More than 75% of donors want newsletters from the organizations they support. In fact, they are the one of the most valuable donor relations you have for keeping supporters connected to your work. Yet, surveys show that donors aren’t reading them. Why? Because a compelling newsletter is hard to find. Come hear what makes a great newsletter and how to avoid the most common mistakes. In this session, we’ll cover: * How to make your newsletter “donor centered” * What counts as news and what doesn’t * The importance of headlines * What your designer probably doesn’t know about design * And more… You’ll leave with concrete strategies for decreasing the odds that your newsletter will go straight from the mailbox to the recycling bin.

1. Fall 2009
conversation
the Close to Home network
join the
The newsletter of
Calls to Massachusetts Domestic
Violence Hotline Double
Spike due in part to increased public awareness
Calls to the state domestic violence hotline have doubled in the • Close to Home’s high-impact public awareness campaigns
last four years. Safelink, the hotline, received 9,781 calls between reach tens of thousands of people in Dorchester alone each
January and July 2009 alone. The recession has increased risks year.
for those in violent relationships, especially women and kids. • Our Youth Team is swamped with requests for their violence
Cuts to state services people in violent relationships with fewer prevention workshops. They go to after-school programs,
ways to get help. And, economic struggles can exacerbate an youth clubs, local nonprofits, and neighborhood associations.
already abusive relationship. Core topics include how to be an “active bystander” and how
to intervene in the life of a friend.
It’s not the cause or an excuse. It’s an unfortunate reality – • Knitting circles and meringue classes are just two ways that
violence increases when times are tough. But, you should know Close to Home forms social networks in a neighborhood.
there is also a good reason for the Intergenerational and cross-cultural,
spike in calls – increased public You can find out more about these activities build trust and create
awareness of domestic violence. space to talk. More importantly, they
More people are seeking support for preventing domestic violence result in people watching out for each
themselves. And others are naming in your neighborhood by other after they walk out the door.
violence when they see it. Some
call the hotline to help a friend, a calling Elizabeth Reardon Unfortunately, the economy isn’t going
relative, the woman upstairs. at 617-929-5151. to recover overnight. And, more state
budget cuts to critical services are
Close to Home believes everyone – you, me, your neighbors, looming. So, people are going to be
my family…everyone – has a role to play in preventing domestic depending even more on their neighborhood support networks.
and sexual violence. And, our innovative work in local People are going to be depending even more on those “close
neighborhoods with real people has raised awareness at home to home.”
and across the state.

2. Meet Barbra:
A Member, A Survivor
Support, passion, fun events, commitment, good food, Barbra says…
community: these are all reasons why people get involved with I am part of
Close to Home. And once you get involved, you often stay. Close to Home
“because it
Barbra Trybe has lived in the Fields Corner neighborhood is a forum
of Dorchester for many years. Just last year, she got actively
where I can talk about my needs and my issues as a survivor
involved with Close to Home.
of domestic violence in a supportive, nonjudgmental arena.
Being a part of this initiative keeps me grounded and
Barbra has experienced domestic violence in her own life. She
has also spoken publicly about how being a part of Close to stable. It lessens the feelings of abandonment and isolation,
Home has given her the strength to acknowledge and forgive her associated with this pervasive social issue and helps me to
father’s abusive behavior. keep on keeping on a wholesome and healthy life’s journey.
Close to Home is my communal extended family.”
Here she is, in her own words…
Phi’s Story: Rockin’ the
International Conference!
The trip to Germany with Close to Home was an experience This was my first time
unlike no other, but the most memorable moment to me was presenting at a conference
when I was presenting with at a conference, called “Ways out with Aimee. The level of
of Domestic Violence – An International Perspective” with sophisticated information
Aimee Thompson [Close to Home’s Executive Director] and that she presents with made me very nervous and not to
my fellow co-worker Daniel Fairclough in front of about 100 mention many of our audience members do not speak English.
professors and social workers from around the world. However after everything was said and done both Daniel and I
were showered with praise at our level of professionalism and
how we presented the information. Never have I thought that
Close to Home Youth Team is in my life I would be praised by social workers from the Middle
an International Sensation. East and college professors from Germany. They remarked on
how we were better than most presenters our age.
This summer, the Close to Home Youth Team and staff
were invited to Germany to present at a two-day confer-
Usually Daniel and I would do teen trainings that comprise
ence for social workers on violence prevention. They also
of teens from 13-21, but never to a group of well-educated
met with other high school students, visited local service
adults that work in the same field as we do. In the end,
agencies, saw the Berlin Wall and the Holocaust Memorial,
having a chance to share our model and ideas about healthy
and so much more…Thank you for allowing us to take
relationships and domestic violence prevention was good
advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity!
enough for me, but meeting people from around the world
wasn’t bad either!
Phi Tran is a member of Close to Home’s Youth Team.
He is 17 and a senior at Boston Latin School.

3. EPOCA NEWS
Your newsletter from Ex-Prisoners Organizing for Community Advancement | Spring 2010
5 Pleasant St. Worcester MA 01609 | 508-410-7676 | www.exprisoners.org
You stuck with us for 64 months and...
Five-year campaign to reform CORI system on the brink
of victory; State Senate overwhelmingly approves bill
THIS PAST November, the State Senate passed CORI reform by
a vote of 26 to 12. The overwhelming support wasn’t a coincidence.
We had you as our secret weapon. You supported 64 months – more
than five years! – of grassroots campaigning, lobby days, phone
banks, rallies, and marches. You made this victory possible... And, we
couldn’t be more grateful.
As you may know, criminal records – also known as “CORIs”–
punish thousands of people every year. People who have paid their
debt to society. People who have gotten their lives back on track.
CORIs make it nearly impossible to find a job or an apartment.
EPOCA members take a quick break from working the This bill will make sure that honest people aren’t discriminated
halls of the State House to pose for a picture with the Senate against for mistakes they made years ago.
lead sponsor of CORI reform legislation, Senator Harriette At a recent meeting, EPOCA volunteers were talking about what
Chandler (D – Worcester). In November, the State Senate
CORI reform will mean in their lives. Liz, a new member, said, “For
passed the measure by more than a 2-to-1 margin.
me, CORI reform means being able to get a job.”
Liz finished serving probation years ago. But, she still attends lectures at the Career Center because she can’t get
a job since she has a CORI. Under EPOCA’s legislation, Liz’s record would be sealed immediately. That means she
won’t have to wait another day before she can earn a paycheck and support her family.
Because of you, Liz and thousands of people like her now have hope for a life they can be proud of – a life with
a job and an apartment to call their own. The only obstacle in their way is getting House Speaker Robert DeLeo to
introduce the bill for a final vote!
What does CORI reform mean House Speaker Robert DeLeo is stalling on bringing
to members of EPOCA? our bill up for a vote in the House of Representatives.
That’s why we’re organizing a “Breaking the Chains
“To me, it means respect.” – Juan of CORI” parade on June 5th. For more info on this
“A second chance.” – Lanh event, contact EPOCA Organizer Delia Vega at
“It would mean dignity.” – Jenny (508) 287-8430. Hope to see you there!
How you make a difference...
Cassandra’s Story: Volunteer finds new
passion and inspiration at EPOCA
I JOINED EPOCA because I wanted to be as positive and
determined about something as Delia Vega (Delia is EPOCA’s
community organizer and my mentor).
But I caught on quick to EPOCA’s style of making real
political change possible. I jumped right in to door-to-door
voter registration for the 2008 election. When Obama won, I
felt like I helped make it happen and it felt great. I hold on to
that feeling and I run with it.
I am loving my new role as the Communicator on EPOCA’s
Board of Directors. My job is to encourage our hundreds Because of your support and her involvement with EPOCA,
of members to get involved, come to membership meetings, Cassandra Bensahih has found her passion – motivating others
attend our rallies, and step up to leadership roles. to get active and work for change.
In the last few months, I have led trainings for EPOCA
members and the community on “Oppression and Power,” and “Leadership Development and One-to-One
Conversations.” But beyond the nuts and bolts of helping our movement grow, I love all my friends at EPOCA.
They really care about me. No wonder we’re so powerful together.
Thanks to your support, I have found a new calling: organizing the community to make positive changes for all
of us.

