First Church Defend Democracy Team, Common Ground, and UU the Vote Collaborate.
On November 2, the Leenhouts Common Room was packed with 81 souls for Get Out the Vote. UU the Vote organizer, Nora Rasman, had gotten the word out via the UU Network to come together at First Church.
Over 40 people came from Illinois UU churches in Evanston and Oak Park. Two folks traveled from Minnesota. Denise Woods ventured from Washington DC. Interesting fact…Denise is the daughter of Eleanor Woods who founded our Sunday Forums back in 1970.
Rev. Jennifer and Nora welcomed the throng. Common Ground founder, Bob Connolly, then explained that we’d be canvassing in various public housing locations, with the purpose of not only assisting residents with voting, but helping them resolve unsuitable living conditions with Milwaukee’s Housing Authority. After a lunch provided by UU the Vote, Common Ground organizers conducted training for the volunteers.
After spending the afternoon canvassing, an evaluation was held. The canvassers turned in their documentation sheets and everyone had an opportunity to share their experiences. One 60 year old resident had never voted. He was incarcerated decades ago and didn’t realize his right to vote had been restored. He was thrilled to learn that he could vote for the first time. Canvassing in public housing was repeated on November 3rd with around 30 volunteers.
In August, First Church leaders had committed to doing 80 individual shifts in public housing. Our GOTV weekend turnout alone easily exceeded that goal. Many thanks to the First Church members and friends who participated in this effort!
By Jerry Fredrickson
PS: See this November 13 letter of thanks from the First Church Defend Democracy Team to all who Defended Democracy this year.