UU the Vote

Protect voting rights and support electoral justice

As part of UUCR’s participation in the national UU the Vote https://www.uua.org/justice/vote2020, UUCR members work to mobilize voters and counter voter suppression. And, we also engage in spiritually grounded, values-based issue conversations with voters in our communities. #VoteLove #DefeatHate

TIMELY and IMPORTANT! Volunteers Needed to Support and Report!

Are you concerned for the people waiting in line at polling places, or even the possibility of problems affecting their ability to vote? Our friends at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax have set up a program where you can go the County Government Center polling site “with proper masking and social distancing, to give what support we can including voter information, sanitized packaged snacks, water, folding chairs, etc. Part of the point is also to watch in case of intimidation. Our role is not direct intervention, but we can be there to support and report.”

For more information and to sign up to volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904044ea9a92fa4fe3-fairfax

Please let Terry Grogan terrymgrogan@gmail.com know if you sign up, so we can help arrange to get you some of the supplies..

There is still more you can do to make a difference in this election and afterwards -- and the opportunities are ever changing!!! Stay informed:


Will you join us to phone bank on Thursday, October 22, 6-8:00pm?

We will make calls to give voting information – not to push a candidate. Your time will be well spent! And, you will have fun too!

IN JUST 3 EASY STEPS, YOU CAN GET READY TO PHONE BANK WITH US ON OCT 22!

STEP 1: Sign up for the North Carolina UU the Vote Phone Bank on Oct 22
How long will Step 1 take? About10 minutes

STEP 2: Get familiar with phone banking for Reclaim Our Vote.
How long will Step 2 take? About 20 minutes

STEP 3: CHOOSE ONE of the following to prepare yourself to make calls before Oct 22.
How long will Step 3 take? It depends. If you choose the last option below it will take you 0 minutes. If you choose any other option, it will take you from 30 minutes to 1-2 hours. It all depends on how much training you want to get BEFORE the Oct 22 phone bank. Of course, there's training at the Oct 22 phone bank, too.

OR

OR

  • Sign up for the North Carolina UU the Vote Weekly Phone Bank on Oct 15 (the week before UUCR co-hosts). You'll find out exactly what THIS phone bank is like and then on Oct 22, you'll be ready to roll! Training and troubleshooting will be provided as part of the phone bank. SIGN UP: https://bit.ly/2Q3hYSJ (same link for every Thursday)

OR

  • Contact Leni to request a one-on-one phone bank training at your convenience. It's easy to learn! And with one-on-one coaching, you'll catch on fast. Leni.nazare1@gmail.com, 703 403 8240

OR

  • Just sign up and come to the Phone Bank on Oct 22! This option is perfect for someone who has experience with virtual phone banking OR just likes to jump into new things and learn as they go. Training and troubleshooting will be provided as part of the phone bank, so don't hesitate to choose this option. SIGN UP: https://bit.ly/2Q3hYSJ

❤️❤️Note from Leni: If we have at least 15 UUCR members/friends at the North Carolina UU the Vote phone bank on October 22, I will give each UUCR participant half a dozen freshly baked, healthy, delicious, assorted mini muffins, and the recipes for them. You will just need to stop by my house (near UUCR) to pick up your muffins!❤️❤️

With your help, we can meet and even exceed our goal!

Contact Leni to let her know you signed up for the
Oct 22 N Carolina UU the Vote phone bank!


In addition to phone banking on Oct 22, you can make calls or send texts ANYTIME, at your convenience! See below!


😊 Make non-partisan phone calls

We make non-partisan calls to people who have been marginalized and whose votes have been systematically suppressed. We empower people by giving them voting information. And they vote! For example, Reclaim Our Vote (UU the Vote partner) reports that of the 79,000 voters contacted for Georgia's June primary, 72% voted, almost 1/3 were first-time primary voters! That's incredible!

We understand that you may be reluctant to make calls. You may feel uncomfortable talking to people you don't know. Many of us have had those same feelings -- but we can tell you from experience that pushing through the discomfort leads to rewarding and often beautiful experiences.

🐼 Note from Leni: Typically, in a two-hour phone bank, I make 40 to 50 calls, speak with 2 or 3 people (following a script), and leave 20+ voice mail messages. I never thought I'd say this, but I love phone banking! It's easy, fun, and rewarding! I hope you will join us on the phones!

