Clean Elections Texas
Imagine a Texas Capitol in which your opinions counted as much as those of professional lobbyists and the megawealthy. Imagine a judicial system in which candidates for judge didn’t have to raise money from the very attorneys and interests who one day will show up in their courtrooms.
These aren’t just dreams of true democracy; they’re reality in a number of states that have passed Clean Elections legislation establishing opt-in public financing of campaigns. Clean Elections Texas, a campaign led by the True Courage Action Network (TCAN) and many collaborating groups, is taking the initiative to bring Clean Elections to the Lone Star State.
Read on, or browse through the pages listed at the right, to learn more details about this exciting project and how you can get involved.
Ultimate Goals
Our overall goal is to pass two Clean Elections (CE) measures in the 81st Texas Legislative Session that will provide public funding for judicial races and legislative races, thus freeing candidates from the need to court special-interest money from wealthy ideologues and corporations. We think passage of this legislation is the single most important thing Texans can do to restore our government to a participatory democracy.
Short-term Goals
One of our subgoals is to have local officials (city council, county commissioners, others) from every region of the state pass resolutions calling on the lege to pass the CE measures in 2009. We are also getting commitments from local officials to take action in 2009 (lobbying, promoting, etc.). In support of these aims, Clean Elections Texas is building a coordinated grassroots network of activists across the state who will actively court and lobby these local officials. Volunteer efforts are strongly supported and coordinated. They’re also closed-ended. We’re all communicating and collaborating, so we learn from one another.
The Clean Elections Texas Team
Headquartered in Austin, TCAN’s CE team oversees the statewide strategy and serves as the network hub. It is the communications focal point for regional coordinators, the TCAN board of directors, and collaborating organizations. It proposes and sets the agenda and time line for statewide events and legislative efforts. It also suggests/supports regional activities and holds regular teleconference meetings. Most importantly, it listens to Regional Coordinators and makes strategic evaluations based on input from all sources.
In the Field and in Our Homes
Our grassroots network includes activists in leadership positions that make the most of individual volunteers’ skills and interests.
An integral part of our statewide organizing efforts is our Clean Elections House Party program. Gather some friends, relatives, neighbors, or co-workers for an informal party at your house or apartment to raise money and awareness for Clean Elections Texas. You set the date and time, invite your guests, and provide some simple refreshments. We’ll give you a great 15-minute DVD narrated by Bill Moyers to show to your guests, as well as all the materials and guidance you need to make your party a success. In most cases, a Clean Elections Texas leader will be available to speak and help answer questions at your event.
You can set one up right now on the easy-to-use TCAN Event Center, which makes it easy to email invitations, track RSVPs, set a fundraising goal, and even take contributions from those who can’t make it in person. Questions: email Jonathan, our house party coordinator, or call 512-445-9020.
For More Information
Check back here frequently for the latest news, events, ideas, and calls for help. Keep imagining, and take action! We need you to make Clean Elections a reality for Texas.