4. Got grease?
Biodiesel business already has 18 contracts with local restaurants
More needed before in-house processing of waste oil into fuel can begin
unemployed because of his criminal record,
Steve Denson now delivers recycled vegetable grease to
“green” businesses all over New England. Together with
other EPOCA members, at the end of 2009, Steve launched
“Empower Energy Cooperative, Inc.” You may remember
reading about this endeavor in our last newsletter...
Five hard workers who employers wouldn’t give a second
look because of their criminal records now have jobs they
love, growing a business that they cooperatively own and
operate.
They currently have contracts with 18 restaurants in
Worcester that recycle their leftover oil into environmentally-
friendly fuel. Among the 18 are Piccolo’s, Irish Times,
Annie’s Clark Brunch, Coral Seafood, Robert’s Fish and
Chips, Weintraub’s Jewish Deli, Tatnuck Square Pizza,
Becker College, the Miss Worcester Diner, and Wild Willies.
For now, Steve and his co-workers are selling the grease
they collect to a third-party processor. That’s because they
aren’t collecting enough grease to make the production costs
worthwhile.
But, Empower hopes to start collecting waste oil from
many more restaurants soon. Then, they will have enough
Sarah Assefa, a member of EPOCA and the Empower
Energy Cooperative, transports a jug of waste oil for recycling to begin converting the oil into fuel in their own processing
into fuel. Empower Energy was started by a collective of five machine, which Steve helped to build. They just need a
who were unable to find work because of their criminal records. “critical mass” of restaurant contracts to get going!
Do you know a restaurant interested in
recycling their waste oil? Please contact You are taking us places
Steve Denson at (508) 304-0139 or email that we never imagined...
dnsnmaddie@yahoo.com to find out more
EPOCA breaks the silence
about domestic violence
ever started talking about one thing and it led
conversations about all kinds of other things that you might
Board of Directors have never imagined? That’s kind of how EPOCA’s Women’s
Group was born...
• Cassandra Bensahih, The group originally came together in October 2008
Communicator because women at EPOCA realized they had concerns that
• Hannah Caruso, Treasurer weren’t being raised at the general membership meetings.
• Steve Denson, Coordinator Things like having trouble finding childcare, being in bad
• Ecclesiastes Hall, Advisor relationships, and generally needing support during hard
• Andrew Hausermann, Secretary times. But, the strength and empowerment they gained from
• Benito Vega, Vice President each other simply by coming together led them to confront
• Joseph Yandle, President other issues in their lives as women.
Domestic violence starting coming up as a topic quite
often.
Mission Statement Through a partnership with a local agency, EPOCA
members learned the early warning signs of unhealthy
We are ex-prisoners, along relationships, where to seek help, and how to talk to friends
with allies, family and friends, and family about abusive situations.
coming together to create The group also realized that conversations about domestic
resources and opportunities for violence should not just be happening with women. We’re
those who have paid their debt proud to tell you that we brought this issue to EPOCA’s full
to society. membership for education and discussion.
Together, we are all learning that so-called “personal
problems” have deep-rooted social causes. And, that my
struggle for justice is connected to his, which is connected to
hers, which is connected to yours...

5. SPRING 2010
41 WEST STREET, STE 700
BOSTON, MA 02111
617-542-8683
WWW.MASSVOTE.ORG
MassNews
You wanted immediate action.
MassVOTE responded…
5-4 Decision Lets Flood of
Corporate Campaign Money
Drown Citizens like You
With your support, MassVOTE takes steps to
defend democracy
I
N JANUARY, the Supreme Court overturned a 63-year ban limiting cor-
porate spending in federal elections. The decision – Citizens United vs. The
Why fill out Federal Election Commission – gives Exxon, Halliburton, and Goldman Sachs
the power to spend unlimited money to protect their friends and defeat their
the Census? political opponents.
We asked for your thoughts, and more than 180 of you immediately
“It’s about money and responded.
power,” said Norman Inspired by your passion and your vision, MassVOTE took two essential steps
in the defense of a free and fair democracy…
Eng, key MassVOTE
• On March 5, MassVOTE sent nearly 29,000 emails asking you to support
partner in Census Congressman Mike Capuano’s work on The Shareholder Protection Act. The
Outreach efforts. bill would require a shareholder vote before any corporation can dump its
money into federal elections.
More than 40 community
organizations sponsored • MassVOTE is planning a conference call featuring Congressman Capuano
MassVOTE’s Census Outreach and Brenda Wright, Managing Attorney for the National Voting Rights
Institute, to answer your questions about how you can bring democracy
event on March 20 in Dorchester.
back into the hands of the people.
Read more on page 2. Read more on page 3.

