Hey, fam! PWN had some incredibly long weeks organizing our members and allies to show up and move folks to get out the vote on election day, November 2nd. Now that we’ve rested a bit, we want to share the amazing experience, celebrate the successes, and see what’s next in 2022.

For the November 2nd election, PWN ran electoral organizing campaigns in Denver, Colorado, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that were planned, designed, and led by women living with HIV. And our members made Herstory this election cycle: we ran data-driven Get Out the Vote (GOTV) canvasses ALL led by and for women and trans folks living with HIV.

We also got to do something we haven’t done in over a year: celebrate election day together in person 💕

PWN-Pennsylvania on the ground in North Philadelphia on election day! Left to right: Kenya Moussa, Gracie Borns, Julie Dillon, and Maria Cruz

People don’t always pay attention to off-year elections. But PWN knows that the work to build power in our communities happens in those spaces in between. We do this all day every day to fight back regressive policies and people while championing the ones that help us build a future where people living with HIV are given the resources and rights to thrive.

PWN-Colorado getting ready to knock doors and mobilize voters in Denver! Left to right: MJ Maestas, Rica Rodriguez, and Shannon Robinson

AND WE WON!

  • NO to giving landlords and developers a tax break while hurting funding for public schools in Colorado (Prop 120)

  • YES to improving Denver shelters for people experiencing homelessness (Question 2B)

  • YES to better funding for homelessness prevention and affordable housing in Philadelphia (Question 4)

Our Colorado crew did the impossible and made taxes sexy. They encouraged people to vote NO on Proposition 120, rejecting property tax breaks for landlords and developers at the expense of public schools, libraries, and parks. They also got voters to say YES to Question 2b, putting $38.6 million into creating new shelters and improving existing shelters for people experiencing homelessness.

Our Pennsylvania crew educated and mobilized voters on affordable housing, an issue near and dear to many people living in Philadelphia, one of many cities across the US experiencing a severe affordable housing and homelessness crisis. They got folks to vote YES on Question 4, guaranteeing more funds go towards affordable housing, accessible housing, and homelessness prevention, to benefit seniors, people with disabilities, people who are homeless, and others who are struggling to afford housing.

We used all the tools in our electoral toolbox to make sure our communities knew what was at stake in this election. In the words of PWN-PA co-chair, Julie Dillon, “There is power in numbers. I am but one piece to this well-oiled machine.” We held 26 phone banks, 4 door-knocking events, and dropped about 500 voter guides at people’s doors. We did Facebook lives, radio shows, and in-person outreach at community events, mutual aid events, and were on the street to find and move our folks to vote with our values.

When we started, many of the people we spoke with didn’t even know there was an election this year. By election day, people recognized our name, our message, and showed up to vote down the ballot.

WE ALSO WON ON MORE THAN ISSUES. WE WON ON PEOPLE POWER

  • We found over 1,700 voters who support PWN issues – and have a plan to follow up with them once legislative sessions start

  • We moved money directly to the field by paying over 30 community members for voter engagement

  • We were in neighborhoods and at the doors, on election day and the days leading up to it, to talk with voters and help get them to the polls.

  • Between our volunteers and paid folks, we completed about 750 hours of voter engagement — on the phones and at doors.

And you know us. We’re not done! PWN-PA chapter member, Kenya Moussa, said it best: “Did voter engagement so nice, ready to do it twice.” Elections are one tool in the toolbox for justice, liberation, and transformation. We will keep organizing on the issues, holding elected officials accountable, building our base of supporters, and loving on our people. 2022 is coming and PWN is ready. Will you join us?