2018
Initiatives
In 2018, The Hometown Project focused efforts on local elections and GOTV efforts in key states including Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin. We had over twenty well-known artists as volunteers who supported candidates and GOTV efforts in their Hometowns, including Mark Ruffalo in Wisconsin, Kate Walsh in Arizona, Danielle Brooks in South Carolina, Ron Livingston in Iowa, Molly Shannon in Ohio and more. The 2018 Energizers supported nearly 40 local candidates in their hometowns. Whether at a concert in Kentucky, a rally in Texas, or in videos on social media, the content created by these Hometown Energizers engaged and energized hundreds of thousands of voters in local communities. And perhaps most importantly- we have met some extraordinary candidates— young leaders in so many cities and towns across the country and they give new hope for the upcoming generation of leaders.
Actor Connie Britton motivates voters at a rally in Texas with our partners at Planned Parenthood.
Lexington, Kentucky native, and award-winning actor Michael Shannon helps get out the vote at a concert in his hometown.
They are diverse individuals, women of color, leaders in the community, and these newly elected leaders will strongly and more accurately reflect the values and demographics of the communities they serve. In 2018, 21 of our candidates won and 15 came up short but by a lot less than in previous years.
We purposefully choose candidates in tough, competitive races, in order to maximize the potential impact of our Hometown Energizers. And yet even with losses, we made progress. Historically there are so many unopposed races, that sometimes just getting a new candidate in the race is progress. It gives thousands a choice and a chance to vote their values. And Hometown Energizers' support can help bolster the morale in these campaigns that are often an uphill battle.
2018 MAP
2018 Team
Program Manager: Amy DiPrima Forste
Content Producer: Shannon Frederick Meneses
Media Relations: Pierette Imbriano
Social Media: Rachel Fleit
Interns: Graham Arms, Kalkidan Hough
Volunteer writers: Brooke Berman, Kate Moira Ryan, Tracey Scott Wilson, Melissa Walker
Volunteer Editors: Soren Bailey, Lukas Huffman, Eric Lorenz, Shannon Frederick Meneses