Spare Change Makes Big Change
Kari Chisholm
Check this out. At the moment, two of the top five fundraising efforts taking place on ActBlue are for Oregon - Steve Novick for Senate and the DPO's Stop Gordon Smith effort (to raise money for the eventual nominee, whoever it is.) And a couple of days ago, the Draft DeFazio drive was on the top five too.
Between those three efforts, we've already managed to put together over $7760 -- all of it targeted to defeat Gordon Smith. It's only just the beginning, but it's an auspicious one.
The other day, David Mixner wrote about the importance of grassroots fundraising for progressive change. Mixner, by the way, has been one of the most dynamic and passionate activists for peace and gay rights over the last four decades.
Here's what Mixner had to say:
One of the ways that racists in the old South used to stop economically disadvantaged African-Americans from voting was to enforce a poll tax that they had to pay before a vote could be cast. If you had no money, you had no vote.This week we witnessed a new form of the poll tax - if you don’t contribute, you don’t count. ...
If you are able to bundle and raise large amounts of money, you have access, the ability to impact policy and you are first in line for appointments. You are on top of the pile and one of the new “bosses” that have emerged in money politics. ...
However, there is hope. As we have seen in recent campaigns, the Internet has tremendous potential to create communities that work towards shared goals within the political process. Its enormous capacity may also dilute the power of the connected and wealthy by empowering regular Americans to stay informed and take action. The only way we can bring some equality into this shameful process is for millions of people to contribute even five or ten dollars to the candidate of their choice. As more of their contributions come from the larger citizenry; candidates will take notice of the masses before the elite few.
Mixner's right on. If we come together, and each of us donates just a small amount, we really can change the world. And here in Oregon, it's super-easy -- because of the Oregon Political Tax Credit. Through our state tax system, you get $50 to spend on any campaign, and you'll get it back when you file your taxes next year (yes, your refund will go up by $50.)
Just 20,000 contributions of $50 each makes a million bucks. If grassroots progressives in Oregon support our eventual US Senate candidate with a million dollars, the next 2, 3, 4 million will be much easier.
So, let's get started. Have you donated your $50 yet? And once you do, tell just one friend to do the same.
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Apr 19, '07
Just to underscore the impact of small contributions, the number of contributors is also seen as a candidate's rank of strength, and high numbers of modest doners are prized for the fact that they represent a well of resources (financial and otherwise) which can be repeatedly tapped.
I have already e-donated to "Stop Gordon" and after reading up on Novick, i actblue.com'ed, again for a modest amount.
Just one caveat on the $50 Oregon REFUND (which still seems to be a well kept secret), political contributions qualify only for those campaigns Oregonians can vote in. Thus my contributions last year to out of state senatorial candidates wound up coming from my heart (and out of my personal bank account).
10:09 a.m.
Apr 19, '07
I've already done my $50 -- I give $10/month (automatically charged to my bank card) to the Democratic Party of Oregon and to the Multnomah County Democratic Party. I've also given small donations to the Bus Project and the Party as well as a few in-state candidates.
I encourage others to look at the monthly option. $10/month isn't that much -- even when you're like me and don't have a lot of money. But it really adds up and helps the Party or a campaign with its ongoing expenses every month. $20 or $30 a month is even better. ; )
Apr 19, '07
...$20 or $30 a month is even better. ; )
Jenni, soon you'll be talkin' 'bout real money ;-)
Seriously, it's generosity like yours that inspires so many others to finally say to themselves, "I can put in a fiver." You're a multiplier!
And thanks to blogs like BlueOregon and sites like ActBlue which give us the means to donate easily. (So whatcha waitin' for? Hit the button, already!)
12:42 p.m.
Apr 19, '07
Yea, I really like Act Blue. It's great that we can use it all the way down to the state legislative level here in Oregon.
It'll be real nice when we can get some of our democrats running for local office on there as well. They're just holding off on that because they need to know the ins and outs of the requirements. But since now local candidates use the exact same system (ORESTAR) as the leg candidates, hopefully that'll speed things along.
Apr 19, '07
Kari, why tell just one friend?
3:20 p.m.
Apr 19, '07
Because, later, I'll ask you tell another. And another. And another.
<h2>But if we can start with just one, we'll double up. And then, we'll do it again.</h2>