I've been meaning to write for awhile, but it's a struggle. Hard to find the right words to capture my relief and even exhilaration about the victories in Georgia thanks to the grassroots organizers, (including but not limited to Stacey Abrams) and the power that gives us to actually pass meaningful legislation in DC alongside the devastation that covid is producing and the terrible attack yesterday on our democratic institutions by fascist, white supremacist goons. One thing I do know is how grateful I am to be in community with all of you, now as always. After a year of tremendous growth and some growing pains, I am confident we are going to continue to expand our impact and strengthen our community in the months ahead.

** This Sunday you're invited to our 2021 kickoff (3 PM just like our usual Second Sunday monthly meetings).  

* A group of volunteers will share some of the leadership structures we're putting in place to make LA Forward work better.

* Another set of volunteers will talk about a mysterious but important thing called ADEMs. The CA Democratic Party's board is composed of more than 3,000 delegates and one-third of them are elected in January of every odd year. Anyone who's a registered Dem can vote. We’ll go in depth on what ADEMs, how the process works, and why it matters. Usually there's a 3 hour window on a weekend to vote in person. Because of covid, this year you have to pre-register online in order to vote by mail. The DEADLINE is Monday, January 11.

* Plus we'll set aside some time to process the upheaval of this week through our usual "check in" process at the meeting's start.

...Wait, there's more!

** Reminder that TONIGHT at 6 PM is the first session of Organizing School, a 5-week series hosted by Hannah Kessel, LA Forward's talented organizer. It'll cover the nuts and bolts of organizing including structured organizing conversations, theories of change and building your network. Everyone welcome!

** Plus next Monday we're hosting "Running for Neighborhood Council 201." This volunteer-led workshop will go more in depth on how you can run an effective campaign to get elected to LA City's most local branch of government. Whether you've already filed or are still mulling it over, we hope you'll join us to meet and hear from NC members past, present, and future! Whether you’re more interested in organizing in your neighborhood, or around a specific issue, we’re here to connect you to the work, and support you as you do it! 

Here's to hoping and working together for a better 2021 and beyond!

In solidarity, 

David Levitus
Executive Director
LA Forward Action