Massachusetts Volunteers
Sister District MA-RI
All of Massachusetts and Rhode Island
About our team
It's 2021, and we here at Sister District remain laser-focused on building progressive power in state legistures. With the GOP doubling down on state-level voter-repression bills, there's no time to waste! This year we'll support Virginia's fragile Democratic majority, and through our new State Bridges initiative, work to strengthen on-the-ground collaborations with local organizers in VA and in critical 2022 midterm states (AZ, FL, GA, MI, NC, NH, PA, TX, WI, MN, CO, NV). We also continue to support six organizations building electoral Black electoral power --donate to them now!
Upcoming Events
See our Mobilize Events Page for a complete list of upcoming events and actions you can take!
MORE ABOUT US
- Join our team: Help us organize!
- Tell us about yourself: Complete our volunteer survey.
- Read our blog: Why Are States So Important.
- Up your activism: Resources for volunteers & hosts.
- See our impact: 2020 Impact Report.
Our Past Candidates
2017:
- John Bell (VA-87 House)*
- Jennifer Carroll Foy (VA-2 House)*
- Shelly Simonds (VA-94 House, lost by one vote, but back for the win in 2018!)
Now, John's a State Senator, and Jennifer is running for Governor!
2018:
- Margaret Good (FL-72 House)*
- Melissa Shusterman (PA-157 House)*
- Anton Andrew (PA-160 House)
- Jenn Alford-Teaster (NH-8 Senate)
Historially heavy GOP gerrymandering made our victories in Florida and Pennsylvania especially sweet.
2019:
- Hala Ayala (VA-51 House)*
- John Bell (VA-13 Senate)*
- Pam Iovino (PA-37 Senate)*
- Larry Barnett (VA-27 House)
- Shanda Yates (MS-64 House)*
Blue Wave, baby: we helped usher in a blue trifecta in Virginia! With GOP obstructionists out of the way, Virginia has expanded Medicaid to 450K residents, protected undocumented immigrants, and passed gun-safety legislation -- a historic achievement given the state's centrality in the infamous "Iron Pipeline." BONUS: VA just became the first Southern state to pass a Voting Rights Act!
2020:
- Harold Hayes (PA-18 House)
- Brittney Rodas (PA-105 House)
- Franccesca Cesti-Browne (FL-115 House)
- Ricky Junquera (FL-118 House)
- Cindy Polo (FL-103 House)
Between the pandemic, rampant voter suppression, and Former Guy, this was a tough year for first-time progressive candidates. We lost...this time. But we helped sow the seeds for future progressives, and supported the Black Male Voter Project , BlackPAC, Black Voters Matter, Higher Heights, TheCollective, and Voting While Black -- six organizations amplifying Black electoral power.
We've also taken part in Sister District Action Network's voter-engagement initiatives; forged partnerships with Reclaim Our Vote, MassVOTE, and Ohio Progressive Action Leaders' Mission Vote to expand voter registration; and maintained ongoing relationships with Indivisible and other progressive groups in New England.
*winning candidates
2020 in Numbers:
These numbers represent the work of our MA-RI team. For the national effort, see the Sister District impact report.
- Total Fundraising: $64,420
- Total Dials: 45,105
- Total Phonebanks: 85
- Total Postcards: 19,974
Our team in action
Related
What to Expect When You’re Canvassing
Canvassing is not always so rewarding. Sometimes, you may knock on three or four doors in a row and get no answer. Each time there’s no answer, you leave a flyer at a house to remind the occupants to vote for your candidate, and you hope they will read it. Then it’s on to the next house, which you reach just as the person you want to talk to is driving away. Maybe she will roll down her car window to ask what you’re doing. You’ll tell her you’re there to ask for her support for your candidate. And maybe she’ll tell you, “No, we don’t vote.” (Even though her name is on your list of registered voters.)
Read More
Why Are States So Important?
Gasp, choke! Trump's EPA is working to choke us to death; read here for how states, particularly CA, are working to clear the air.
Read More
Sister District MA-RI: Our Impact 2019
Sister District Project MA&RI gives the lowdown on why state-level races are so vital to the nation’s health. SDP helps top-notch Democratic candidates win strategically important state elections across the country, and works to expand civic engagement.
Read More
My First Time Canvassing… But It Won’t Be My Last!
Sister District Project MA&RI gives the lowdown on why state-level races are so vital to the nation’s health.
Read More
Why Are States So Important? Focus On: Voter Purging in General…and Wisconsin in Particular
Why Are States So Important? Focus On: Voter Purging in General… and Wisconsin in Particular
Read More
