20251028 STAND Newsletter – Time to vote
What’s new with STAND
Action NOW!
Our next general meeting is on November 15th at 3pm. Please get the word out and bring a friend – we have a lot to be proud of since the last meeting, and we are excited to plot a path forward with you.
Early voting is underway! More on that below, but the Coalition for a Diverse DeKalb is hosting a forum for folks running for Decatur City Commission on Thursday (Oct. 30th) at 7pm. Register here.
Speaking of that, have you voted yet?
We need to discuss food insecurity here in DeKalb. As we go into the holidays, expect STAND to do its part to support those who need it. More on that at the meeting.
Dear Friends,
Those of you who have been with us since the beginning know that STAND is not a partisan organization – it can’t be. For two reasons, really. The first is that partisanship threatens our status as a non-profit 501(c)(3), which is important. But more important than that, partisanship threatens to distract from the core mission of STAND – building community to assert and defend the dignity of all people. But, to be very, very clear, that does not mean that STAND exists outside of politics.
On the 18th, we rallied in Decatur Square for democracy; governance by The People for The People. The aim of true democracy affords inherent dignity to its people, and that’s what we were there to celebrate. When we view it this way, we see that it’s not democracy that is inherently valuable – The People are. The value comes first, and the governance reflects the value.
This is how STAND interacts with the political. We openly advocate for policy that protects the value and the worth of the people. Whether it’s establishing voting day as a civic holiday, advocating due process protections, or reinforcing civil rights, the value comes first, and the policy reflects the value.
But none of that works gets translated to governance unless we choose to use our voices and vote. The fight for dignity begins in the streets to change hearts and minds, but ultimately, all roads lead to the ballot box. STAND will never tell you how to vote, but it will not shy away from expressing its values or letting you know when important decisions about your community are being made. And it’s happening now, with a deeply important election for Georgia in the Public Service Commission, and locally with School Board and City Commission vacancies. Early voting is going on now and election day is the 4th (next Tuesday). You can listen to some of those commissioners in person on October 30th and decide who you think best reflects your desire for the dignity all people. Find your voting information here.
Please take this opportunity to STAND and use your voice – this is what you’ve worked for.
STANDing with you,
Matt
