Affiliate & Advocate Spotlight: The People Behind the Movement
Movements aren't built by organizations alone—they're built by people willing to show up.
During 7 Days in DC, we were reminded that the strength of Move to Amend has always been the incredible community of affiliates, advocates, volunteers, and allies who give their time, talents, and hearts to this work.
Our deepest gratitude goes to the entire Move to Amend National Team—past and present—including Catherine Culbertson, Cole Bennett, Jennie Spanos (joined by her partner, Davijon), Katie Krasinski (alongside her nephew Bryson and his girlfriend Brie), and Alfonso Saldaña, who shared the week with his girlfriend Karla. Whether coordinating logistics, facilitating workshops, meeting with congressional offices, staffing events, or helping build community, each person helped make the week a success.
We also want to recognize Lawrence Abbott, whose commitment to this movement continues to inspire us. Lawrence traveled all the way from California to join us in Washington, D.C., thanks to the support of California Move to Amend and his union. His dedication is a reminder that genuine democracy is worth traveling—and organizing—for.
A special thank you goes to our longtime friend and ally Mike Ferner, former National Director of Veterans For Peace, whose powerful remarks during Friday's Veterans Rally reminded us that defending democracy requires courage both at home and abroad.
We're equally grateful to newer members of our movement who stepped up in remarkable ways. Chuck Podgurski drove from Georgia to spend the week organizing alongside us, while Kristina "Stina" Ramanauskas brought her passion, voice, and energy to events throughout the week, reminding us that every new volunteer strengthens our movement. Also, Thalya Paleologu, one of our newest volunteers in Florida, who is also spearheading the efforts to pass the Transparent Election Initiative!
We also extend our appreciation to longtime ally Bill Moyer, one of Move to Amend's original signers and a leader with the Backbone Campaign. Bill and the Backbone team once again helped bring our message to life with the breathtaking giant Constitution that led marchers toward the U.S. Capitol—a powerful reminder that the Constitution begins with "We the People."
Beyond Washington, supporters across the country amplified our message by submitting Letters to the Editor in their hometown newspapers before and during the week of action. Every published letter helps bring the conversation about constitutional change into communities where it matters most.
One standout example came from Ohio, where civic engagement and constitutional reform were highlighted in a recent Cleveland.com feature examining why Cleveland Heights residents believe civic participation matters now more than ever. The article underscores something we've long believed: democracy isn't something we watch—it is something we practice together.
Whether you traveled across the country, wrote a letter to your local paper, joined a march, met with lawmakers, volunteered behind the scenes, or simply shared our message with friends and family—you helped move this movement forward.
Thank you for proving, once again, that when ordinary people organize together, extraordinary things happen.