💥⭐️💥📞 Call DURING UU the Vote's NATIONAL DAYS and WEEK OF ACTION 💥⭐️💥

UU the Vote Harvest the Power Week of Action, Oct 21-27 https://www.uuthevote.org/harvest-the-power-week-of-action/

UU the Vote National Days of Action, Oct 7-Nov 2 https://www.uuthevote.org/phone-banking/

📞Call on THURSDAYS 6-8pm ET

SIGN UP: https://bit.ly/2Q3hYSJ
North Carolina UU the Vote Weekly Phone Bank is sponsored by the UU Justice Committee of N Carolina and they make calls for Reclaim Our Vote to voters in North Carolina. At the start of each session, there is an optional 30 minute training, and during the session, you can ask questions and get assistance.
🐼 Note from Leni: This phone bank is one of my favorites. The handouts provided to those who sign up are very helpful. Rev. Garcia-Sampson who leads the phone bank is knowledgeable and supportive. This phone bank does not use a dialer, so you dial the number yourself. (You can use Google Voice, if you like.) This is a great phone bank for newbies. I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

📞Call on SUNDAYS 4-7 pm ET

  • Call Sunday's 3-5:30 PM ET: SIGN UP: https://actionnetwork.org/campaigns/reclaim-our-vote-every-sunday-phonebanks
    Reclaim Our Vote National Phone Bank, every Sunday
    🐼 Note from Leni:
    EXCELLENT TRAINING is provided at the start of this phone bank. And even though it's a national phone bank, surprisingly few people seem to attend this phone bank, so you can get a lot support, if you need it. This phone bank does not use a dialer, so you dial the number yourself. (You can use Google Voice, if you like.) I highly recommend this phone bank!

  • Call Sundays 4-7 PM ET: SIGN UP: https://bit.ly/3hJOYuv
    UU Justice Ministry Phone bank, From Worship to Work, makes calls for Reclaim Our Vote. At the start of each session, there is an optional one-hour training, and during the session, you can ask questions and get assistance.
    🐼 Note from Leni: This phone bank is also one of my favorites. Elsa Schafer who is with ROV and UU the Vote gives an excellent in-depth training. This phone bank does not use a dialer so you dial the numbers yourself. (You can use Google Voice, if you like.) I highly recommend this phone bank, especially for newbies! I am sure you'll enjoy it! Hope to see you there!

📞 Call ANY DAY OF THE WEEK

UU the Vote's National Phonebank Hub https://www.uuthevote.org/phone-banking/
🐼 Note from Leni: UU the Vote's National Phone banks use the ThruTalk dialer so you do not dial the numbers yourself. Information about how to get ready to make calls (learn about the dialer and script) are found AFTER you click on the link above and then click on the button for Florida or Wisconsin. There will be training at the beginning of each phone bank and you can get help at any point in chat and Zoom.

Reclaim Our Vote Phonebank Central https://www.votinginformation.org/rovphonebankcentral
This link is a GREAT RESOURCE! So much info! Scroll down to find the calendar of phone banks. Note: Times are in Pacific time, unless otherwise indicated.
🐼 Note from Leni: In addition to calling with a Reclaim Our Vote phone bank, I like calling whenever I have 30 minutes. To do that, I just log myself into the Reclaim Our Vote system and start making calls! Here's where you log in to make calls to N Carolina: http://centerforcommonground.org/main/index.php/campaigns/the-voter-project/nc2 (Note: In N. Carolina, temporarily avoid calling Robeson County, because there's an issue with the system, but all other counties work fine.) Calling on your own, is not for everyone. And I would recommend that you participate in to a few phone banks before making calls on your own.

📞 And there's more! Check out this UUSJ/Reeb Project Calendar

https://all-souls.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Reeb_UUSJ-Voter-Mobilization-Fall-Calendar-1.pdf

😊 SEND TEXTS

📲 TEXT with CASA - English and also Spanish texting needed!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1779JPTYVwHV_Jb0EujLnnvECA8vHDExJ2MXPnoyGnAY/edit#gid=0

🐼 Note from Leni: As Sterling Pilette said after his first text bank experience, "I'm so glad I gave texting a try! It was great! And I'm going to tell others to push themselves a little and give it a try too!".

📲 TEXT - UU Congregations hosting text (and phone) banks and trainings

https://www.uuthevote.org/ Scroll to the bottom of the page for text banks and phone banks and special trainings you can join

📲 And there's more! Check out this UUSJ/Reeb Project Calendar

https://all-souls.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Reeb_UUSJ-Voter-Mobilization-Fall-Calendar-1.pdf

😊 JOIN UUCR's Weekly PHONE & Text BANKING conversation

Every Thursday, 8:15 – 8:45 PM (30 minutes)

Every week, UUCR and UUCSterling members and friends meet on Zoom to chat about their phone banking and text banking experiences. If you are phone banking, text banking, or just thinking about doing so, join us! We'll give you a first-hand report and answer the questions you may have.

🐼 Note from Leni: To get the Zoom link for the next Phone and Text Banking Conversation, please contact Leni, leni.nazare1@gmail.com or 703 403 8240.

