Event Recap: Launch Into Action, PIVOT’s Election Launch on September 14, 2024 | 46 days until the Election!

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Friday, September 20, 2024

Last Saturday, September 14th, PIVOT hosted our annual Launch Into Action event on Zoom where we discussed the future of our country and how the Vietnamese American community can be decisive at the polls. PIVOT’s President and MC for the night, Dr. Tung Nguyen kicked us off with an enthusiastic welcome, to the music of Beyonce’s Freedom song.

We had multiple accomplished speakers who shared their experiences to help us get inspired for the upcoming election. 

 

We heard from Tram Nguyen, Massachusetts State Representative for the 18th Essex District, who talked about the importance of bringing in new voters.

“We must organize, must work harder than ever for the next 2 months to elect Democrats up and down the ballot. We are so fortunate to have organizations like PIVOT that provides a safe and empowering space for all of us to gather to unite around candidates and issues that align with our views.” 

Tamlyn Tomita, an actress and community activist, spoke about how important our vote is and how our efforts matter in this upcoming November 5th election.

“It is our privilege to use our voices in this voting system in this Democratic society. The telling of our stories, the sharing of our souls, the opening of our hearts, to know that what I do is to benefit you is to benefit all of us.” 

Kathy Tran, State Delegate for Virginia’s 18th House District, described how our path forward is due to our support for our Vietnamese communities.

“It’s about lifting people up. It’s about that long term investment and support, so that we can grow as leaders and help bring others along with us. We have families that came here and risked everything.”

Derek Tran, endorsed by PIVOT & is running for Congress in CA-45 District, touched on how his family’s sacrifices pushed him through this journey to running for Congress.

“Who can tell the story of our community? That is why my heart is in it, and why I want to do this. I continue to work hard to be able to represent my community.”

 

A big emphasis of the event was to talk about how everyone can make an impact in these elections. Whether it’s through volunteering or donating, each individual can contribute to this election. We thank everyone who came! Early voting starts soon and we will continue to mobilize through Election Day and beyond!

We also had an overview of each of our key election programs including digital ads, text banking, canvassing, and fellows program where we were able to see how much could be supported even through small donations.

PIVOT Board Member, Cathy Lam, talked about the valuable work that our Fellows do with partner organizations in swing states with a significant Vietnamese American population in Arizona, Nevada, Georgia, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Having an on-the-ground effort in the states allow us to connect directly with Vietnamese American voters.

 

By the numbers - samplings of some key initiatives and the dollars behind making it happen:

  • $10 supports 10 stamped postcards

  • $25 supports a fellow conducting door-to-door canvassing for an hour

  • $25 supports a fellow make 20 phone calls or to send 75 text messages

  • $75 supports Text banking: 500 GOTV messages to voters  

  • $125 supports 1 English-to-Viet translated article 

  • $500 supports 650 GOTV postcards w/ stamps

  • $1,000 supports a print/radio ad (reach ~30K)

  • $10,000 supports a PIVOT Fellow

We were able to raise over close to $20K of our $30K goal, thanks to all the wonderful donors along with a $10K matching donation.

 

Wrapping up the event was My-Linh Thai, Washington State Representative for the 41st Legislative District, explained how culture and compassion are at the frontline of making change.

“The way to make significant change, long lasting change is about understanding, about having conversations, and listening to one another. When we win, we win for our next generation, we win for all.”

 

Dr. Tung Nguyen wrapped up the call with the music of Chappell Roan, “Good Luck, Babe”. Full steam ahead and wishing us good luck going into this very critical election. Thank you to all the attendees of the event and those that are involved in this year’s election.

 

Watch the full event on YouTube!

 
 

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