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16 May, 2020

Who’s Against Heroes?

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Politicians often vote against their voters' interests. How can the public track what they're voting for and let them know when they go wrong?  In this blog you'll learn about: - A new app that lets you track your elected official's votes and bills they are about to vote on - How to be alerted when an issue you care about is going to be voted on - How to advocate for yourself and easily contact your elected official Background Why would some politicians deny assistance to people trying to cope with the Coronavirus? Who voted against the Heroes Bill? What else have they voted against in the past? How does a voter easily contact their elected official to tell them know what really matters to voters? Solution FastDemocracy ® is new app that makes it easy to follow legislation in Congress and all fifty states. It empowers both political newcomers and professionals to be more informed and effective in advocating for policy change. No more passing bills in the middle of the night for wealthy donors so voters don't find out about it till it's too late. Fast Democracy continuously collects data from Congress and State Legislators. This information is merged with news and tweets to create a database. Users can track specific bills or legislators and even get alerts when as issue they care about is being legislated. Fast Democracy is available as both as a free and paid premium version. Use case DemLabs tested the FastDemocracy app to see who voted for and against the Heroes Bill. The app is easy to use and quickly finds the information you're looking for. I liked how it explains the legislative process and the best way to advocate for your cause. Here's an example:
"If you want to know the details, you can find them on your legislator websites. Basically, a bill is introduced, then first and second read (i.e. briefly introduced on the House or Senate floor) and then referred to committees.
public hearing is the public discussion on the bill in the committee – often anyone can come and testify! That means you! If you can’t make it in person, you can also submit written testimony by contacting the committee chair. After that, in an executive session, committee members vote on the bills and make amendments. Before the public hearing or in the interim between the public hearing and executive session (usually about a week) is the best time to call committee members and make your voice heard ahead of the vote."Use case DemLabs tested the FastDemocracy app to see who voted for and against the Heroes Bill. The app is easy to use and quickly finds the information you're looking for. I liked how it explains the legislative process and the best way to advocate for your cause. Here's an example:
"If you want to know the details, you can find them on your legislator websites. Basically, a bill is introduced, then first and second read (i.e. briefly introduced on the House or Senate floor) and then referred to committees.
public hearing is the public discussion on the bill in the committee – often anyone can come and testify! That means you! If you can’t make it in person, you can also submit written testimony by contacting the committee chair. After that, in an executive session, committee members vote on the bills and make amendments. Before the public hearing or in the interim between the public hearing and executive session (usually about a week) is the best time to call committee members and make your voice heard ahead of the vote." Take away Some politicians rely on their voters being too busy to monitor what bills they are passing. Fast Democracy reveals what politicians are really up to and lets voters tell their elected officials what they should be voting for. Politicians are paid to represent their voters interest. Right? Deepak Co-Founder, DemLabs Please share this blogDemLabs (a project of the Tides Advocacy Fund) is a SF-based, progressive hub for ongoing technology and creative innovation with free and affordable apps. Donate here to support our work.

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13 Apr’ 2020

Make Sure Everyone Hears Your Message – Regardless Of Their Language.

Make sure every one get to hear your message regardless of their language. One out of five American speaks a language other than English at home. Many...

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12 Apr’ 2020

Organize Gig Workers Digitally In A Pandemic

The pandemic has devastated gig workers. No unemployment insurance. No health insurance. Unsafe working conditions. How can gig workers organize to demand their rights when they...

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10 Apr’ 2020

Pandemic-Mode Voter Suppression

"Wisconsin's holding of a primary during a pandemic is just the latest example of Republicans’ naked bid to keep power at all costs." - The Guardian The story...

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5 Apr’ 2020

Teach Your Children Well – At Home With These Free Apps And Games

[caption id="attachment_2288" align="aligncenter" width="548"] Image: Inspired Teaching[/caption] Free home education apps and resources to teach their children how to cope with pandemic induced anxiety.  Resources created...

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3 Apr’ 2020

Is Coronavirus Testing Really Color Blind?

[caption id="attachment_2285" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Image: Eddie Murphy "White Like Me" on SNL[/caption] How evenly are different ethnic groups being tested for the Coronavirus? Mothers of Hope is a...

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2 Apr’ 2020

Poor People’s VA Campaign Offers Local Coronavirus Newsfeed

How does a grassroots group with little funding keep locals informed of dangers and resources during a pandemic? How can vital information be quickly collected and...

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31 Mar’ 2020

Groups Connect Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Donors With Healthcare Providers.

Healthcare workers should not have to fear for lives because they lack personal protective equipment (PPE). These groups connect donors with workers to get them the equipment they need...

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30 Mar’ 2020

Vote by Mail. Leave No Voter Behind.

Voting by mail has worked well for years, but will be especially important in this pandemic. But how do voters without a computer or internet access...

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23 Mar’ 2020

Crowdsourced Infomap Helps Idaho Communities Prepare For Coronavirus

Accurate, timely information is valuable - especially while you're preparing for a pandemic. Which stores have supplies you need? Which facilities open? Which offices are open at different times?...

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17 Mar’ 2020

Coronavirus Guide. Mobile Training Delivered By Voice And Text.

Coronavirus safety training now available freely by phone. How can safety recommendations be shared with hard-to-contact groups in the middle of a pandemic? Technology designed to...

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12 Mar’ 2020

How Many Coronavirus Tests Has Your State Conducted?

"Testing is a key tool in limiting the spread of coronavirus. You need to know who has contracted the virus so those people can be isolated, and...

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9 Mar’ 2020

Coronavirus Atlas Map US Cases, Safety Tips And Official Response.

There are facts - and 'alternative facts'.  A means to find the truth is needed when alternate facts put lives at risks.   Coronavirus Atlas is a free app created...

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29 Feb’ 2020

Group Uses Personal Video Testimonials To Encourage Use Of Vote-By-Mail Ballots.

Photo by Qim Manifester on Unsplash Make your videos more persuasive with personal testimonials. Video testimonials work but collecting them has been difficult for groups with limited time, money...

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28 Feb’ 2020

Activists Use GIFs To Demand Funding For CDC To Fight Coronavirus

  Reach more people, faster and for less money with a GIF. GIFs are just seconds long but get your message heard. They play automatically and engage viewers immediately....

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27 Feb’ 2020

Drive To Get Out The Vote.

People lose their vote when it's hard for them to get to the polls. The elderly, disabled and low income voters in rural areas suffer the most.  How can...

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5 Feb’ 2020

Build Or Buy Campaign Software?

Elections have consequences. So do budget cuts. Mobilize voters on the issues that matter to them. People care when public safety is jeopardized by CDC funding cuts that limit...

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12 Jan’ 2020

Five Free Apps For Better Canvassing

Trying to find the right campaign app when you're tight on money and not tech savvy? Checkout the DemLabs site with over 110 solutions and Solution Guides like the one...

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10 Nov’ 2019

The Beginner’s Guide To Running A Low-Budget, Geo-Targeted Political Ad Campaign.

Reach voters on their phones even if you don't have their phone numbers with geo-targeting. Tips on running a smart, frugal campaign. Background "Bhuwan Pyakurel is running...

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7 Nov’ 2019

Map The Battlefield, Before You Launch Your Campaign.

Activists fight with limited resources against well funded political incumbents. They have to pick their targets strategically. Good mapping software can be the equalizer. Which incumbents...

3 creative ways people are using our zoom tools

Life hacks have turned digital. Now that virtual meetings are the norm, people are finding ways to innovate and get creative while presenting, fundraising, or performing...