Will the concerns and hopes of everyday people be reflected at the major parties' political conventions? The National Doorstep Convention canvass this weekend aims to be sure that the pressure on struggling households doesn't get lost in the political glitter.

 /PM BlogSpace Report/ On the weekend of July 15-17, The National Doorstep Convention will host hundreds - and likely thousands - of volunteers talking with tens of thousands of voters (and perhaps hundreds of thousands) about a vision for the country and the incredible organizing that Progressive Maryland is doing in Maryland.  The National Doorstep Convention represents a historic push to combat hate and fear, build multiracial support for economic and racial justice, and deepen grassroots democracy over corporate power. You can help make every community and every person count!

 Progressive Maryland will be working in some of Maryland’s most progressive jurisdictions to bring the issues to the community’s doorstep. Friday, July 15, at 10 a.m. at 7505 Clinton Vista Lane, Clinton, Md. 20735 in Prince George’s County  we’ll continue our fight against Walmart’s intrusion into neighborhoods and disruption of local small businesses, and against environmental injustice in the siting of power plants and dumps in the most vulnerable, least powerful communities.

Saturday, July 16 in Montgomery County we will promote the Fight For Fifteen effort to raise the county’s minimum wage and especially to include tipped workers in the bill’s advance. Volunteers meet at 10 a.m. at our office in Silver Spring/Four Corners, 35 University Blvd. East, Silver Spring, MD 20901-2437 to canvass, probably in District 14.

 And Progressive Maryland is seeking volunteers to join The National Doorstep Convention  as well as our efforts to advocate for campaign finance reform in Howard County.  On Sunday July 17, 2016 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., volunteers will canvass door to door and advocate for the Citizens’ Election Fund, a system that matches funds for candidates who seek small donations from constituents in Howard County. The purpose of the CEF is to give residents control of politics and policy making. At times, candidates who receive donations from special interests groups and wealthy organizations make it hard for other candidates to compete, leaving room for big corporations to push their personal agendas on government officials.  Amending the Howard County Charter for this purpose promotes diversity among candidates and encourages small donors to participate in the election process.

 RSVP to volunteer for these events at the Progressive Maryland calendar.

Together, let’s use The National Doorstep Convention to encourage everyday citizens, not big corporations to compete in elections so that our voices will be heard! If you are interested in volunteering, please RSVP on our website under the events page here: http://www.progressivemaryland.org/national_mass_day_of_canvassing_door_step_convention