Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Sub/Urban Justice Meeting 9/2/10
Summary
S/J Ballot Initiative Tactic: Registration and Pledges at Colleges
We met to choose a tactic for the Sub/Urban Justice internal action this fall for the ballot initiative campaign. After considering our goals and listing pros and cons for each possible tactic, we agreed that our tactic will be to register and get pledges from college students in collaboration with YouthForce. We will focus on Roxbury Community College and UMass Boston, because they are funded by the state, and we can talk to the students about our shared interest in state funding for public education. See the attachd doc to read more about the process.
Possible Press Conference with Mayor Menino, other officials and YMORE
In addition, Mayor Menino is likely to agree to stand with us publicly against the ballot initiative. In that case, we are likely to work with YMORE to reach out to elected officials from Newton, Brookline and Cambridge for a press conference with us to speak out against question 3.
Full Notes
Present: Cheyenne, Chris, Cora, Eddie, Emmett, Kiersten, Nina
Our Vision
That question 3 on the ballot will fail.
That the youth in Massachusetts will gain power in the political arena.
Our Goals (we may not reach all of these with our action, but we should try for most)
1. We get __ number of people to vote no on question 3 who otherwise would not have
Strategies include:
Make sure that folks who will vote, vote no
Register more people who would vote no
Make sure the no votes turn out to the polls
2. We build power for youth and youth interests through publicity.
3. We increase publicity for S/J (helps with funders, new teen recruits)
4. We build power with public officials as S/J (helps with future campaigns)
5. We build relationships with teens (build our base)
6. We strengthen our relationship to the rest of YMORE
Possible Tactics (Actions) for S/J
Gathering pledges in low-income areas (esp. Allston/Brighton)
***Registration at colleges (because it would build a relationship with Youthforce)
Gathering pledges in Brookline and Newton
Internal action (e.g. reaching out to our parents, schools)
Phoning the Boston Mobe network to get pledges
TO DO for Campaign: College Registration
Choose schools?
Deadline/timeline research (October 12?)
BAASIC training coordination
Develop education materials
Decide who wants to do what
Fliers, handouts, pledge cards
Groups we want to work with
College groups, phenom
Reach out to colleges
Recruit volunteers
Research if it’s happening and where (MassVote)
Training for volunteers
Research on the schools
Develop a message
Figure out how to slip in info about S/J
How can they connect
Talk to YouthForce
Take pictures
Press strategy
Follow up with calls
Facebook—Pledging
Committees
Turnout
Research on colleges and outreach to college groups
Education (include presentation, and fliers)
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Ballot Initiative fall campaign
In the last few days of SJS, we started thinking about the fall. Several groups met and created tentative goals.
Base-Building
General Goal: To recruit more people
Specific Goals: 1. To get 15 new teens involved and build relationships with them. 2. To build organizational relationships within YMORE and maybe other groups.
Possible Tactics: 1. Article in school newspapers to get students involved. 2. Have a party with several organizations.
Education
Targets: 1. Young adults at state and community colleges who are uninformed or undecided about the ballot initiative. 2. People who are not registered to vote, esp. low income families and young adults.
Action
Goals: 1. Register x number of voters, 2. Gather x number of pledge cards.
Base-Building
General Goal: To recruit more people
Specific Goals: 1. To get 15 new teens involved and build relationships with them. 2. To build organizational relationships within YMORE and maybe other groups.
Possible Tactics: 1. Article in school newspapers to get students involved. 2. Have a party with several organizations.
Education
Targets: 1. Young adults at state and community colleges who are uninformed or undecided about the ballot initiative. 2. People who are not registered to vote, esp. low income families and young adults.
Action
Goals: 1. Register x number of voters, 2. Gather x number of pledge cards.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Map of our Campaign
For the SJS 2010 ballot initiative campaign, there are three sub-campaigns around people that have power 1. Potential voters (esp, those not yet registered) who would vote "no", 2. Mayor Menino of Boston, 3. The Media. Here is the campaign plan for each:
1. Potential "No" Voters
Target: Potential "No" Voters
Goal: To register 160 new voters, and 160 pledges committing to a "no" vote on the ballot initiative. In other words, there will be 10 new voters and 10 pledges for everyone in SJS.
Tactic: To make posters, register voters and solicit pledge card signatures in neighborhoods with low rates of voter registration and where most people would vote "no" on the ballot initiative.
Message: Vote for more opportunities, vote for stronger communities, vote no on question 3.
2. Mayor Menino
Target: Mayor Menino
Goal: Mayor Menino will speak publicly against Question 3.
Tactic: Writing a letter to Mayor Menino asking him to take a public stance against question 3.
Message: You are just one voter, but by speaking up, you can influence thousands.
3. Media
Target: The public, particularly in Brookline, Cambridge, Roxbury and Dorchester.
Goal: To educate 100 people about question 3.
Tactic: Writing letters to the editor for papers in Brookline, Roxbury and elsewhere. Distributing pamphlets.