6. You are bringing awareness about the census where it’s needed most…
MassVOTE Organizes 40 Community Groups
to Help Residents Fill Out Census
➟ Focus on “Hard to Count” Communities
DID YOU
KNOW?
For every person who
doesn’t return the Census,
your community loses
$2,000 each year in
government funding. And,
since the Census won’t be
done again for another 10
years, that’ll add up to a loss
of $20,000 per person over
the next decade.
Norman Eng meets with fellow census specialist, Ricardo Telemaque,
and Michael Curry, master of ceremonies, for MassVOTE’s March 20
Census Event in Prince Hall.
W
HY FILL out the Census?
“It’s about money and “We could lose a seat in Congress
power,” said Norman Eng,
key MassVOTE partner in Census
unless we make sure every person
Outreach efforts. “It’s 10 minutes and
10 questions. If you don’t do it now
is counted. We’re going all out.”
you have to wait another 10 years to Cheryl Crawford
MassVOTE’s Organizing Director
fi x it.” Norman was one of 10 speak-
ers at MassVOTE’s Census Outreach
languages helped neighbors fill out rials and training they need to get
event on March 20 in Dorchester’s
the form. The NAACP, Oiste, the Chi- people to fi ll out the Census. On April
Prince Hall.
nese Progressive Association, and the 10, MassVOTE led a March to the
More than 40 community organi-
Boston Workers Alliance were among Mailbox. Volunteers handed out fly-
zations sponsored the mass effort to
the groups sponsoring the event. ers at standouts in high-traffic areas
get every person counted in this year’s
Your support allows MassVOTE and marched from five directions to
Census. Census Bureau Specialists
to bring nonprofits, businesses, and Boston’s Grove Hall, encouraging
fluent in Spanish, Haitian-Creole,
churches across the state the mate- people to send back their Census.
Portuguese, Vietnamese and other
Tell MassVOTE What You Want
If you have not yet received your MassVOTE 2010 survey, please contact
Andrea Jamison at (617)542-8683 ext. 203 or andrea@massvote.org.
2

7. Sponsored by you… 5-4 Decision Lets Flood
MassVOTE’s youth team lobby for change of Corporate Campaign
Money Drown Citizens
Bill Would Make It Easier for Teens Like You (continued)
to Vote To quote a few of you who wrote
➟
in to express your outrage at the
68 Visits with State Legislators Moves Bill Out of Supreme Court decision:
Committee into House of Representatives
Bill August of Cambridge
D
ID YOU KNOW that five states let teens register to vote at 17?
Your very own MassVOTE is one step closer to adding one more “The decision weakens the
state — Massachusetts. integrity of our democracy
Representative Ellen Story (D-Amherst) has sponsored a Pre-Registration bill by allowing disproportionate
that would let 16 and 17 year olds register to vote early so they will be ready to levels of corporate campaign
cast their ballot as soon as they turn 18. expenditures that could
“When we’re out teaching Civics to youth, we want the tools to register unjustly drown out the very
teens right on the spot,” said Ada Fuentes, MassVOTE’s Young Civic Leaders people who make up the nation
coordinator. and who the Constitution is
You gave our youth, staff, and volunteers what they needed to make 68 visits intended to protect.”
to the State House to discuss this bill one on one with state legislators. Not to
mention all the calls and letters… And you got the bill voted out of committee Jay Berger of Agawam
with a positive “ought to pass” recommendation. “Have all of us contact our state
Now the pressure is on to secure the 81 House and 21 Senate votes needed to legislators…This should be an
pass the bill before the summer recess. agenda item.”
MassVOTE’s Young Civic Leaders helped create the bill with the help of State
Ann D’Angelo of Springfield
Representative Story because they don’t think government listens enough to the
“Only the people can stop this
voices of teens. Many teens cannot register to vote at the RMV because they get
lunacy which seems to have
their licenses right when they turn 16. And programs to register high school stu-
affected even the highest
dents aren’t as effective as they could be because most high school students are
court in the land. Where are
too young to register under current law.
our leaders???”
In 2004, 81% of registered 18-24 year olds voted but only 58% were registered.
Imagine what a difference this bill could make in 2010 and 2012!
In the 2008 Presidential Election, 3.1 million citizens voted. In the
January 2010 U.S. Senate Special Election, only 2.2 million voters came
out. The biggest drop in turnout occurred in low income communities
and communities of color. See how your community did! Check out our YOU
interactive turnout maps at www.massvote.org/maps CAN JOIN OUR
FAIR ELECTIONS
TEAM.
Call Cheryl Crawford
(617)542-8683 ext. 211
Or send your ideas to:
fairelectionsagenda
@ massvote.org
Median Household Income 1/19/2010 MA Special Election,
from 2000 US Census Brown v. Coakley
3

8. You Help A High School
Senior Dream Big for the
Future…
Young Civic Leader,
Board of Directors
Lisa Wang Carmen Arce-Bowen
Organizer, Public Policy Institute
How You Make a Difference
Celina Barrios Ponce (Chair)
“M
A S S V O T E Northeastern States Organizer,
R E A L L Y teaches you “At school, you do your National Immigration Council
how to execute some- section and you’re done… Sonia Chang-Díaz
thing, how to come up with a project State Senator, Second
and follow through with it to the here, you learn to Suffolk District
end. It comes with a certain amount effectively communicate Rachael Cobb
of achievement. You really learn a Professor of Government,
lot about what you can do, and the
with others and to work Suffolk University
things you didn’t think you could do, as a team.” Adam Friedman
you can…when you’re pushed.” communities, register voters, work Web Developer, Boston Herald
Lisa Wang is a leader. A straight for election reform, and teach their
A student and captain of her high Maria Gonzalez
peers the civic skills to be powerful, Television Reporter, Univision
school speech team, Lisa is one of voting citizens.
eight outstanding teens participat- Kim M. Janey
According to Lisa, planning for
ing in MassVOTE’s Young Civic Lead- Director of the Boston School
MassVOTE’s “Civies” Event has made Reform Project,
ers program. Your support provides communication and team work Massachusetts Advocates
paid internships for high school crucial. The April 22 event honored for Children
sophomores, juniors, and seniors outstanding youth organizations Hiep Nguyen (Treasurer)
from low-income urban neighbor- across Massachusetts. Youth create Principal, HQ Nguyen CPA LLC
hoods in Greater Boston. the entire event, from writing its
Through Young Civic Leaders, Alethea Pieters (Clerk)
budget and inviting guests, to mak- Assistant Director, Massachusetts
you are giving teens the tools they ing the program and working with Recovery Office
need to become leaders in their com- news media. It’s an event by youth
munities and to excel in the class- Deborah Shah (Vice-Chair)
for youth and you make it possible.
room. Then, they go out in their Independent Consultant
Duamarius Stukes
Director of Housing and
Assisted Living,
WHERE IS MASSVOTE WORKING? Executive Office of Elder Affairs
Jeffrey Thomas
Boston Holyoke Revere
Director, Partnership for
Brockton Lynn Somerville Democracy and Education
Cambridge Malden Springfield
Phi Truong
Everett Medford Waltham Student, Boston University;
Young Civic Leaders Alumna
Fall River Plymouth Watertown
Gloucester Quincy Worcester
** Affiliations listed for
and more… identification purposes only
4

9. giving
What story is behind your giving?
Which causes ignite your passion—
or break your heart? passion
How does your generosity take you
generosity
by surprise?
When you invite the Fairfield County
Community Foundation to be your philanthropic
partner, you gain access to expertise and innovation
that bring about real change.
Your charitable desires are
transformed into smart philanthropy. Your giving
becomes more meaningful, and more effective at
producing the most good from each dollar.
And you make a difference
in your own backyard.

