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Dear Juan,
When grassroots donors challenged everyone to own a piece of the Democratic Party, nearly 10,000 people who had never given before answered the call.
In just one week, nearly 10,000 new donors changed this party in a fundamental way, drastically expanding a group of stakeholders building a political party owned by no one but the people.
At the end of this message, I've included a sampling of the notes written by these new donors to the person who matched their pledge. I hope you'll take a look.
These thousands of Americans joined a community of ordinary Americans who want to change direction in this country. Together, we are underwriting a 50-state strategy to support Democrats in every state, up and down the ballot. They now own a piece of its success.
But that success depends on more than just dollars. It depends on the investment of time, energy and creativity you make as well. Will you volunteer in your state?
http://www.democrats.org/volunteer
Your information will be sent directly to the state party operation on the ground in your state. We've also built a volunteer resource center to give you all the tools you need to take this election into your own hands:
http://www.democrats.org/volunteer/resources
Here are those comments I promised. They are written by Americans from all parts of the country, from all walks of life. These Democrats are united in their desire to make our country and our democracy better.
That's the Democratic Party I know. Thank you for being a part of it.
Yours sincerely,
Tom
Tom McMahon
Executive Director
Democratic National Committee
David P. in New Orleans, Louisiana --
Thanks for matching my contribution -- it's not much, but it's nice to know people are out here making the most out of even small opportunities.
Sherman J. in Blacklick, Ohio --
It's an honor to make my first contribution to the DNC with you as my match. It's an even bigger honor to know that the man I supported in 2004, Howard Dean is the right man, in the right place, at the right time, and at such a critical time in our party's history. I too believe that the time has come for Democrats to either lead, follow, or get the hell out of the way, so that our government can truly be again, of, by, and for the people. Thanks again.
Eric N. in Plymouth, Massachusetts --
Thank you for matching my donation. This is my first ever donation to a political party, but I think it is important that politicians are not completely at the mercy of large businesses and special interest groups for their donations. That is what hooked me.
Kent C. in Comstock, Wisconsin --
Thank you for matching my contribution. This is the first time I have ever donated to a campaign. I have never been so motivated to vote, I am a father, husband, veteran, retired military, and now manage a small nonprofit organization. This will be my first ever straight party ticket vote. I expect my Democratic vote to protect the constitution, provide dialog and compromise in government, provide services for the needy and elderly, restore the middle class and an economy that treats all people fairly, and provide a plan to fix Iraq and protect our country. May god Bless America once again and the Democrats!
Nancy F. in Seattle, Washington --
Thank you for matching my contribution. This is the first I have donated this year, and it was YOU who made me feel inspired to do so. I hope we can truly make a difference in how our country goes about its business in the near future. It is time for change.
Harold D. in Schertz, Texas --
Thanks for your matching contribution. I am a retired educator of 32 years who wants to see a change in the direction of our country. I have high hopes that we can make a major change in Congress! Thanks again.
Bill B. in Forest Hills, New York --
Thanks for signing up to match my (or someone's) contribution. It made the difference for me, and inspired me to give. I like the program.
Kyle T. in Dallas, Texas --
Thank you. Your match probably pushed me over the line to contribute this year. I actually consider myself an independent, but I am more aligned with Democratic candidates, and I'm committed to doing what I can to alter the course of our government and country.
Sheryl M. in Topeka, Kansas --
Thanks for your commitment to the future of our country! Your willingness to match my contribution was great incentive to donate, and I appreciate it very much!
Annie S. in Madison, Wisconsin --
It's because I knew that someone was going to match my contribution that I gave to the Democratic Party today. That, and I think that the 50-state strategy is a GREAT idea, and I really admire Howard Dean's vision. I've been meaning to give for a while, so thanks for being the reason I finally did!
David T. in New York, New York --
I'm a little embarrassed that I probably wouldn't have put in the time to contribute until I saw the matching-contribution message from the DNC. Thanks for helping me do my part!
Linda L. in Laguna, New Mexico --
Thank you for your matching donation. I hope our joint effort is multiplied a million times across America so that it becomes our government (the government of all Americans) again in November.
Peter J. in Wooster, Ohio --
This is a great idea. I don't have much money or time to commit personally, but I've at least convinced my wife, who used to be a Republican, to vote for Ted Strickland and Sherrod Brown in Ohio.
Matt T. in Washington, D.C. --
Your pledge encouraged me to contribute for the first time, and I'm going to pledge to be a matcher and try to pull someone else in to contribute for the first time. I believe that the 50-state strategy will make us competitive in districts that we've never been competitive in before, and is the way for the Democratic Party to lead our country in the right direction.
Joyce B. in Kingston, New Hampshire --
Hopefully my "whisper" when joined by many more "whispers" will become a huge roar.
William R. in Ness City, Kansas --
Thanks for matching my contribution. We Democrats in Kansas are hopeful of making gains against our very conservative Republicans. It is a tough fight here, but we won't give up. Watch on election night and I think you will see that Kansas is not as far-right Republican as some believe. We are taking our state back.
Once again, thanks.
Cynthia D. in Houston, Texas --
I have been lazy this year as far as giving money is concerned. The matching offer closed the deal -- I feel so much better!
Katie C. in Portland, Oregon --
I too don't have a lot of money to contribute right now. But I was inspired to give ten dollars because I knew someone else in the United States believed our country was at a crossroads in this election. Thank you for being that person and matching my contribution.
Carol M. in New York, New York --
I have two children, 12 and 13. I like to tell them that the benefits of a democracy also come with an obligation; we have to care. We have to be part of making change happen when we see things going on that we don't like or don't think are right. And we can't afford to become cynical and give up on hope and the basic goodness of people. But "the people" have to make their voices heard. I am happy to join my voice with yours, and hope this is the beginning of a better story for my daughters. |
