Please Contribute To The Houston Democracy Project

Please CONTRIBUTE

Since May, 2023, the Houston Democracy Project has helped lead the conversation and brought results, in the fight in Houston and Harris County against the anti-democratic political right. I’m writing because the work requires resources and merits support. I’m asking you for that support.   

Via the Project, I’ve acted effectively within traditional politics, bridged the gap between traditional politics and protest, and made clear the relevance of protest and being on the streets. 

I’ve been featured speaker at four Democratic Club monthly meetings, was ahead of the curve in recognizing the importance of this year’s Harris County Appraisal District elections, and was active in the HCAD race won by the Democrat who escaped a runoff by just 241 votes. I‘ve been involved with the Clubs In Action organization of neighborhood Democratic club presidents and leaders since its creation in 2022. In the 2023 Houston City Council elections, I convinced four Council candidates to add protection of democracy to their campaign websites, and I’ve continued to speak directly to Councilmembers about the importance of protecting democracy in Houston           

In spaces between conventional and non-conventional politics, I’ve expanded where Houstonians can be heard and have impact. The Project has an hour-long segment each Thursday at 6 AM on Politics Done Right on KPFT. I discuss local politics and take calls with host Egberto Willies.  

I took a lead role in opposing Mayor John Whitmire’s proposed ordinance to ban protest outside  the homes of politicians. How can we give up our rights with democracy under attack? I introduced the motion approved by the membership of the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus to oppose the ordinance, wrote a letter to each member of Council and spoke before Council in public session. Against expectations, the motion was sent to committee rather than approved. It has not returned to Council as of this writing.  There is no doubt citizen activism played a big role in that outcome.             

And as we face an authoritarian threat and the clear prospect of mass migrant roundups on Houston streets, the Project has consistently made the point that voting may not be enough. I’m a co-organizer of the weekly John Cornyn Houston Office Protest, which is approaching its 8th year on Houston streets and has an extensive local following. It’s important people see others like themselves willing to stand openly and confidently for democracy. 

I post often on the Project’s website blog. The blog and my social media presence allow me to press elected Democrats to be active in the 2024 Campaign even if in safe  districts. I’m working with a colleague in Fort Worth to help create independent and pro-democracy media not at the mercy of the algorithms and biases of big social media platforms. 

I was recently named Volunteer of the Year by the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus. I’m proud to have won the award and I’ll continue my volunteer work for the Caucus.  

At the same time, volunteerism has its limits. Ken Paxton’s violent raids on rank & file Democratic activists make clear the right will do anything to hold power. I’ve shown through my work with the Houston Democracy Project that I act effectively and creatively. I’ve proven I’ll show up for everybody's freedom across our great diverse city and county. Please contribute so I can continue the work.          

​Please sign the Houston Democracy Project petition to make the pledge to show up for freedom in 2024 no matter what.

The Houston Democracy Project works daily to inspire, organize and strengthen pro-democracy coalitions in Houston and Harris County.  

Please share word of the Houston Democracy Project and support the effort with your contribution. If you have a question about the Project or a suggestion, please send an e-mail to [email protected]​​​
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Please CONTRIBUTE