10. “ We wanted to provide more affordable
“ Our old apartment was not safe,
housing for women and children, and
were impressed we could accomplish
but now our new home is so beautiful.
”
so much by leveraging our giving.
”
C harlotte and John Suhler of Darien went
from being charitable donors to hands-on
philanthropists after reading a 1999 research
study by the Foundation’s Fund for Women and Girls.
U ntil last spring, Ana Rodriguez and her
seven-year-old daughter Genesis had to tiptoe
through a housemate’s bedroom to get to
the one they shared. Street noise, cockroaches and
bedbugs made their sleeping fitful.
“The study showed that the most outstanding need for women
in Fairfield County was housing,” Charlotte said. “It really hadn’t Ana, a single mother who immigrated from Honduras 10 years
been discussed that much as a need before.” ago, couldn’t afford anything better than the rundown rental unit
Today, Charlotte plays a central role with the Foundation, 19 in Stamford.
other private funders, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation “Just a one-bedroom apartment is very expensive–$1,200 or
(LISC) and Fairfield County nonprofit affordable housing more,” she said.
developers to bring safe and affordable housing to families. But a chance at a new life came when New Neighborhoods Inc.,
As a progression of their involvement with the Fund for a nonprofit affordable housing developer in Stamford, bought the
Women and Girls, Charlotte and John were founding members of building where they lived, with plans to tear it down and build
the Fairfield County Collaborative Fund for Affordable Housing, new, affordable housing.
initiated by the Foundation in 2005. Grants from the fund provide New Neighborhoods relocated tenants to other affordable
operating support to nonprofit affordable housing developers, such housing it owns in Stamford. Ana, who’s worked as a hotel
as New Neighborhoods Inc., so they can focus on buying land housekeeper for eight years, was moved to a newly renovated
and building new, affordable units. The Collaborative Fund is apartment. Her rent is now 30% of her salary, which is the
managed by LISC. To date, Fairfield County nonprofit developers government definition for affordable housing.
have 1,000 affordable housing units in the pipeline and manage Sitting in her spotless living room, Ana still can’t believe the
1,083 existing units. change in her life. She no longer worries about her daughter’s
“It’s a way a relatively small amount of money can make safety at home. Genesis plays at a playground on the property and
a difference,” Charlotte said. “If someone has $5,000 to give, attends a good school nearby.
and they are concerned about the issue, they can donate to the “Last week, my daughter was running around the apartment,”
Collaborative Fund and have an impact.” Ana said. “She ran over to the window, leaned out and yelled, ‘I’m
happy! I’m happy!’”
6 www.fccfoundation.org

11. Successful EPOCA Campaign Expands How’s this for new math? 1 + 1 = 50
EPOCA member reaches new heights, completing
Job Opportunities for Thousands “one-to-one” conversations with potential members
Grassroots pressure triumphs over political opposition
Benito Vega found EPOCA one year ago. He watched skeptically before jumping
As of June, someone with a criminal record is no chance. You gave EPOCA the strength to overcome in. Today, he’s in a league of his own.
longer automatically disqualified from working for the status quo in Worcester – our #1 obstacle to This past May, Benito became the first EPOCA member to have 50 “one-to-
the city of Worcester victory. one” conversations with potential new members.
Criminal records – also known as “CORIs” – Worcester’s City Manager tried to sabotage When Benito has a “one-to-one” with a potential EPOCA member, he asks
punish thousands of people every year. People EPOCA’s bill many times. This is an unelected how the CORI system affects their life. This way, people begin to understand
who have paid their debt to society. People who position. Can you say, “Abuse of power”? But... injustice through their own experience. Benito also lets them know about the work
have gotten their lives back on track. People like EPOCA’s grassroots pressure was too much for EPOCA is doing. He invites them to get involved.
Tricia, Tom and María. him much to handle. Our campaign was unstop- Your support allowed EPOCA to train Benito how to engage volunteers one-
Tricia is still haunted by an 8-year-old charge for pable. And, one unforgettable event pushed us over to-one. Through his 50 “one-to-ones,” Benito recruited dozens of new members.
having marijuana on her. She is 26. She has a little the top... Some of them are moving into leadership roles. They are educating legislators.
girl who’s two. She just went back to school. But, We unveiled a petition signed by 4,000 – a peti- They are running trainings. They are even recruiting more new volunteers! Because
she can’t even get a call back for a job. tion that extended the whole length of City Hall! of you, even more EPOCA members will reach Benito’s level of leadership.
Tom has been clean and sober for 10 years. He With the power of the people behind them, the City
can’t get a job because of a drug-related CORI. Council voted unanimously to support EPOCA’s
When María’s husband attacked her, she hit him proposal.
and ran. She couldn’t afford a good enough lawyer Now, CORI checks are not done until after EPOCA Launches
to get cleared on self-defense. Now, she has a CORI someone has been offered a job.
and can’t find a job to support her family. She relies And, the job offer can only be rescinded if the Biodiesel Business
on public assistance. person has an arrest record for something directly
People are far less likely to commit new crimes related to the specific job they are being hired to do.
“Green” venture creates more
if they can find a home and a job. Research proves Thanks to your support, blanket rejections of jobs for people with CORIs
it. But, CORIs make it hard to find an apartment. anyone with a CORI are history for city employers
Impossible to find a job. in Worcester. You’ve heard the expression – “If Mohammed will
Now, because of you – it’s a little easier. Thanks not go to the mountain, the mountain must come
to your support – Tricia, Tom and María have a to Mohammed,” right? Well, that’s exactly what
EPOCA’s members did...
Do you know the most common If employers won’t hire people with CORIs, we’ll EPOCA’s Mission Statement:
reasons people have CORIs? start our own business and hire them! We are ex-prisoners, along with allies,
Knowing you’d be with us every step of the way, family and friends, coming together to
People with a history of substance abuse EPOCA has created our own biodiesel business. It’s create resources and opportunities for
or addiction often have CORIs from called – “Empower Energy Cooperative, Inc.” those who have paid their debt to society.
drug-related arrests before they got into This is not only an environmentally friendly and
recovery. sustainable venture. It’s also creating green jobs EPOCA Board of Directors:
for people with CORIs. Jobs that won’t have to wait for - Hannah Caruso, Treasurer
Even if you are wrongfully accused of a CORI-friendly legislation. Fair and dignified jobs. - Steve Denson, Coordinator
crime and the case is dismissed, you will Fuel production for the general market is not yet un- - Steve Freedman, Advisor
still have a CORI record. derway. But, because of you, we look forward to creating - LaJuana Hobbes, Communicator
many good jobs in the near future. And, “Empower” is - Erica Richmond, Secretary
Kids who are just 18 or 19 and get into a structured as a worker cooperative. That means all work- - Benito Vega, Vice President
fight or get caught at the wrong party are ers will own a piece of the business. Everyone will benefit - Joseph Yandle, President
haunted by those mistakes for decades. equally from the profits of their work.
Talk about a win-win-win!
2 3

