We at Rights & Democracy know that for too long, too many of our communities have been living in crisis.
Today’s combined COVID and climate crises have exposed this broken system—an inequitable economy and unjust society that has pushed millions of us to the margins.
RAD’s response to the COVID crisis was twofold: Our staff shifted our work to support the immediate needs of our communities. Our staff organizers led or co-led mutual aid efforts in rural and urban communities throughout each state, directly connecting hundreds of people in need to food, shelter, shopping, and other necessary daily supports. You can read more about our work in Vermont and New Hampshire along with links to community resources if you need help.
We’ve done this while working remotely, often in isolation like you. From the start, we made sure our staff was supported and safe: We closed our offices and staff began working from home and we’ve been extending support so they, too, can have time they need to get through this crisis. All regional Chapter meetings, statewide town halls, and convenings are virtual. In addition, all of our deep canvassing work is now being done through phone calls, texts, and email.
Where do we go from here? When will we get back to “normal”?
We don’t know the answers to these questions, but we do know that the old normal will not be enough going forward. It was never good enough. Now is the time for us to start creating a new normal — one that works for all of us.
Since our launch in 2015, RAD has built one of the fastest-growing, member-led, grassroots organizations in the country — with regional chapters throughout Vermont and New Hampshire.
RAD led the coalition that won an increase in the minimum wage in Vermont and transgender rights in New Hampshire, among other universal victories, and have helped to elect dozens of community leaders to local and statewide offices. Those leaders are now in positions of power to help us chart our path forward: a transition to a more just and equitable society.
We built RAD to be resilient, a value that is proving to be exactly what we need right now in our work in communities across our states. If you’re not a member, consider joining us today with a small gift of support — either with an annual donation or by becoming a monthly sustainer.
Click here to show your support for RAD
We know that the work ahead will be hard, but it will be necessary so that out of these crises we can transform Vermont and New Hampshire, and our country, from a place where people’s basic needs are not being met, into systems that create safe, healthy, just, and equitable conditions that allow people to thrive and live to their fullest potential.
Over the coming months, we will be working hard to ensure universal vote-by-mail in our states for the upcoming primaries and general elections.
With your help we can take on the necessary work during this extraordinary time to transform and regenerate our communities in ways that truly benefit all people and the planet. Our goal this week is to raise money for both RAD, which powers our political advocacy work and membership model, and our sister organization the Rights & Democracy Institute, which is where we do our community and policy education work.
For this special #GivingTuesdayNow, we’re asking you to join longtime RAD supporters Ben & Jerry who will match every donation we receive on Giving Tuesday, dollar for dollar, up to $20,000. Their donations will be shared with our sister organization Rights & Democracy Institute, while your donation will support Rights & Democracy.
Check out this awesome video they recorded about why it is important to support Rights & Democracy now, more than ever. And, then ask yourself: Do you support our work and can you make a contribution?
We know things seem scary right now, and that is why we are using this moment to rethink what’s needed, what’s necessary, and to reaffirm what matters most and reimagine what is possible.
By giving to Rights & Democracy, you’re helping us build a future that allows everyone to thrive.