Last week I got an email from Patti Gay, an artist we love to work with, offering something pretty unique: she asked if we would sell some hand-made pins in our shop to benefit a pro-democracy organization. She offered the pins at no cost and even volunteered to pay for shipping to get them to our door. She let me know she felt passionately about protecting voter rights and asked if I could help.
It kind of took my breath away – she was giving so much and asking for so little!
Obvs, I said yes. I love to partner up with our artists and neighbors for creative missions like this that benefit our communities (and here was one being handed right to me)!
Patti said she’d gladly send me some pins ASAP and I waited excitedly for them to arrive. I was in for a treat!
Days later the box appeared, I anxiously unpacked it, and to my surprise – it was FULL of all kinds of beautiful, thoughtful handmade pins! The variety and quantity astounded me – 8 unique designs, 10 of each – 80 pins and ALL HANDMADE (The sheer number of woman-hours packed into that box was astonishing)!
I emailed Patti immediately to ask about her inspiration, and she replied:
As an American I realize that our democracy and constitution are critical to the well-being of us all.
I believe in protecting our neighbors and the rule of law. I believe in fair elections without intimidation or obstacles which only certain Americans must overcome. I believe the constitution allows due process. I believe in honesty when reporting news and the free press. I believe in the separation of powers. After seeing our constitution violated and seeing others stand up for what we know is right and moral, I felt compelled to do something to help those who are able pursue justice through the courts and laws of our land.
I had the idea of making pins from clay and painting them and invited my neighbors to help. We have now made a variety of shapes and statements. All revenue from the pins goes entirely to Democracy Docket so they can continue to inform and fight the good fight.
Founded in 2020, Democracy Docket is a digital news and information platform founded by lawyers and dedicated to covering voting rights, elections, and the courts. Delving into election and democracy litigation is central to their mission. Through their diligence, they strive to protect and strengthen democracy in the United States.
Since their founding, Democracy Docket has maintained a comprehensive database of 1000+ cases regarding voting and election litigation. In turn, they make court filings accessible (in real time) for lawyers, journalists, policymakers, and the public.
In conjunction with Patti Gay & Friends, ALL REVENUE from the sale of their We The People Pins will be donated to Democracy Docket over the next month. Additionally, Allport will be matching the contribution (AND, if inclined, you can add an additional donation when buying a pin)!
Our thanks to Patti (the creative behind these tiny, wearable works of art) and to the lawyers who strive to make doing our civic duty fair for all!
To those of you who have Special Elections coming up next month, we’re sending a little PIN-spiration and VOTE-ivation your way. Thank you for doing your community a service, by voting!
Patti & Mackenzie