12. Have you met Steve?
Denied work for two years due to CORI, EPOCA member EPOCA NEWS
thrives helping others with records find jobs Your newsletter from Ex-Prisoners Organizing for Community Advancement | Fall 2009
5 Pleasant St. Worcester MA 01609 | 508-410-7676 | www.exprisoners.org
Steve Freedman’s criminal record cost him countless human service jobs for two years. Today, he works at
Worcester’s One Stop Career Center as an Employment Specialist.
The New Leaf Program is EPOCA’s job training service for people
72 State Legislators Support Proposal to Reform Broken
with criminal records, created in partnership with the Career Center. CORI System — Threats to passage still loom
In the past two years, New Leaf has helped more than 100 former
prisoners find jobs. And, that was with just 30 employers willing to “2009 is the year for CORI reform!” That’s some- Broad policy change like this never happens over
consider an applicant with a criminal record. thing we are used to hearing around the office. Not night. But, we get closer every year. And, with your
Now, by connecting New Leaf with the 328 new city contractors this time. Last April, those words were shouted by support, EPOCA will keep fighting until we push
accepting applicants with CORIs, there are thousands more job State Senator Harriette Chandler at an EPOCA rally this bill through!
opportunities every year. to 300 people.
Steve helps people with criminal records get those jobs. He leads The CORI Imagine you get arrested for marijuana possession in 1987 and get
workshops on writing a resume, looking for jobs, and interview skills. system punishes
Then, he works one-on-one with participants. He helps them look for people who have
three years probation. You’ll still have a record -- aka a CORI -- until 2010.
jobs and get job training. already paid their Under our legislation, your record would be sealed 7 years after you start
We can’t wait to tell you more about how he’s able to make your debt to society. probation. That gives you 16 more years to work and support your family.
vision of a more just world a reality! Imagine you get ar-
rested for marijuana
possession in 1987. You serve three years of proba-
tion. You’ll still have a criminal record until 2010.
Fire Destroys EPOCA’s Office — Under EPOCA’s legislation, your record could be Successful EPOCA Campaign
sealed 7 years after you start serving your probation. Creates Jobs for Thousands
Organization strengthened through rebuilding That gives you 16 more years to work and support
(story on page 2)
your family.
Have you ever been ripped from sleep in the middle One of our closest allies, Neighbor to Neighbor, EPOCA members wanted a well-respected, pow-
of the night by the phone? Phone calls at that hour opened their doors to us. This propelled our city or- erful lead sponsor for our legislation to reform the
never bring good news. On March 26th, Steve dinance campaign forward as we were able to work CORI system. Who better than Senator Chandler, a
O’Neill, EPOCA’s Director, got one of those calls. together more closely than ever before! Worcester Democrat and assistant vice-chair of the
An electrical fire had engulfed the office. And, EPOCA’s membership exploded at this new Senate Ways and Means Committee.
The next day EPOCA was homeless. Our old centrally located spot! Once she was on board, we educated, lobbied
office destroyed by smoke damage. Our contact lists After seeing all the benefits of being located and recruited a team of 72 co-sponsors to back her
covered in toxic chemicals. downtown, EPOCA decided to make it our perma- up! Now, because of you, a real second chance for
We started to rebuild. Our next meeting was held nent new home. Stretching ourselves to cover the thousands of people and their families is closer than
in a parking lot. extra expense, we just signed a lease for an office ever. After several years of campaigning and your
Only your generosity got us through this desper- space overlooking City Hall. A perfect spot to watch dedicated support – EPOCA’s bill has a real chance
ate time. their every move... of victory in the next few months.
Unfortunately, the Governor only favors a
watered-down CORI reform bill. And, Speaker of
the House does not see CORI reform as a priority. Volunteers from the EPOCA women’s group celebrate
You can find out more about EPOCA’s In our next newsletter, you’ll read about EPOCA members have scheduled meetings with the the passage of our ordinance that prohibits the city of
Empower Energy Cooperative by calling how EPOCA’s Women’s Group is raising Governor’s Office, the Speaker of the House, and Worcester from automatically disqualifying job applicants
Sarah Assefa at (508) 579-6916. awareness about domestic violence. the Senate President in October. We are working simply because they have a criminal record. More than
with them to make sure our bill is brought up for 350 city employers now accept applicants with CORIs,
Stay tuned... up from only 30 before the ordinance passed.
a vote.
4

13. Spring 2009 G Volume 2 G Number 2
“We Never Thought This Could Happen”
The LaFavors Thank You for
Helping to Save Their Son’s Life
In a matter of two weeks, Kerry and Keri LaFavor went
from celebrating their son’s graduation to worrying by his
“I got right by his hospital bed. “This could be your child, your grandchild,
face and said, ‘Tony, or the neighbor down the street,” says Keri LaFavor.
they’re taking you
in a helicopter to a
place that can help By the time they arrived in St. Paul, Gillette’s neuro-
you.’ A tear ran surgery team was placing a monitor inside Anthony’s
down his face. skull. The device tracks pressure on the brain. “They
I know he heard me.” asked me if I wanted to keep some locks of his hair,”
A
s they neared the local hospital, Keri
– Keri LaFavor LaFavor tearfully recalls. “I couldn’t believe what
LaFavor held out hope that her son was
fine. But fear consumed her as she was happening.”
stepped through the doors. “They
were scrambling, and no one looked me in the He Fought for Survival
eye,” she remembers. “We live in a quiet, small The LaFavors next saw their son in Gillette’s Pediatric
town. If they’re rushing, it’s bad.” Intensive Care Unit (PICU). “There was just one
spot — a small square on the right side of his chest
Anthony LaFavor had been in a severe car accident. — that wasn’t covered in equipment,” LaFavor
The emergency team was prepping him for air remembers. “It was hard not to think the worst.”
transport to St. Paul. “They were hand-pumping
More Stories air into his lungs,” LaFavor recalls. “I got right by In the PICU, nurses and doctors fought minute by
of Inspiration his face and said, ‘Tony, they’re taking you in a minute to control the pressure on his brain. “It was
helicopter to a place that can help you.’ A tear almost two weeks before it felt safe to hope that he
Inside! ran down his face. I know he heard me.” might live,” LaFavor says. “Then the hard work
The Waskeys started.”
experience Life Changes in a Flash
Gillette’s mission Now He’s Fighting for His Future
Page 2 Anthony — who’d graduated from high school
just two weeks before the accident — had taken After 18 days in the PICU, Anthony began rehabili-
Nick walks on a job delivering pizzas for the summer. “When tation with daily physical, occupational and speech
new legs
the phone rang that night, I thought it would be therapy. At the time, he wasn’t talking and couldn’t
Page 2
Anthony asking for directions again,” LaFavor use his arms and legs effectively. But he was strong
Noah is part of says. Instead, a police officer asked where to tow — a reality that often proved challenging. “He
the cure Anthony’s smashed car. could be very aggressive because of his brain injury,”
Page 3
LaFavor continued on Page 4

