On August 15, 2024, a diverse and dedicated group of Move to Amend’s (MTA) co-directors, board members, and grassroots leaders gathered in the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois. From the very start, it was clear that this would be a week of collaborative spirit and profound activism. 

True to our values, we ensured that our meals were inclusive of everyone's dietary needs and that every dinner was a community affair, with Daniel Lee and others stepping up to prepare hearty meals, fueling us for the intense days ahead.

Our three-day strategic planning retreat began on August 16. The retreat was more than a series of meetings; it was a confluence of ideas, strategies, and a shared vision. 

Highlights included in-depth discussions on mobilizing support for HJR 54, the We the People Amendment, and crafting innovative tactics for engaging with lawmakers and the public. The energy in the room was palpable as we aligned our goals and set the stage for our next big push.

As the retreat wrapped up on August 18, our focus shifted to the Democratic National Convention (DNC) scheduled for the following week. Several of our dedicated volunteers—Lawrence Abbott from California, Sandy Bozenius from Ohio, and Todd Telford from California among them—took part in Progressive Central 2024.

This event provided a platform for them to engage with influential figures such as Rep. Pramila Jayapal, the lead sponsor of HJR 54, and Amy Goodman of DemocracyNow!. They also had the opportunity to Birddog alongside Medea Benjamin, co-founder of CodePink and a staunch supporter of MTA, and were inspired by Bernie Sanders himself.

While some volunteers immersed themselves in Progressive Central, the rest of us focused on creating impactful street theater props. Our SCOTUS robes, adorned with corporate logos, visually represented the troubling links between mega-corporations and a corporate-friendly Supreme Court. Additionally, we crafted a Handmaid’s Tale-inspired red robe to symbolize the oppressive stance of the SCOTUS on women’s bodily autonomy. These props were not just artistic expressions; they were powerful symbols of our commitment to justice and reform.

Later that day, we attended the Poor People’s Fest, where we had the opportunity to catch up with Professor Ben Manski, one of MTA’s original founders. Our conversation with him was not just a nod to the past but a glimpse into the exciting plans and ideas we’re developing for the future. Stay tuned as we prepare to unveil new initiatives that build on our foundational work and push our movement forward.

Monday, August 19, was a day of action. We joined thousands of people at the March on the DNC, starting from Union Park in Chicago. Dressed in our SCOTUS and Handmaid’s Tale costumes, we drew significant attention, leading to interviews and photographs by reputable and alternative news outlets alike. Despite the sweltering heat, the visibility and impact of our message made every moment worth it.

The day’s activities didn’t end with the march. In the evening, we gathered with the Poor People's Army in Humboldt Park. There, Dr. Jill Stein, a presidential candidate, spoke to the crowd and graciously participated in a one-on-one interview with MTA co-director Greg Coleridge. During the interview, Dr. Stein committed to using her office, if elected, to advocate for the We the People Amendment—a pledge that her campaign has since officially embraced.

Starting on Tuesday, August 20, and for the rest of the DNC, we birddogged delegates and superdelegates at the DNC. We stationed ourselves outside their hotels, engaging with several representatives and urging them to support HJR 54.

Our presence continued at United Center and McCormick Place, where we stood outside the main entrances, delivering our message to attendees waiting in long lines. Our innovative SCA signs, a concept by Todd, made a significant impact, with many delegates taking notice and engaging in conversations about the amendment.

To cap off our week of activism, several of us took part in the Overhead Light Brigade on Thursday night, a visually striking event that amplified our message in a unique and memorable way. Under the cover of night, we wielded illuminated panels that boldly displayed the message “End CORPORATE RULE.” These glowing panels were strategically positioned along heavily trafficked roads greeting delegates returning to their hotels after leaving the DNC, ensuring that our call for change was seen by many.

The event wasn’t just about visibility; it was a powerful demonstration of our commitment to raising awareness and sparking conversations about the We the People Amendment. As drivers and pedestrians alike encountered our message, the spectacle of lights and the clarity of our purpose combined to leave an indelible mark, reinforcing our movement’s presence and urgency.

This week of activism and engagement has showcased the incredible strength and unity within our movement. From meticulously preparing for our strategic retreat to taking center stage at major events like the March on the DNC, we’ve demonstrated our commitment to advancing the cause of the We the People Amendment. The creativity and dedication of our volunteers, from the street theater performances to the impactful Light Brigade, have not only captured public attention but also sparked crucial conversations about the need for systemic change.

A special shoutout goes to Todd Telford for his innovative Sequential Curbside Action (SCA) idea. This creative approach effectively communicated our message across multiple locations, ensuring it reached a broader audience. For those interested in replicating this method, a step-by-step guide is available on our website.

Our efforts this week are just the beginning. As we look ahead, we have ambitious plans to further amplify our message and engage even more deeply with communities across the country. But to turn these plans into reality, we need your support. Your contributions are vital for sustaining our momentum and enabling us to organize more high-impact events, develop innovative advocacy strategies, and drive the legislative action required to pass HJR 54.