Message: Protecting public protection is a priority.
1. Potential "No" Voters
Target: Potential "No" Voters
Goal: To register 160 new voters, and 160 pledges committing to a "no" vote on the ballot initiative. In other words, there will be 10 new voters and 10 pledges for everyone in SJS.
Tactic: To make posters, register voters and solicit pledge card signatures in neighborhoods with low rates of voter registration and where most people would vote "no" on the ballot initiative.
Message: Vote for more opportunities, vote for stronger communities, vote no on question 3.
2. Mayor Menino
Target: Mayor Menino
Goal: Mayor Menino will speak publicly against Question 3.
Tactic: Writing a letter to Mayor Menino asking him to take a public stance against question 3.
Message: You are just one voter, but by speaking up, you can influence thousands.
3. Media
Target: The public, particularly in Brookline, Cambridge, Roxbury and Dorchester.
Goal: To educate 100 people about question 3.
Tactic: Writing letters to the editor for papers in Brookline, Roxbury and elsewhere. Distributing pamphlets.
Message: Protecting public protection is a priority.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Ballot Initiative Language
The language and summary of the ballot initiative is linked to from here. See "The 3% Sales Tax Relief Act."
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Meeting with Creem's Aide
Kiersten, Eddie, Ben, Pema
Today we went to the State House to speak to Senator Cynthia Creem’s aide. We chose to meet with someone in Creem’s office even if we could not get time with Creem herself because there is already a relationship between Creem and YMORE. In addition to that, she dealt with the state revenue and is a chair on the Committee of Ways and Means (which deals with finances.) The aide (whose name we did not remember) told us that Creem has always been in favor of taxes because of the money they bring to the state. While it is not necessarily relevant to this project, Creem is also proposing a bill to keep issues of civil rights from the popular vote. We began by introducing ourselves and by a very fortunate coincidence, she lived a street over from where I live now. The ice had been truly broken after that point.
Our questions:
How does the ballot initiative process work?
What are the arguments for and against cutting the sales tax?
What can we as youth do to keep this from passing?
When we asked about the ballot initiative process, fortunately the aide had a printout she was going to give to YMORE people. It explained fully the ballot initiative process and lists all 3 questions on the ballot. In order to get a question on the ballot, the legislature can propose it or one must collect approximately 70,000 signatures from all over Massachusetts (66,593 or “3% of the total vote cast for all candidates for Governor…at the last state election”) and get said signatures approved. After hearings etc, one must collect another 11,099 signatures. We have the helpful handout for the rest of the group.
The aide speculated on why some may be opposed to the sales tax and also justified the sales tax as it is. She said it is seen as a “regressive tax.” As we discussed already, there is no tax on drugs, food and clothing under $175- what she called the core of purchases. Another arguments she listed is that the 6.25% tax on, for example, a $1000 TV is $625 that could have gone to something else. Connected to that argument is the argument that claims people are driving to New Hampshire (no sales tax) for purchases such as those and MA is losing money as a result. The logical counter argument to the ones listed is that the state needs the money for services and to function.
Next, we explained the door knocking campaign and she suggested some fairly obvious ideas to organize in our communities. It was confirmed that the point is not to get the support of the politicians (not many need to be convinced) but instead the voters. We talked briefly about the housing initiative, too. There are not many supporters of it, two exceptions being Charlie Baker (R) and Tim Cahill (I) because they don’t like overriding local control of housing. We also discussed the rent control referendum that passed. We ended the meeting on a good note. We decided it went very well. She definitely set the tone with a chipper attitude and was very friendly. We were able to chat a little but also stuck to our plan and worked very efficiently. If we find a way to recover this lovely woman's name, we shall send a thank you email. We shall try to contact more local politicians, namely Representative Jeffrey Sanchez and Councilor Felix Arroyo. Success!
-Edsuvani Maisonet
Today we went to the State House to speak to Senator Cynthia Creem’s aide. We chose to meet with someone in Creem’s office even if we could not get time with Creem herself because there is already a relationship between Creem and YMORE. In addition to that, she dealt with the state revenue and is a chair on the Committee of Ways and Means (which deals with finances.) The aide (whose name we did not remember) told us that Creem has always been in favor of taxes because of the money they bring to the state. While it is not necessarily relevant to this project, Creem is also proposing a bill to keep issues of civil rights from the popular vote. We began by introducing ourselves and by a very fortunate coincidence, she lived a street over from where I live now. The ice had been truly broken after that point.
Our questions:
How does the ballot initiative process work?
What are the arguments for and against cutting the sales tax?
What can we as youth do to keep this from passing?
When we asked about the ballot initiative process, fortunately the aide had a printout she was going to give to YMORE people. It explained fully the ballot initiative process and lists all 3 questions on the ballot. In order to get a question on the ballot, the legislature can propose it or one must collect approximately 70,000 signatures from all over Massachusetts (66,593 or “3% of the total vote cast for all candidates for Governor…at the last state election”) and get said signatures approved. After hearings etc, one must collect another 11,099 signatures. We have the helpful handout for the rest of the group.