14. Pity. It’s 100% Curable.
Noah Is Part of the Cure! Are You?
Noah Johnson was shocked by the teacher’s warning. “With wide eyes,
he said, ‘Really? I can get in trouble like the other kids?’” Jackie Johnson
remembers with a laugh.
Noah had been caught running down the halls at other kids. Although he could
school. “Of course I told Noah that I expect him to walk, he was almost always the
behave, but inside I was smiling,” she says. “I last one in line. But that changed
never thought I’d have to tell him to slow down!” when he received a walker at
Gillette. “The extra support
They Said He’d Never Walk meant that he couldn’t just
Seven years ago, a doctor told the family that Noah walk, he could run,” says
would never walk, talk or sit up. He had been diag- Johnson. “I don’t think his
nosed with cerebral palsy — a complex condition teacher knew what to
that arises from damage to the brain. “We were do with him!”
devastated,” Johnson remembers. “It felt as if there
was no hope.” And With Your
Help, He’s Biking! You Can Be
Then the family came to Gillette. Johnson says Last summer, Noah Part of the Cure!
the difference was stark. “They never told us what received a new bike thanks to Noah is one of two boys featured in
Noah wouldn’t do,” she says. “They were too busy contributions made to Gillette’s new television commercials about
focusing on what he could do.” adaptive sports fund. The youngest Gillette. The message is clear:
of five siblings, he now can keep up pity is curable, and you can make
it happen. Watch the ads and
Now He’s Running with his brothers and sisters on a bike
read more inspiring stories at
At 3, Noah defied the odds and took his first steps built specifically for his needs. www.curepity.org. There, you
during a therapy appointment at Gillette. “You’ve can sign up to receive a free
never seen so much crying and cheering,” Johnson “Noah can never be cured of his window cling with the Cure Pity
cerebral palsy,” Johnson says. “But logo. And don’t forget to sign
says. “I felt that anything was possible.”
Gillette is helping him live a full life. up for Gillette’s e-news updates.
Show the world that you’re proud
When Noah started school a few years later, his one The joy in his face is incredible.”
to be part of the cure!
complaint was that he couldn’t keep up with the
Start Your Own Fundraising Campaign!
Create a personal fundraising page!
Are you looking This new option lets patients, families and donors raise support online with personalized Web pages.
for a simple and You can raise funds in honor or memory of a loved one or in celebration of a special milestone in your life.
effective way Get started in three simple steps:
to get involved G Create a page by visiting G Personalize your page by G Share your page by uploading
at Gillette? www.gillettechildrens.org/ uploading pictures and writing your entire address book and
personalpages and clicking a short message about why e-mailing a personal invitation
on “create a page.” you’re fundraising for Gillette. to your family and friends.
Your personal page also includes a guest book so that your family and friends can encourage you
with supportive notes. Get started today! You’ll be making a difference in the life of a child.
3

15. Your Newsletter from the National Network of Abortion Funds • www.nnaf.org • Fall 2008
42 Seaverns Avenue • Boston, MA 02130-2865 • Tel. 617-524-6040 • Fax. 617-524-6042
Your support pushed us over the top…
$3,010,000
Abortion Funds distribute $2,600,000
record amount of funding
• More than $3 million given out Funding given out
to women increased
• More than 21,000 women assisted 2006 2007 $400,000 over last year.
Last year – thanks to you – the Network and our member
Funds gave out a record-breaking $3.01 million to 21,158
women who couldn’t afford to pay for their abortion. This is
a $400,000 increase over the previous year – a 15% jump.
Two Funds join forces to help
While we gave out more money than ever, the number of woman in shelter
women helped stayed about the same as the year before. You
know these are tough economic times. Wages are stagnant. Yet MarisoL, a 31-year-oLd woMan in texas, was living
the cost of abortion care is rising. This means that we needed in a shelter with her four-year-old daughter. She had
to give larger grants to women in order to bridge the gap. no job and no money when she found out she was
By increasing the amount of our grants, the Network pregnant. Marisol needed $400 for her first trimester
and our Funds ensure that each woman can make the choice abortion. One of our local Funds in Texas was able
that’s best for her. And this increased support from us would to pay for half. A grant from the Network’s National
not be possible without your increased support to us. Reproductive Justice Fund covered the other half.
So, we thank you… and 21,158 other women do too.
Sponsored by you… truly. It’s free for our Funds to
come thanks to you.
Activists from across the
country attend the Network’s
Annual Organizing Summit
• Member Funds gather to share advice,
strategies, and best practices
• Trainings held on volunteer recruitment,
Board members, Fund activists and organizational allies spend some rare abortion counseling, and issue advocacy
down-time together during the Network’s Annual Organizing Summit.
More than 130 people attended the 4-day event.
109 abortion Fund activists... 23 organizational allies... 18
workshops... and one rowdy banquet... it’s the Network’s
Annual Organizing Summit!
Our 2008 Summit was held this past June in Bryn Mawr,
Pennsylvania. This inspirational, energizing weekend
allowed Fund activists to network and bond with their sister
Funds from across the country.
But, it wasn’t all fun and games. There were also four days
of intensive trainings, strategy sessions, panels and plena-
ries. We held sessions on everything from volunteer recruit-
ment and organizational development to reproductive justice
and policy advocacy. And, we were lucky enough to have
the Alliance for Justice, the ACLU Reproductive Freedom
Project, the Center for Reproductive Rights, the Pro-Choice
Public Education Project, and the National Latina Institute
Our keynote speaker, Laura Villa Torres, brought an international perspec- for Reproductive Health there to share their expertise.
tive to our 2008 Summit. Laura is a founding member of Decidir, a coali- All to make sure that our member Funds are even bigger,
tion of youth dedicated to raising awareness about abortion among young bolder, and stronger next year...
people in Mexico.

