Political Polls Got You Down? This Might Make You Feel Better

 One way to feel more hopeful about our political future is to subscribe to Chop Wood, Carry Water, an online newsletter with a mission to inform its readers how to take “easy, effective political actions to stave off despair, effect positive change and elect more Democrats.”

To lift sagging spirits, the newsletter finds and displays uplifting news that you may have missed or didn’t make it into the mainstream media. Like this one in Newsweek magazine about the importance of so many young candidates in down ballot races.

Empowering Grassroots Initiatives for Positive Change

For those uncertain about what they can do personally to help preserve democracy and improve public policy, Chop Wood, Carry Water identifies and promotes activist grassroots organizations working for candidates and positive change in their communities.

Examples: 

Force Multiplier, a group that uses data to prioritize races where campaign contributions will have the most impact.

Activate America, an organization of volunteers who contact voters in states with key and close elections.

Rural Democracy, working with more than 100 rural organizations on local improvement projects.

Galvanize Action, an organization that focuses on issues important to suburban and rural women.

Climate Hawks Vote, focused on identifying and electing climate conscious leaders.

Who publishes Chop Wood, Carry Water? A woman by the name of Jessica Craven who, like many of us, motivated by the threat to our democracy from the MAGA movement, decided she had to DO something. This is what she’s done. Her newsletter now has nearly 30,000 subscribers.

You Can Subscribe, Too

You can subscribe too, for free. Or, she asks for $5 a month to help cover expenses. Subscribe to Chop Wood, Carry Water here.

Chop Wood, Carry Water isn’t just a feel good tonic to counter despair and hand-wringing. It’s a window on actions by concerned people all over the U.S. to counter looming political threats. It’s an on ramp for those not already engaged to join the fight.

---

A Word About My New Book Covers

Regular readers of It’s Always Something likely have noticed new covers on my novels. Here’s what that’s about.

When I wrote my first story, The Latina President, I wasn’t thinking this would wind up as a trilogy. But I was so interested in the story of President Tenny, after completing book 1 felt I had to keep writing to see what happened next.

Now, going into a second printing for all three books it seemed to make sense to tie them together through their covers so that future readers will see the connection as a series. The stories haven’t changed, just the covers. 

I’d be interested in your comments as to whether you think the new covers are an improvement, whether the image of “Tenny,” is how you imagined her, or any other thoughts you might have.

As always, your comments and criticisms are invited at jrothstein@rothstein.net