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Highlights from Leadership Summit

In May 1886, from a Senate Chamber in the US Capitol, the Supreme Court created the corporate “person.” And so 130 years later, it is appropriate that Move to Amend’s grassroots leadership has converged here and unanimously affirmed our strategy for passing the We the People Amendment.

In the opening remarks, our leadership team unveiled our 10 Year Year Strategic Plan to the Pass the "We the People" Amendment, speaking to the powerful moment in which we find ourslelves. “Movements have to transcend political campaigns," said national director Kaitlin Sopoci-Belknap. "You have to have an intentional plan to continue going forward after that initial moment of excitement.”

“It’s really good to see a written document with a viable route to success! It helps to ground my work and give it intention,” said Spokane Move to Amend's Stacy Cossey.

Providing grassroots organizers with the resources and tools they need to mobilize their communities is among the most important roles the national team plays in our coalition. From using technology to connect with supporters and volunteers to solidarity organizing across movements and issues, the Friday afternoon and Saturday workshops not only explained what’s available, but how to be effective in their use.  

“Part of what speaks to my heart is how this whole movement is about the power of money versus the power of people,” Stacey added. “I know I’m better prepared than I’ve ever been to be a good ally in our struggle for real democracy.”

The commitment to authentic democracy was palpable among the participants, who possess various levels of organizing experience. "It wasn't even in my mind [to join Move to Amend], it came from just entering the data," said Lynn DuCloux of Saint Paul Move to Amend. "Any opportunity that I get, I talk to Move to Amend!" 

Saturday concluded with artful expression from the Theater of the Oppressed, and a live broadcast for Move to Amend Reports with Eleanor Goldfield and Lee Camp.

Today, we'll be discussing Building Relationships Across Movements with Move to Amend allies and speakers from Black Lives Matter, NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice program, and United We Dream. You can watch the live-stream here.

Our purpose here is a joint one. We are building power and movement strength, and we are also taking it to the halls of Congress in our first ever National Lobby Day on May 9. We need to flood Congress with calls on Monday and throughout the week! Click here for guides and details.

What stratified elite Judges created here 130 years ago, We the People shall rend asunder—in ten years or less! We welcome you to join us!

Yours in the movement,

Daniel Lee, David Cobb, Edgar Franks, Egberto Willies, George Friday, Jerome Scott, Kaitlin Sopoci-Belknap, Keyan Bliss, Laura Bonham, Ruthi Engelke, Virginia Rasmussen, Timothy Martin Flanagan