16. 2 | Network News | spriNg 2008 Connecting Rights to Resources
Your support of the Network’s hyde – 30 years is enough! Campaign
put a national spotlight on economic barriers to abortion… Gathering for Immigrant
Women’s Abortion Access Project
15,000 signatures delivered to
Congress to restore Medicaid
funding for abortion
• Overwhelming support shows nationwide strength of campaign
ON the 35th aNNiveRSaRy Of Roe v. WADe, members of the
Hyde – 30 Years Is enough! campaign took the capitol by storm. more
than 15,000 petition signatures were delivered to congress in support of
restoring medicaid funding for abortion. this widespread response shows
the nationwide support for removing economic barriers to abortion.
Gladys and Arline Gould attended the
the hyde amendment was originally passed in 1976. it prohibits the
2nd Annual Rosie Jimenez Gathering,
use of federal medicaid funding for abortion. exceptions are made in cases
an event organized by the Hope Fund in
of rape, incest and danger to the life of the woman. most states have also Rhode Island, one of our member Funds,
banned medicaid funding for abortion. and Connections Co-op, a women’s
interpreters cooperative. This event pro-
moted the Immigrant Women’s Abortion
Access Project and was held to com-
New threat emerges… memorate the death of the first woman
known to die of an illegal abortion after
Passage of Indian Health Service bill the Hyde Amendment was passed.
delayed by anti-choice politics
• latest chapter in long history of u.S. controlling
reproductive lives of Native women This may seem unbelievable but it’s true…
aNti-chOice POlicymakeRS have injected language prohibit- Women like Natasha
ing the use of indian health Service (ihS) funding for abortion into the
indian health care improvement act. this past february, the uS Senate are grateful for your
passed an amendment banning the use of ihS funding for abortion except
in the cases of rape, incest of a minor, or life endangerment. the house of support
Representatives is now poised to do the same.
this is only the latest in a long line of assaults on the reproductive lives of NataSha, a young woman from louisiana
Native american women. in the 1970s, Native women were subjected to forced with two children, called us last Wednesday
sterilization by the indian health Service. and, in the 1980s, Depo Provera was afternoon. She was raped while her husband
given to “mentally impaired” Native women without their consent. was in iraq and had just been released from
these amendments also duplicate existing policy which already unfairly the hospital after attempting suicide. Natasha
restricts coverage of abortion by ihS. ihS is subject to the hyde amendment, was online looking for ways to self-abort
first passed in 1976, which prohibits federal Medicaid dollars from being when she found our number. She had made
used to pay for abortion, except in cases of rape, incest and danger to the an appointment at a clinic but cancelled it
life of the woman. because she couldn’t come up with the $400
she needed. the Network referred her to a
rape crisis center and also connected her with
our member funds to ensure that she would
Want a quick and easy way to sustain the have the money she needed to pay for a safe,
Network? Go online to donate quarterly or even legal abortion at her local clinic. She said that
monthly! Sign up once and you never have to she couldn’t believe that we were willing to
www.nnaf.org
think about it again… help her. and by “we,” we mean you.

17. 4 planned parenthood of rhode island • summer 2007 Decisions. For your health. For your world.
Founded a decade ago with money from the Prospect Hill Foundation Welcome to Rhode Island!
and The Rhode Island Foundation...
A Big Fat D
Anna Quindlen ignites “Liberal” little state voted “Most
crowd at Teen Health Hostile” in New England to women’s
reproductive rights. Will this year see
Center celebration improvements? We’re off to a bad start.
where should you live right now, as far as
full-service women’s health care is concerned?
“The United States remains the last great developed nation Any New England state but Rhode Island,
without a system of child care,” she charges, “but there’s no apparently.
government response in sight.” Noxious legislation here unduly intrudes
on a woman’s easy access to reproductive health
newsweek columnist anna quindlen, care and family planning, says the 2007 Report
mother of three, electrified an audience at Card on Women’s Reproductive Rights, issued
the Rhode Island Convention Center on by watchdog NARAL Pro-Choice America.
April 10 with her appeal that officials pay How are the neighbors doing?
more than lip service to the needs of our Connecticut, Maine and Vermont all earn
children. straight As. New Hampshire trails close behind
Ms. Quindlen “was harshly critical with a grade of B+. Massachusetts is little better
of the Bush administration and others than mediocre, with a C+. But Rhode Island is
in Washington” for their platitudes and New England’s legislative dunce, barely scrap-
cash-starved health and education initia- ing by with a D.
tives, the Providence Journal reported.
“We love the platitudes: ‘Children are
our future. They are the promise of to- Local bills we’re watching
morrow. Our children are our chance at Right now, two bills before the R.I.
immortality,’” she said. “But this is a na- legislature merit close watching.
Pulitzer Prize winning journalist,
tion that loves the notion of children but Anna Quindlen “Certificate of birth resulting in
doesn’t really like the reality of kids. stillbirth” — Opponents of legal abor-
“Public policy follows the easier road, in which Head Start is underfunded tion have used similar legislation to
but prisons are a booming business, in which welfare cuts are all the rage and expand the concept of “fetal person-
subsidized daycare is a cul-de-sac. Then we wonder why our kids don’t do bet- hood,” and thus chip away at a woman’s
ter and our families fall apart.” rights. In this case, though, PPRI staff
Her appearance in Providence marked the 10th anniversary of PPRI’s and Rep. Edith H. Ajello submitted an
Teen Health Center. PPRI opened the Center in 1997 with a generous contri- amendment to the bill that strictly de-
bution from the Prospect Hill Foundation and The Rhode Island Foundation. fined stillbirth as “the naturally occur-
The Teen Health Center provides confidential contraception and sex ed coun- ring intrauterine death of a fetus.” The
seling to females and males 13–22. Fees are on a sliding scale for those without new language neutralizes the bill’s value
insurance. as a rhetorical tool against abortion.
The goals of the Teen Health Center include fewer unwanted pregnancies The “24-hour waiting bill” has
and lowering the incidence of sexually transmitted infections among Rhode raised its ugly head again. This annually
Island’s youth. raised, and so far annually defeated, bill
requires a woman to mull her decision
to have an abortion for an additional 24
Donors: Your gifts fund 100% of our effort to protect women’s hours after she’s spoken with a medical
counselor, “just in case.” The paternal-
reproductive health care here in Rhode Island. It is our privilege to istic and demeaning implication: the
act as your eyes, ears, and voice with legislators and other policy- woman hasn’t yet given her decision
makers. Thank you for your steady enough serious thought. PPRI strongly
support. Everything we achieve in opposes this bill.
this arena depends on you.