😊 Write Letters to increase voter turnout IN MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES

In a few minutes and with one stamp, you can increase the odds that the recipient will register to vote or cast their ballot! To get started:

(1) Go to this special UU link for Vote Forward: https://votefwd.org/uu and register yourself. Also read over the FAQ https://votefwd.org/faq.

(2) Almost immediately you will get an email from Vote Forward. Respond to the questions they ask.

(3) Within a few days, you should get a second email from Vote Forward that will let you know if you have been approved to write letters. If yes, start writing letters! ALL VOTE FORWARD LETTERS MUST BE PUT IN THE MAIL ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17!

(4) If you have any questions, email or text Leni Nazare leni.nazare1@gmail.com, 703 403 8240.

😊 worth a listen: Sept UUCR UU the Vote MEETING

Click HERE for a recording of the meeting. When you listen, you will hear:

  • Two guest speakers from Common Cause talk about voter suppression and voter protection. Even if you've watched the documentary, Suppressed, or any other documentary about voter suppression, you will be shocked to hear what is actually going on right now in Georgia! Things are better in Virginia, but we have problems here too.

  • The answers to the T/F quiz questions about voting in Fairfax County and Virginia.

  • Volunteer opportunities for phone banking and text banking, and how YOU can easily get trained so you can start making calls and sending texts with us.

😊 get latest info from UU the Vote

To be added to the list for special emails from UUCR's UU the Vote:

To be added to the national UU the Vote email list:

😊 LEARN ABOUT VOTING

Resources about voting – locally and nationally

o Vote.org - https://www.vote.org/ How to Register; Check If you Are Registered; Vote by Mail; Voting reminders; Pledge to Register (for those under 18); Polling Place Locator; 2020 Census. Information in English and Spanish!

o Vote.org Guide to Voting Rights https://www.vote.org/election-protection/

o League of Women Voters’ Election Information https://www.vote411.org/ Personalized voting information, in English and Spanish!

o 2020 Voter Guide from VA Interfaith Center https://www.virginiainterfaithcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/2020-VICPP-Voter-Guide-Trifold-final-07.01.20.pdf Deadline dates at a glance and lots of practical information.

o Virginia Department of Elections https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation/Lookup/polling

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Previous announcements and events - Just leaving them here for the record.


Join the League of Women Voters of Georgia's virtual texting party. Contact Georgia voters with information about voter registration and upcoming elections. Contact Gayla Keesee at gayla@lwvga.org with any questions.

  • This is a good opportunity to learn how to text and give it a try!

  • As Sterling Pilette said after his first text bank experience, "I'm so glad I gave texting a try! It was great! And I'm going to tell others to push themselves a little and give it a try too!".


  • Find the Perfect Phone & Text Banks for You! Want to phone bank or text bank to help marginalized communities vote? Email Leni Nazare, leni.nazare1@gmail.com, and she will help you find the phone banks and text banks that meet YOUR schedule, interests, and foreign language skills (including Spanish).

We need your help to mail 1400 postcards before September 25! (Note: This was moved here becasue we now have enough volunteers for the number of postcards we have.)

UUCR in partnership with UUC Sterling has committed to send 1400 postcards to North Carolina to encourage voter registration.Please sign up to write postcards (stamps and other supplies provided):

https://bit.ly/3leATZ8

📲Text with When We All Vote When We All Vote #CouchParty with Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex

Thursday, Aug 20, 5-8:00pm Note: This text bank does NOT use the Hustle app that some of you have had experience with and like. But this text bank is a very special one, and learning to use a new app will probably not be that hard.

📲 Sign up to text Pennsylvania - Sunday, August 16 from 2-5pm Sign up HERE !!!

We’ll be texting voters who are registered to vote but have been inactive since the last Presidential election. In our messages, we’ll be asking them to update their voter registration status and encouraging early voting and/or by mail.

Don’t worry if you’ve never done text banking before: we’ll be training everyone on the technology during the session, and you won’t be using your own phone number. Texting is a great way to talk to voters who are hard to reach in other ways, and we’ll have follow-up available for voters who need more help navigating the process.

Technical requirements: to participate in the text bank, you will need a smartphone running the Hustle app (available for download from the iOS App Store or the Google Play store) or a desktop/laptop running the Chrome browser. We’ll also be meeting on Zoom. When you sign up, you will receive a follow-up email with a Zoom link and an invitation to create a login for Hustle. Before the text bank, please download the Hustle app to your smartphone if you’re planning to use your phone to text: Hustle app on Google Play (Android phones) or Hustle app on iOS app store (iPhones).

Week of Aug 10, 2020

RSVP for the Important UU the Vote Meeting on August 13!

Please join us for an important UU the Vote Meeting on Thursday, August 13, 7:00 – 8:00 pm. Share your thoughts on where we should focus our voter efforts and discuss next steps. To receive Zoom link and password, RSVP NOW to Terry Grogan: Terrymgrogan@gmail.com.