The aide speculated on why some may be opposed to the sales tax and also justified the sales tax as it is. She said it is seen as a “regressive tax.” As we discussed already, there is no tax on drugs, food and clothing under $175- what she called the core of purchases. Another arguments she listed is that the 6.25% tax on, for example, a $1000 TV is $625 that could have gone to something else. Connected to that argument is the argument that claims people are driving to New Hampshire (no sales tax) for purchases such as those and MA is losing money as a result. The logical counter argument to the ones listed is that the state needs the money for services and to function.
Next, we explained the door knocking campaign and she suggested some fairly obvious ideas to organize in our communities. It was confirmed that the point is not to get the support of the politicians (not many need to be convinced) but instead the voters. We talked briefly about the housing initiative, too. There are not many supporters of it, two exceptions being Charlie Baker (R) and Tim Cahill (I) because they don’t like overriding local control of housing. We also discussed the rent control referendum that passed. We ended the meeting on a good note. We decided it went very well. She definitely set the tone with a chipper attitude and was very friendly. We were able to chat a little but also stuck to our plan and worked very efficiently. If we find a way to recover this lovely woman's name, we shall send a thank you email. We shall try to contact more local politicians, namely Representative Jeffrey Sanchez and Councilor Felix Arroyo. Success!
-Edsuvani Maisonet
Lew Finfer Interview
Interviewed by Samantha, Kenny, Adam and Martin
Lew Finfer is part of MCAN, which stands for Massachusetts Communities Action Network. MCAN is a congregation based community organization that looks at local and state wide issues. MCAN has helped to establish 8 other organizations like itself.
When we visited Lew he gave us plenty of information on the ballot initiative, which is summarized below.
Q: What influential people support and are against the ballot initiative?
A: All the candidates running for governor are against it. However, Baker and Cahill support lowering it to 5% but since the ballot says 2% they do not support it. Other organizations that are against it are major business industries, community organizations, and labor unions. Examples of those who support this initiative are organizations such as the conservative media and the Beacon Hillinstitute. Also Carla Howell who is part of a libertarian group and we have her to thank because she is the main advocate for getting this onto the ballot.
Q: Why is this issue so attractive?
A: Because of recession. People are concerned for their finances and the affects that it could have on their future.
Lew Finfer is part of MCAN, which stands for Massachusetts Communities Action Network. MCAN is a congregation based community organization that looks at local and state wide issues. MCAN has helped to establish 8 other organizations like itself.
When we visited Lew he gave us plenty of information on the ballot initiative, which is summarized below.
Q: What influential people support and are against the ballot initiative?
A: All the candidates running for governor are against it. However, Baker and Cahill support lowering it to 5% but since the ballot says 2% they do not support it. Other organizations that are against it are major business industries, community organizations, and labor unions. Examples of those who support this initiative are organizations such as the conservative media and the Beacon Hillinstitute. Also Carla Howell who is part of a libertarian group and we have her to thank because she is the main advocate for getting this onto the ballot.
Q: Why is this issue so attractive?
A: Because of recession. People are concerned for their finances and the affects that it could have on their future.
Q: What are groups doing to help fight this?
A: There have been campaigns funded by 2 teachers unions and SEIU which have raised a lot of money against this. People have also put things together such as websites to show the affects it would have on local communities. Also
community groups have talked about voting education, and some have even done door knocking.
Q: Are there any areas that would be for or against it?
A: Cities have a tendency to vote more liberally, whereas suburbs vary.
Q: What can we do?
A: Develop a coalition with allies such as school parent groups, other youth groups, municipal unions, groups that tackle issues on schools, environment and housing, as well as calling meetings to talk about this. We could also go out and hand out information showing what could happen to certain communities. We could also go to elected officials of our cities and towns and ask them to be more active on this campaign.
Q: What could be cut?
A: Local aid could be cut to 8-10% and this is significant because local aid is usually the last area to be cut because it is important to communities.
Q: What happened in 2008 with the income tax ballot initiative?
A: It lost 30%-70% because it spent less time and money.
Youth Force
Today in our ( Jake, Amanda, Allain, Aneesia ) meeting with Youth Force, we learned of their process in door-knocking. They're promoting for both voters registration as well as the ballot initiative. Also they only door-knock at a certain companies set of apartment buildings, and before hand they have a list of names, addresses, and phone numbers to ensure a quick and efficient process. They are looking to educate people on how cutting the sales tax could negatively impact the community in various ways. Also they had some suggestions on us informing people about the ballot initiative in our own communities with fliers, post cards, etc. They said they were willing to help us in our efforts, but we should also take into consideration that they're busy just as we are with achieving our goals. The meeting today was motivational and inspiring, and I look forward to taking action ! =]
- Aneesia
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