Yes We Can Columbus

http://www.yeswecancolumbus.org

https://www.facebook.com/pg/YesWeCanCbus

Contact: info@yeswecancolumbus.org

We can have a Democratic Party that stands for freedom, democracy, opportunity and participation for all. OUR CHALLENGE Our country is in an unprecedented era – a small group of hand-picked corporate leaders and bought-out legislators are making decisions for their own benefit at the expense of millions of everyday, working Americans. With all eyes on Ohio every election cycle, what happens in Ohio matters for the entire country. That puts Ohio’s capital city, Columbus, at the epicenter: shifts in local political power can change the course of the entire country. OUR PURPOSE Yes We Can (YWC) was founded as an independent grassroots political organization in December 2015. We stand for getting big money out of City Hall, building stronger schools, and putting working families’ interests ahead of wealthy developers and corporate donors. YWC knows we need to change the game, not just play it. That’s why we’re the only group in Columbus focused on electing new, progressive leaders who speak up about income inequality, tax giveaways to wealthy developers, violence in our communities, and the challenges facing our schools. We work to make sure we always lift up solutions that make a difference for all of our communities. OUR SUCCESSES Within just weeks of kicking off YWC, we won seven seats on the Franklin County Democratic Central Committee. We did that by building a base of new, progressive leaders around a shared vision for a more inclusive community, economy, and democracy. While the political establishment dumped money into attacking the YWC candidates, we won through grassroots organizing in our neighborhoods. In January, we recruited and supported two candidates for Columbus City Council and three for the Columbus City Schools’ Board of Education. All five of our endorsed candidates made it through the primary election in May, and we essentially replaced the Republicans as the opposition to the local political establishment. While it’s the beginning of a long journey, it’s a complete realignment of the local political environment, and we’re using that to build momentum for the fall general election. WHAT’S NEXT We are in a moment like no other in our city to win on the values of honest democracy, transparency, getting money out politics, and progressive policies that help improve the lives of working families. The political establishment is fighting fiercely to hold onto their power and will likely outspend us ten times over. We know we have a tough road ahead, but we have the power of the people who have stepped up and turned out on our behalf. WHERE YOU COME IN Our country can become a nation of, for, and by the people as it was originally designed instead of a nation owned by the top one percent. It starts with you and it starts in Columbus, Ohio with the Yes We Can endorsed slate of progressive Democratic candidates for the City Council and School Board election. Tell Ohio, our country, and the White House that the power of the people can trump the power of money in politics with your donation to Yes We Can Columbus. Donate Online at: www.yeswecancolumbus.org/donate. THE CANDIDATES For City Council: Jasmine Ayres and Will Petrik. Jasmine believes that Columbus has the opportunity to lead the nation as a progressive, diverse, safe, sustainable and technology-friendly city. She is committed to the pursuit of real and meaningful change to improve the lives of youth and families. From working as a Community Organizer to engaging with the Columbus City School Board, Jasmine has the experience and values to help move Columbus in a more progressive direction. Learn more about Jasmine at http://ayresforcolumbus.com/. Will believes that all Columbus citizens deserve a living wage, excellent schools, affordable housing and quality child care and healthcare. He has a track record of making a difference for families and communities and is committed to working with residents across the city to shape a brighter future for all Columbus neighborhoods. Learn more about Will at https://www.willpetrik.org/. For Columbus City Schools Board of Education: Erin Upchurch, Abby Vaile and Amy Harkins. Erin wants to change the conversation about Columbus City Schools and she believes that when our basic needs are met our thriving is inevitable. Erin is an experienced advocate, leader, a change maker in the city of Columbus, and the parent of two children attending Columbus City Schools. As a social worker, former therapist, and community activist, she has dedicated her life to improve the lives of children and families from underserved and marginalized communities. Learn more about Erin at https://www.upchurchforccs.com/ Abby Vaile believes Columbus City Schools can be a world-class model of public education that prepares all of our children to reach their full potential. She is a lifelong resident of Columbus and proud product of Columbus City Schools. She taught in Columbus City Schools for more than 30 years, and continues to substitute in the district after her recent retirement. Learn more about Abby at http://www.yeswecancolumbus.org/member/abby-vaile/. Amy Harkins believes that we need to put people over politics and do the right thing by providing our children a solid start in life regardless of their ZIP code or socio-economic status. She is a parent, advocate, and volunteer who has spent 10 years pushing for change for the Columbus City Schools district. She wants to focus on expanding what works to allow students to thrive academically while building stronger, safer neighborhoods. Learn more about Amy at https://www.harkinsforccs.com/.

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