NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kathy Haselmaier, Communications Lead
Phone: 970-214-7267
Email: kathy@jointheunion.us
The Union Mobilizes Pro-democracy Volunteers
Republican, Democrat and Independent Voters Join Forces
[USA, Aug 27, 2024] The Union, a single-issue, pro-democracy coalition of grassroots volunteers and partner organizations, has become an independent entity. Launched in the spring of 2022 as a subsidiary of The Lincoln Project, The Union has grown to include tens of thousands of volunteers across all 50 states. The volunteers partner with over 100 partner groups and organizations to support pro-democracy efforts.
The Union is unique because our volunteers are diverse and include Republicans, former Republicans, Independents, Democrats, and unaffiliated voters who are devoting countless hours to safeguard democracy. Many of the volunteers report that this is the first time that they have stepped into the political arena in any capacity other than “voter”. Most say that they are no longer willing to just sit on the sidelines because the stakes are so high.
“The energy and enthusiasm exhibited by our volunteers on an hourly basis inspires me every day,” reports Jacqueline Westman, National Organizing Director for The Union. “And the skills and experience they bring to the effort is impressive. Our volunteers include tech experts, research analysts, attorneys, social media content creators, counselors, writers, graphic artists, former broadcasters, journalists, and executives, and more.”
“The Union was a natural outgrowth of the Lincoln Project,” says Reed Galen, President of The Union, and co-founder of the Lincoln project. “The Lincoln Project has captured the attention of concerned citizens. Many of our followers were asking, “‘How can I help?’ and ‘What can I do?’ So we created The Union to link these patriots with organizations driving meaningful actions. And now The Union is ready to stand on its own.”
“We’re especially proud of the fact that our volunteers span the political spectrum. Concerns about the future of democracy in the US are widespread, and our volunteers are determined to help preserve it,” Westman adds. “We don’t agree on all issues, but we do agree on one thing: our democracy is worth defending. In fact, we practice and model reaching across political boundaries and constantly train and encourage each other to model respectful interactions and seek out areas where we share common values.” Weekly Democracy Defender Training sessions are provided for all new volunteers.
The Union provides grassroots support both virtually and on the ground and focuses on supporting pro-democracy candidates in down-ballot races along with other urgent issues in key states. With nearly 2,000 pro-democracy actions available for volunteers via our Volunteer Action Center, we are focused on pro-democracy Republicans and Independents.
And while our short-term focus is intense, we’re also looking past the general election in November. Many of our volunteers have realized that democracy requires participation, and they’re in it for the long haul.
The Union is a single-issue, pro-democracy coalition of grassroots volunteers and partner organizations,
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For more information or to request an interview with one of our leaders, contact Kathy Haselmaier, Communications Lead for The Union, at 970-214-7267 or via email at kathy@jointheunion.us
News and Notes:
More exciting news! I’m returning to the airwaves (podwaves?) Next week! Stay tuned for more information!