18. MassNews
faLL 2010
41 WEST STREET, STE 700
BOSTON, MA 02111
617-542-8683
News for the Donors, Volunteers, and Supporters of MassVOTE
WWW.MASSvOTE.ORG Who Make This All Possible.
Your gifts go to make sure With your donations…
every vote is counted… MassVOTE is building the largest
MassVOTE Get-Out-The-Vote machine in state
conducts first-ever history for this fall’s elections
independent audit
of Massachusetts ➟ Nearly 100 organizations prepare to hit the streets
M
voting machines assVOte Is tuRnIng uP
the heat for election Day. Your
➟ Historic first sparks
staunch opposition from
contributions are at work, build-
ing the biggest get-out-the-vote machine this
Secretary of State state’s ever seen!
➟possible next step
as
Lawsuit considered almost 100 groups from Boston to spring-
field have been assembled. this includes
groups like the Disability Policy Consortium, Massachusetts transgender
w
ItH YOuR BaCkIng, Political Coalition, Pioneer Valley Planning Committee in springfield, and the
MassVOte recently naaCP’s worcester branch.
conducted the first-ever and, your support is allowing us to provide these organizations with state-
independent audit of an election of-the-art technology to track voters better than ever before. Fully trained and
machine in Massachusetts. equipped, volunteers are hitting the streets statewide — organizing door to door
In June, using the Public and registering voters.
Records law, your team at Mass- to kick off our get-Out-the-Vote campaign, MassVOte’s Young Civic leaders
VOte asked to see all 1,007 anony- trained and led more than 150 youth in voter registration drives, focusing on
mous ballots cast in a randomly Boston in July and springfield in august.
selected precinct in shrewsbury High-income, suburban white voters are much more likely to vote than low-
during the 2010 special election for income people of color in the cities. In the January special election to replace ted
u.s. senate. kennedy, voter turnout was over 70% in areas like Dover and Hingham. that
1,002 ballots were correctly same day, only 40% of Boston and 25% of lawrence voted. the story was the same
counted. On the remaining five, around the state.
Read more on page 2. with your help, the story will be quite different this november.

19. Using your money to get their money out of politics…
Campaign Finance Reform:
What you’ve made possible
Victory on National
➟ Opinion polls, statewide conference calls, petition
drives – oh my! Popular Vote and
Bilingual Ballots!
l
ast wInteR, MassVOte • Congressman Michael Capuano
sent you a survey and asked and voting rights expert Brenda Thanks to you, MassvOTE was able
wright from the Democracy Pro- to support Common Cause and the
you, what issue that we work
gram at Demos, a national think Chinese Progressive Association
on is most important to you? an to pass two important pieces of
overwhelming number of you said tank, joined us for a conference
legislation this year.
“campaign finance reform.” You want call. they answered your questions
corporate money out of politics. so
about campaign finance reform
and the Citizens’ united ruling.
➟ The National Popular Vote,
if passed by enough states, will give
do we. the presidency to the candidate
Here’s what your financial support • In July, you may have been
who wins the most popular votes
has allowed us to do, so far: among our crews of volunteers
nationwide. Massachusetts is the
on Centre street in Jamaica 6th state to pass this legislation.
• In May, MassVOTE conducted Plain and Broadway in southie.
a poll with suffolk university to
find out what the public thinks
Clipboards in hand, you asked
people what they thought about
➟ The Bilingual Ballots
Law will protect voting rights
about Citizens’ united — the Janu- the role of big money in politics. by extending the use of English-
ary 2010 supreme Court decision More than 800 people agreed Chinese and English-vietnamese
that lets businesses spend unlim- that something needs to be done
ballots in Boston’s Chinatown and
ited amounts of money in federal other neighborhoods through 2012.
and signed our petition.
elections. Four out of every five
Massachusetts residents agree without you, none of this would
with you — and oppose the ruling. have been possible. with you, any-
thing is possible.
first-ever independent audit of Massachusetts voting machines (CONTINUED fROM PAGE 1)
the voters had mismarked their bal- and town election officials to deny
lots. But their intent, in all five cases, our requests for additional audits.
seemed clear. as your newsletter goes to press,
while this may affirm your confi- we’re looking at our options. we may
dence in the count, it also highlights bring a lawsuit. we may push for new
the importance of well-trained poll legislation. One thing is for sure — we
workers and clear signs at the polls won’t give up.
to instruct voters how to mark their as Charles stewart, Political
ballots. after all, as al gore knows science Professor at MIt, says, “Post-
all too well, miscounting 1 in 200 election audits of voting machines
ballots can make a huge difference are now a best-practice among states
in a close election. who are interested in making sure
sadly, your own secretary of that the machines remain in good
An uncounted ballot discovered
during MassvOTE’s audit of Special state doesn’t agree. the office- shape and that election procedures
Election results from January 2010 in holder responsible for the integrity were followed.”
Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. This first- More than half the states in the
of the electoral process opposes our
ever independent audit of your voting
machines in state history was shut attempts to ensure that the state’s u.s. require random audits of voting
down by Secretary of State William voting machinery is working prop- machines after elections.
Galvin after reviewing just one precinct.
erly. secretary Bill galvin told city
2

20. Your financial support pushes us up Beacon Hill
time and again…
MassVOTE stormed the
State House in support of voter
pre-registration bill
➟ Youth voter registration
allow
led the charge to
in advance of
your 18th birthday
“I ’M tHe next geneRatIOn
and I want to be taken seri-
ously,” says shaughnessy Cole,
a 17 year-old senior and one of
MassVOte’s Young Civic leaders.
“But, right now, politicians have no
Rayanna West, a 15 year-old Young Civic Leader with MassvOTE, visits Senator Robert Hedlund
incentive to care about what we think. to ask him to support pre-registration. Pre-registration would let 16½ and 17 year-olds register
we’re fighting to pass pre-registration to vote early — and make your lawmakers take younger constituents more seriously.
so they’ll listen to us.” TOP LEfT: With your support, “Pre-Registration Chocolate Bars” were delivered to legislators
Pre-registration would allow 16½ throughout the State House. Hershey nutrition details were replaced with facts on how pre-
registration would impact youth engagement in voting.
and 17 year-olds to register to vote
before their 18th birthday. Massachusetts, due to out-of-date registration laws.
every day this year, your donations sent MassVOte Right up to the closing bell of this year’s legislative
volunteers, interns, and staff to the state House to tell session, on July 31, your gifts enabled us to keep up the
legislators why getting youth registered to vote early is so fight for pre-registration. while the session ended without
important. a final vote, MassVOte isn’t giving up. and neither are
letting teens your friends in
pre-register “Seeing these youth up at the State House, day the legislature…
means fewer 18 “when this
year-olds will after day – they’re inspiring.” session began,
need to register State Rep. Mike Moran no one was talk-
at the last min- ing about pre-
ute. and, fewer will miss the deadline and end up unable to registration. now, it’s on everybody’s radar screen. we’ve
vote on election Day. got momentum and we’re going to get this done next year,”
Current programs to register high school students just said ellen story, the bill’s lead sponsor and a state Repre-
don’t work. sentative from amherst.
no one knows that better than our Young Civic leaders, “seeing these youth up at the state House, — they’re
nine high school students who work part-time at Mass- inspiring,” said Representative Mike Moran, the Chair of
VOte thanks to your committed support. the Young Civic the House Committee on elections laws. “while we didn’t
leaders teach their peers about democracy and voting. and pass pre-registration this time, I’m looking forward to
they’ve learned that very few teens can actually register in working with you to get it done.”
MASSVOTE NEEDS YOU!
Are you ready to knock doors, hold signs, or register voters? There are so many ways for
you to get involved with MassvOTE this election season and beyond. for more info, contact
Manolia Charlotin at 617-542-8683 x201 or mcharlotin@massvote.org
3