Postcards in the Park - Sunday, May 24th from 1-3pm

Hello fellow tired, but resilient activists!

Ooph - it's been a whirlwind of emotions recently, but the result is that we are just going to have to work a bit harder to get the job done. It sounds like we're still in good stead for flipping the House and potentially the Senate and hopefully that includes a few Virginia districts 🤞 If you have friends feelings down about the VASC ruling, remind them that taking action and being around like-minded folks acts as a salve. They can sign up to receive upcoming postcard event information at tinyurl.com/postcardgatherings. (And if you aren't signed up directly, you can sign up and get these notices with live links :) ).

Postcard options are always a bit limited before primaries are through, but I have general GOTV postcards for Ohio (which has a toss up House seat and Senate seat and a lean R gubernatorial race) and Pennsylvania (three toss up House seats!). I always try to select races where our efforts will be especially impactful. Hopefully a few more postcard campaigns will go live before the gathering.

Our first gathering of the official election season is Sunday, May 24th from 1-3pm at Forest Hills Park at the shelter by the (open!) splash pad. Kids are welcome and feel free to bring a friend or two! There's usually plenty of parking along the street.

1022 Forest Hills Avenue

Charlottesville, VA 22901

Upcoming Dates:

Sunday, June 28th, 1-3 Forest Hills Park (splash pad open)

If you (or a friend) aren't able to attend, but want to help out, sending a donation towards stamps would be wonderful. You can send funds earmarked "postage" to @LaurenBoggs-Meslar on Venmo where 100% goes to postage.

A great way to keep up to date with lots of opportunities to engage by signing up for Albemarle Dems' informative and entertaining newsletter here: https://albemarledems.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=73dd6a27b312e7ec75b9391fc&id=9c11b3f285

One such opportunity is an upcoming Meet the Candidates on May 31st from 1-3 at Firefly. More info at:  https://eventbrite.com/e/candidate-coffee-house-in-may-tickets-1988623838433?keep_tld=true 

Postcarding info:
Remember, stopping by for just a bit is fine! I'll have postcards in sets of 5, so you can do a set and head out if you need to. Able to spend the whole two ours with us? WONDERFUL! Let's aim for 20! Have your own postcards and/or postcard lists you're working on? Feel free to stop by to do some with us! I look forward to catching up with past postcarders and meeting new folks! Invite a buddy to come with you, too. We can vent and plot and plan together 😅

I do ask that all postcards be completed on site and left with their address list so I can ensure they're sent on the appropriate day for each organization. Please note that some bundles require specific scripts, while others do not. Using your phone to photograph the sample script and copying from that works well.

If you'd like to simply swing by and pick up some postcards and a printed guide to get your own addresses and mail them yourself (or host your own postcard party!😍), we will have blank postcards available and printed guides available. I HIGHLY recommend everyone try to have their own little postcard gathering of friends - it's a great way to spend some time together and chat about upcoming elections. The more folks we get engaged in the process, the better! I think there's interest in a consistent Crozet postcarding event, so anyone up for hosting those, I'm happy to help launch your endeavors!

I also posted two 'how to' blog posts with helpful tips for hosting your own, public or private, postcard gatherings. Feel free to check them out here:

How to get addresses & get the word out: https://beve.co/blogs/beve-party-inspiration-and-happenings/the-how-and-why-of-beves-get-out-the-vote-postcards-how-i-got-started

Logistics tips: https://beve.co/blogs/beve-party-inspiration-and-happenings/the-how-and-why-of-beves-get-out-the-vote-postcards-how-i-organize-gotv-postcard-parties

You're welcome to bring postcard stamps to donate, a contribution that will 100% go to postage for postcards, or - if you can't make it - you're welcome to contribute to the cause by sending funds earmarked "postage" to [email protected] via PayPal (friends & family) or @LaurenBoggs-Meslar on Venmo. THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone who has donated funds or postage ❤️

Plenty of postcards and some pens, markers, and stickers will be available, but you're welcome to bring some as well.

Looking forward to seeing you all!

Lauren Boggs Meslar

434.996.4769