Indivisible Tri-Cities Call to Action rally draws campaign volunteers

More than 100 people gathered Saturday just days before the general election for a Democratic Call to Action Volunteer Rally organized by Indivisible Tri-Cities, a grassroots political advocacy and action group. The event at Lincoln Park in Jonesborough featured volunteer opportunities supporting the campaigns of gubernatorial candidate Jerri Green, congressional candidate Kristi Burke and state House candidate Sarah Jayne Della Vecchia. The volunteer rally included stations for canvassing, phone banking, social media, email outreach and sign delivery. Diane Nelson, a local voter who attended the rally, said she wanted to hear from the candidates and learn more about their campaigns. "I wanted to hear Jerri Green again," Nelson said. "I've heard her twice before, and I really like what she has to say. I wanted to hear her and the other candidates that are running." Nelson said after listening she was interested in finding ways to participate in the campaigns. "I signed up for canvassing, texting, emailing, and delivering signs," she said. "I think I signed up for everything I could sign up for." Nelson said education, health care, support for working families and mental health funding are among the issues that influenced her decision to volunteer. "I especially like her policy on education — supporting public education — doing away with the voucher system," Nelson said. "I like her support for good health options for people and reducing medical debt." She also cited Green's positions on working families, public safety and mental health funding as issues important to her. Green, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for governor, discussed health care, the minimum wage, medical debt, school vouchers, cannabis legalization and funding for roads and addiction counseling during her remarks. Green also criticized the use of private prison companies and discussed immigration enforcement, the role of the National Guard and recent redistricting efforts in Memphis. She said she believes Tennessee's diversity is an important part of the state and argued that corporations and wealthy individuals have too much influence in government. Green also encouraged Democrats in East Tennessee to become more involved in the political process, pointing to the turnout at Saturday's event as an example of Democratic activity in the region. The rally was organized as an opportunity for attendees to participate in campaign activities rather than simply hear from candidates, with volunteers signing up for different assignments throughout the event.