Friend,

This week we celebrate Constitution Day, September 17, and embrace our work to continue improving the constitution so that more Americans, like myself, are able to experience the freedom and political equality the Framers envisioned at the conception of our nation.

As I said in an interview with The Fulcrum last month, "My identity influences quite literally every aspect of how I go about my work to help win a 28th Amendment. Every single opportunity I have been afforded in this country can be traced back to the ratification of amendments. As a black woman, I know the importance of amendments."

The Constitution laid out the principles upon which our democracy stands. Americans of every generation have used amendments to strengthen our nation and expand democratic rights. We must once again uphold our civic duty and fight for a constitutional amendment—this time to ensure our democratic power is not undermined by big money groups, special interests, and ultra-wealthy donors.

In honor of Constitution Day, American Promise President Jeff Clements and Cheryl Crawford, executive director of MassVOTE, co-wrote an op-ed in the International Business Times about the historical importance of the Constitution and the need to continue improving it through the amendment process. Additionally, dozens of legal professionals who hold a variety of political views signed the American Promise Statement of Principle supporting the 28th Amendment and recognizing the need for structural, democratic reform.

At American Promise, we fight every day for the 28th Amendment because the Constitution contains the will of the people and the foundational principles upon which our democracy thrives. Next month, I hope to see you in our nation's capitol at the National Citizen Leadership Conference, Oct 19-21, so that We the People can join together to strengthen our commitment to The Cause Of Our Time.

Our cross-partisan, citizen-led movement grows stronger by the day, and we thank you all for your continued support.

Onward!

From Law and Crime: Dozens of legal professionals have signed the American Promise statement of principle supporting the 28th Amendment to get big money out of politics. These individuals hold a variety of political beliefs and have operated in various legal positions, but they all agree that a constitutional amendment must be passed to fix one of the biggest structural issues in our nation. Read more.

From Washington Monthly: After three Democratic debates, moderators have still not asked about democracy reforms, including asking if and how candidates will work to get big money out of politics. Some of the candidates have proposed policies targeting big money in politics, such as a 28th Amendment to overturn Citizens United, which is supported by a cross-partisan majority of Americans, including 66 percent of Republican, 85 percent of Democrats, and 70 percent of independents. Read more.

From the Center for Responsive Politics: Dueling industry groups aired advertisements backed by tens of thousands of dollars about surprise medical costs associated with care from out-of-network physicians during last Thursday night's Democratic Debates. Physician and hospital groups, along with a dark money group, have been spending heavily attacking the health insurance industry for the practice, triggering backlash from the the insurance industry. Read more.

From The Fulcrum: After losing its quorum, the FEC is unable to operate, risking the security of upcoming elections. In hopes of restoring the agency's functionality, lawmakers are working on deals, one of which includes appointing Shana Broussard, an FEC attorney who would be the first African-American commissioner in the FEC's history. Read more.

September 21, Washington D.C.: American Promise President Jeff Clements will join Renaldo Pearson for the last mile of his 600-mile walk from Atlanta, GA, to Washington D.C. to raise awareness of the crises facing our democracy. Once he reaches the capitol building, Pearson and other reformers will remain outside until Congress acknowledges them. Pearson's Democracy911 Walk is supported by RepresentUs, a partner organization committed to fighting corruption in politics. Register to join Clements and Pearson here!

October 19-21, Arlington, VA: Join us for the third annual National Citizen Leadership Conference. NCLC brings together a cross-partisan group of politicians, democracy reformers, and citizen leaders to advance the 28th Amendment to get big money out of politics. At the end of the conference, attendees have the opportunity to head to Capitol Hill and speak with their elected officials, or their staff, about the 28th Amendment. Register now!