On Saturday, July 4th, we donned our patriotic caps and took to the streets once again to declare independence from big money politics and demand the presidential candidates support systemic reform. 

Some 150 rebels signed up in advance to make the 20- or 16-mile trek from Rochester or Hampton, arriving in Portsmouth for a festive BBQ and our first Rally for Independence in Prescott Park. There we enjoyed a bipartisan reading of the Declaration of Independence, street theater starring "heroes" of democracy, remarks by NH Rebellion founder Lawrence Lessig, live music, and plenty of free Ben & Jerry's! Although the weather dampened attendance, over 200 patriots in all braved the rain and gave up their holiday to join our Declaration. Check out this short video (more photos and video to follow).

It may not feel like spring, but that isn't keeping the presidential candidates away. Already, they're out on the stump talking up a storm about taxes and teachers, energy and immigration, deficits and drones… We need to make sure they address the underlying issue: how to end the corrupting influence of money in politics. 

That's where you come in, as walkers and talkers for reform!

Movements are made up of people. Movements grow when people invest their time, energy, passion, creativity, and resources to further the cause. Countless people have contributed to building the Open Democracy movement in New Hampshire (and beyond!) and this year we are proud to recognize six such individuals with the first-ever 'Walk the Talk' Awards. To learn more about the Awards recipients, check out our press release below.

We made it! On January 21st, the fifth anniversary of Citizens United, we stood together hundreds strong in front of the New Hampshire State House as a unified NH Rebellion against big money in politics. Our legs were weary but our spirits were high after walking 300 miles – 12,081 miles collectively – from all four corners of the state for the sake of our republic. The nation took notice. 

Who could express our motivation better than 15 year-old Ella McGrail, who spoke to the assembled crowd after walking the long road from Portsmouth to Concord with her classmates?

"Our government now favors money over majority, a twisted reality that in no way resembles Democracy.  It is a system that legalizes bribery and gives those with the most money the highest level of power over public policy decisions, a position that by right belongs to the citizens at large… I will not stand by and watch the struggle for my rights be won or lost without me simply because I’m not yet eighteen. This is our future, this is our fight."

With less than a month to go until Election Day, we're hearing lots of campaign promises on everything from jobs and the economy to climate change and national security. But how will our leaders be able to solve these problems when they're stuck spending hours a day raising money for reelection, most of it from out-of-state interests intent on maintaining the unjust status quo?

That's why we're calling on New Hampshire candidates in both parties to publicly commit to ending the system of big money corruption in Washington, now and in the upcoming presidential primary. Dozens of supporters have already joined our birddogging team and we're inviting others to sign up to question the candidates as they tour the state.

If you're new to birddogging, check out this short video and let us know if you'd like to attend one of our upcoming trainings.

When our friend, Lawrence Lessig, and a handful of brave souls kicked off the first NH Rebellion walk this January in the footsteps of Granny D, we couldn't have imagined that hundreds of committed reformers would finish the walk with us two weeks later, or that thousands more would lend support from afar.

Six months later on July 4th and 5th, we were inspired by the more than 500 of you marched in local parades and along the NH seacoast to declare independence from big money in politics. Now, with special interests spending billions of dollars to influence the fall election, our work is more urgent than ever.

When our friend, Lawrence Lessig, and a handful of brave souls kicked off the first NH Rebellion walk this January in the footsteps of Granny D, we couldn't have imagined that hundreds of committed reformers would finish the walk with us two weeks later, or that thousands more would lend support from afar.

Six months later on July 4th and 5th, we were inspired by the more than 500 of you marched in local parades and along the NH seacoast to declare independence from big money in politics. Now, with special interests spending billions of dollars to influence the fall election, our work is more urgent than ever.

As our movement grows, so must our team. I'm excited that the NH Rebellion is now part of Open Democracy, and I'm honored to be teaming up with Professor Lessig and NHR Director Jeff McLean, and leading the combined effort in New Hampshire. But we cannot do it alone.