As we welcome new supporters and volunteers who join the work to strengthen our political voices and the future of our democracy, we continue to advance our movement for a Constitutional amendment. Nearing the end of the year, American Promise looks back on some key accomplishments, milestones, and successes — all due to a grassroots movement representing the majority of Americans who want to get big money out of politics.

This year saw record-breaking campaign spending amid soaring voter turnout highlighting the American people’s determination to reclaim our democracy. In 2022, total campaign spending reached $16 billion – reflecting an increasing number of Super PACs, wealthy elites, and foreign agents donating to elections across the country and showcasing the battle for the heart of our democracy.  

As we gear up for a momentous 2023, we’re proud to look back at what the American Promise community has accomplished in 2022. Despite the remnants of the pandemic, we have achieved great things across the country this year. 

Here’s just a taste of the many accomplishments you made possible this year:

#NCLC2022

Citizens from all across America gathered in September at the National Citizen Leadership Conference at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. Here American Promise supporters from across the political spectrum gathered to strengthen our nation against foreign interference, division, and dysfunction. Returning after a three-year hiatus, NCLC welcomed our familiar friends and new supporters to the For Our Freedom movement. 

Weren’t able to make it? Catch up on what you missed on the American Promise YouTube channel. 

Our State-by-State Strategy 

Across the nation, American Promise volunteers do the meaningful grassroots organizing work that drives our successful strategy. With resources from American Promise, volunteers from our nationwide network rallied their communities to speak with elected officials about ensuring every American has an equal voice in the decisions that affect our lives. Volunteers leading state-based action are the driving force behind our strategy. Here are a few notable 2022 highlights from a few states: 

Maine

American Promise volunteers worked alongside our friends at Protect Maine Elections to successfully add a citizen ballot initiative after collecting over 70,000 signatures from Maine voters. The initiative demands the passage of an anti-corruption amendment to the U.S. Constitution that will restore the power of the Maine people and legislature to fully regulate our campaign finance laws. 

Pennsylvania

In the crosshairs of dark money control, Pennsylvania elections saw tens of millions pouring in for candidates gunning for a seat in the Senate. In response, American Promise launched a successful campaign in Pennsylvania, including civic briefings, practical legislative actions for local voters, and a fun “Freedom is Brewing” happy hour. 

New Jersey

American Promise organized two virtual candidate forums that brought together political leaders representing diverse political leanings to tackle the issue of the impact of big money on running a new political campaign. The first forum featured a Democrat, a Republican, a Green Party candidate, and a libertarian candidate. The second forum featured three conservative candidates who had engaged and signed our American Promise candidate pledge.

Virginia

Volunteers in our Virginia chapter remained committed to actively growing awareness in their state through in-person and virtual events. Be sure to join American Promise Virginia for Democracy Day 2023 in Richmond, Virginia on January 24, 2023.  

Texas

Volunteers in our north Texas chapter organized a full house of supporters eager to learn about the dangers of “pay-to-play politics” and how the For Our Freedom Amendment can reclaim our government. Watch that event here. 

Wisconsin

Our Wisconsin chapter continued its full-court press on community, business, and political leaders to make America’s Dairyland an American Promise stronghold in the Midwest. Did you know 166 communities — representing almost 3.2 million residents — have voted to support an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to reduce the influence of big money in politics. 

California

The American Promise California chapter worked tirelessly on the candidate pledge program and held numerous successful fundraising events.

Wyoming

Wyoming volunteers worked diligently with the Legislature and made huge strides in advancing legislative action. Plus, we are thrilled to congratulate Ken Chestek on his successful bid for State Representative. Ken has been a tireless advocate for the For Our Freedom amendment and American Promise. 

Minnesota

The Minnesota chapter had more than 500 face-to-face conversations with their neighbors over a five-day period and came away with over 10% of those signing up to meet with their legislators.

An Amazing Series of Online Events 

In 2023, we reconfigured our popular monthly nationwide calls, AP Connect. In April, we hosted a heartfelt conversation with U.S. Sen. Jamie Raskin about his harrowing experience in the Capitol during the Jan. 6 attack; in June, American Promise VP of Outreach Dr. Jessica Hare joined Dr. Charles Lewis and Sarah Butts to discuss the power of political social work; and in August we talked about claiming power through citizen leadership. If you’re ready to join in these empowering and inspiring conversations, sign up here to be alerted to upcoming events. 

Our Growing Community Moves into 2023

Most importantly, throughout 2022 we welcomed new volunteers from across the nation. The successes of our state chapters demonstrate that no matter where you live, no one is alone in wanting to end the dominance of big money in politics. More than 75% of Americans support a Constitutional amendment to correct this imbalance and unfairness. As it has been with all major movements across U.S. history, everyday citizens are the ones who will reclaim our government from foreign and elite money and ensure a government for We The People.

Learn more about how you can volunteer and take action.

Donate to American Promise

Support American Promise and our cross-partisan work to pass a Constitutional amendment to eliminate dark money corruption in politics and give the power back to the people. Find out more at our donation page, or use the form below to make a gift.