Heading into 2025 Inspired by All Of You
...and join us January 9th in Nashville for our 2nd Annual Girl Power event to launch the Tennessee Equal Rights Amendment campaign!
A few weeks before Thanksgiving, Senator Jeff Yarbro and I met with a longtime resident of the Gulch who had been outspoken against a negligent developer wreaking havoc in his neighborhood. For over two years, residents in his building endured constant disruptions: construction at all hours of the night, blocked exits that made it difficult to leave the parking garage during medical emergencies, and repeated property damage. These issues didn’t just inconvenience them—they endangered their safety and disrupted their lives.
This constituent had tried everything. He worked with local elected officials and followed every available process to hold the contractor accountable. But after hitting one dead end after another, he didn’t give up. Instead, he pivoted. He thought, “Ok, let’s try a different way.”
He reached out to Senator Yarbro and me shared his story and began organizing with his neighbors to put additional pressure on the company. He was determined to push for accountability, and I promised him that if he could rally his people, I’d help take their fight to the state level.
Here’s the problem: Tennessee’s outdated constitution caps municipal fines at a laughable $50. That’s right—fifty bucks. That’s not accountability; that’s pocket change for developers like this. Senator Yarbro and I are now working on a resolution to amend the Tennessee Constitution, giving cities and towns across the state—whether urban or rural—the ability to enforce fines that actually mean something against exploitative and negligent businesses.
But this isn’t just about one neighborhood or constituent: so many of you have stepped up in big and small ways over the past two months. You’re refusing to accept the broken systems we’ve inherited and instead dreaming and working together to create new ones, prioritizing people over profits and bridges over walls.
So, as we take on the challenges ahead, here’s my call to action:
Rest and recharge. You can’t fight every battle unless you take care of yourself first. I’ve been sick the past few weeks because I’ve been pouring myself into organizing, and I have to remember rest IS resistance.
Find your superpower. I’ve been asking folks to think about something that you may not get paid for, you like doing, and you think it will be helpful as we navigate new political terrains… hone in on that skill and expend it in your community.
Tell your story. Many of you are stepping into unfamiliar roles, but don’t be afraid to fail—be afraid not to try. We will all be asked to step up in ways we never imagined over the next decade: to defend our values, build stronger communities, and fight for a future that truly works for everyone. You’ve got this. We’ve got this.
Thank you for showing up and reminding me daily why this work matters.
Wishing you a relaxing holiday season,
Aftyn
P.S. I didn’t realize it had been over a month since I published a Substack 😳, but alas, I’ve been working overtime trying to outorganize the Republican supermajority ahead of the 2025 session. I will do better next year. 😃 #2025
Announcements
JOIN US FOR THE 2ND ANNUAL GIRL POWER
Join us on Thursday, January 9th, in Nashville for our 2nd Girl Power, an event to launch our campaign to codify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) into the Tennessee Constitution and to celebrate the incredible female candidates who sacrificed so much for our state in 2024. This event will feature special guests, awards, and honestly, will be the party we need before the 2025 Tennessee legislative session begins! Click here to purchase a ticket or sponsor the event!
In the Press
SCOTUS set to hear first case on trans-medical care bans for minors this week
Opposing abortion bills highlight divided debate on reproductive issues in Tennessee
On The Go
Since the November 6th election, I’ve been heavily focused on preparing for the 2025 legislative session. I’ve been “less on the go” the past few weeks and more hibernating in my office in Cordell Hull, refining legislation and launching legislative campaigns.
As I’m sure everyone else has experienced, I’ve been in and out of sickness, perhaps due to election stress or overworking. A healthy reminder for me to continue to stick to my boundaries and always prioritize rest…
I headed to Winchester, Tennessee, in Franklin County, the first week of December, to speak at their Democratic Party Christmas Potluck event. I was grateful for the fellowship and was able to spend time with friends from my Indivisible days. Shout out to Sandy and Dr. P for hosting me in Sewanee.
I attended Career Day at Isaac Litton Middle School, where middle schoolers asked how much money I made as a legislator and quickly made their way to the next table.
I had the opportunity to attend the State Information Exchange’s 2024 Legislative Conference held in Atlanta. I spoke on a panel called “Elected and Unsafe,” which highlighted female legislators who have endured threats and harassment. I was grateful to meet one of my favorite legislators, Rep. Ruwa Romman, from Georgia.
I also met Rep. J.D. Scholten from Iowa, who I’ve crossed paths with in my rural organizing days. Trump carried J.D.’s house district, but because his platform focused on fighting corporate power and consolidation, he won!
Finally, I met one of my policy favorites,
, who works for the American Economic Liberties Project and writes his own Substack called “Boondoggle”, a newsletter about how corporations and monopolies take advantage of states, cities, and local communities. Please check it out!!!!
I saw that municipal fine amendment and was wondering where that was coming from. Thanks for sharing the backstory!