September General Meeting Recap

Assemblymember Grace Lee detailed Proposition 1, also called the Equal Rights Amendment, which will be on the ballot in November.

To raise awareness for Prop 1, GSD members will be tabling on Sunday, September 29th from 12 noon to 2:00 pm. Email marion@grandstreetdems.nyc to volunteer.


Councilmember Chris Marte went over several of the proposals that will also be on the ballot this upcoming election. GSD will send out more details in advance of early voting, but be prepared to Flip The Ballot!


Thank you to the home healthcare workers via Ain’t I A Woman, who bravely shared their stories of deplorable work conditions, which led to Councilmember Marte’s “No More 24 Act” (24 hour workday for home health providers) bill. They advocate tirelessly for City Council to pass Int 175.


Andrew Berman of Village Preservation shared VP’s view on rezoning  with the “City of Yes” and how it affects the LES and broader NYC (less green space, air rights, less affordable housing).


GSD member Alec Appelbaum detailed canvassing and made it more accessible for hesitant first timers. Slots are still available for this Saturday, September 21st carpools to Bethlehem to doorknock forAnna Thomas (PA-137) with Sister District. Sign up to carpool here!

Wednesday: Help Elect Democrats In Virginia

When the Supreme Court decided last month that gerrymandering for partisan gain is fair game in this country, it finally dawned on everyone that the fight for the House of Representatives for the next decade starts with state legislatures.

We’ve been partnering with the Sister District Project to help give Democrats more leverage in the states where redistricting after the 2020 Census will have the most effect.

This year they are focused on two races in Virginia, and we have a chance to make some initial phone calls this week on Wednesday.

Wendy Gooditis won her seat narrowly in the 2017 Blue Wave, but faces a tough challenge for re-election.

Shelly Simonds lost her 2017 race in a coin flip after the recount ended in a tie. This year we don’t want to leave her election up to chance!

Early phonebanking builds name recognition for candidates and offers voters a chance to raise their concerns.

No phonebanking experience is necessary to participate! Please bring a mobile phone, plus a laptop or tablet. The hosts will provide instructions, talking points, and snacks.

Postcards to Virginia this Saturday in Seward

Our friends at Sister District have been helping Democrats flip state legislative seats across the country. Our local chapter has helped win seats in Virginia and Pennsylvania, and Grand Street Dems members have helped make phone calls, write postcards, and have even traveled to Pennsylvania to canvass for candidates last year.

In 2019, Sister District volunteers from NYC are again targeting Virginia, where a Democratic state legislature is within reach. With no New York races this year, Sister District’s Virginia campaign gives us a chance to stay engaged in Democratic campaigns.

Join Grand Street volunteers this Saturday for a postcard party in Seward Coop — Saturday, May 11, 2:00 – 4:00 pm. RSVP online to get the apartment number.