Week of Aug 3, 2020

Sign up to send postcards: We need 40 more volunteers to write 800 more postcards!

Click here now to sign up to send a second round of postcards: https://bit.ly/uuthevote-postcards. If you are already doing postcards and can do more, please sign up again! Your postcards will help stop voter suppression and encourage people to register to vote in Hidalgo County, Texas. We will provide all the supplies, including stamps.

SAVE the DATE: Thursday, Aug. 13, 7:00 PM, for an important UU the Vote Meeting!

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Week of July 27, 2020

Send Postcards to Stop Voter Suppression

In conjunction with UUSJ/Reeb Project and Reclaim Our Vote, we are going to send 1,400 postcards to stop voter suppression and help people register to vote in Hidalgo County, Texas.

Click here now to learn more and sign up to send postcards: https://bit.ly/uuthevote-postcards


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Week of July 20, 2020

Phone & Text Banking to Virginia

Virginia’s new laws allowing universal vote by mail just went into effect on July 1. The Reeb Project and UUSJ are partnering with NextGen Virginia for a series of phone and text banks. We need your help to register new voters and encourage current voters to apply to vote by mail in November!

  1. Training on July 20, please sign up here

  2. To text bank Virginia on July 28, please sign up here

  3. To phone bank Virginia on July 28, sign up here

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Week of July 13, 2020

Watch a Video on How To Get out the Vote with a Friend

Want to get inspired for the work? Watch Laverne and Steve describe how they decided to find buddies and go on an adventure to help voters at the polls, mainly in NC. “How to Effect Change with a Couple of Friends”: https://youtu.be/I0D7gOzgvl4 (BTW, if you bought stamps for postcards as suggested last week, that’s great. We are currently getting the process for postcards set up. In next few weeks, we’ll be able to get started!)

Sign up now to mobilize voters and counter voter suppression!

  1. Go to https://www.uuthevote.org/ and click on “Sign Up for the Next Phonebank” with Showing Up for Racial Justice. Thurs, July 16, 6-8:00 PM (Note: This is new date/time). Session includes 45-min training. Great way to jump into phone banking!

  2. Go to https://www.uuthevote.org/ and click on “Join the Organizing School.” Starts Wed, July 15, 7-9:00 PM. Be part of the UUCR team that will plan the next phase of our UU the Vote campaign!

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week of July 6, 2020

Soon we will be doing postcards!


To get ready to write and mail your postcards,
buy a supply of 35¢ POSTCARD stamps online or at the post office. Your purchase also helps ensure a financially healthy postal service, which we need to meet unprecedented demand for voting by mail this year.

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Week of June 22 and June 29, 2020

RSVP to attend “Suppressed: The Fight to Vote” Documentary Watch Party

Join Marsha Hughes-Rease, Terry Grogan, and Leni Nazare for an online watch party of Suppressed: The Fight to Vote on Thursday, July 2 at 7:00pm. Learn more about UUCR's voter work and how you can get involved. Contact Leni Nazare leni.nazare1@gmail.com to RSVP. For this ZOOM event, you must RSVP ahead of time.

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Week of June 15, 2020

Sign Up To Phonebank During UUA’s General Assembly!

You will get phone bank training and make calls to encourage traditionally marginalized voters in Texas to vote in their state’s primary. UU the Vote’s goal is to make 100,000 calls during GA; will you help? Please email Leni to let her know you signed up (leni.nazare1@gmail.com).

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Week of June 10, 2020

Poor People's Campaign & Moral March on Washington -- A National Call for Moral Revival

Sign up for the Virtual June 20, 2020 March today.

Poor people often do not vote when they think their vote will not make a difference! On June 20, starting at 10:00am, join the Poor People’s Campaign for the Mass Poor People's Assembly & Moral March on Washington. It will be the largest social media gathering of poor and low-wealth people, moral and religious leaders, advocates, and people of conscience in this nation’s history.

Use this special UU link to RSVP for the event. Let's show that UUCR members and friends are rising up for a justice-centered American society and mobilizing to address the needs of the 140 million people who are poor or one emergency away from being poor.

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Week of June 3, 2020

Write Letters to increase voter turnout from under-represented demographics.

In a few minutes and with one stamp, you can increase the odds that the recipient will register to vote or cast their ballot! To get started:

(1) Go to this special UU link for Vote Forward: https://votefwd.org/uu and register yourself. Also read over the FAQ https://votefwd.org/faq.

(2) Almost immediately you will get an email from Vote Forward. Respond to the questions they ask.

(3) Within a few days, you should get a second email from Vote Forward that will let you know if you have been approved to write letters. If yes, start writing letters!

(4) Also, please let Leni Nazare (leni.nazare1@gmail.com) know if you are writing letters. We want to have at least 40 people actively involved in letter writing before we have a UUCR Letter Writing Party!