pass legislation supporting efforts for an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would set reasonable limits on raising and spending of money to influence elections.
American Promise Announces New Advisory Council Members
Drawing from a variety of political and professional experiences and a range of economic and demographic perspectives, American Promise introduced 12 new members to its Advisory Council.
Release of Under the Avalanche Report
American Promise and Stand with Maine released Under the Avalanche: Maine’s $200 Million Senate Race, an investigative report revealing the levels and sources of big, dark money that flooded into Maine and made the state’s 2020 U.S. Senate campaign the most expensive in its history.
Spiral of Silence Video Premiere
Spiral of Silence, a short film by Independent Spirit Award nominee Noah Hutton, debuts on American Promise’s Facebook page. The video shows how Americans can exercise their political power and break big money’s grip on government.
NCLC Highlights and Virtual Lobby Days
The annual National Citizen Leadership Conference in May included a mix of powerful speakers and programming, including sessions with National Advisory Council member and former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin. The Citizen Lobby Days led by American Promise members from across the country included more than 100 virtual meetings with constituents and their members of Congress.
Launch of National Advocacy Team Calls
American Promise launched a series of ongoing teams focused on skills like writing letters to the editor, meeting with elected officials, and friend banking. These volunteer-led teams meet monthly to share action-oriented skills and tips.
Launch of Maine Ballot Initiative
In partnership with Protect Maine Elections, American Promise is working to pass a groundbreaking citizens’ initiative to eliminate foreign influence and corruption in Maine elections.
Pennsylvania Campaign Launch on Constitution Day
The American Promise Constitution Day celebration included the launch of a campaign to make Pennsylvania the 23rd state to call for a Constitutional amendment. American Promise leaders gathered at Independence National Park in Philadelphia for an event featuring a cross-partisan coalition of Pennsylvanians.
