ABOUT
#HoldTheFloor is a 24+ hour Instagram Live marathon that will accomplish three things
Hold the “floor” for a community of voices, as many and as diverse a representation as possible, to break the record for the longest filibuster in history. That record currently stands at 24 hours and 18 minutes and is held by one man, Strom Thurmond in 1957, who used his voice to support white supremacy and silence the voices of countless people of color and underrepresented individuals.
2. Highlight the efforts of organizations and individuals who are currently doing the work to turn voices into votes. This includes voter registration, fighting to un-gerrymander districts, and pushing back against voter suppression tactics.
3. Raise money and awareness for these efforts. Proceeds will go to Field Team 6 to register voters and get out the vote in swing districts and states across the country.
During the event, there will be one "floor-holder" marking each of the 24+ hours and welcoming guests from a number of backgrounds and interests to the IG live conversation hosted at @bhastert. Each guest will share their voice, perspective, and experience with the "floor-holder" and add theirs to the voices calling for change. We hope each viewer gets registered to vote, feels inspired to vote, and considers a contribution to Field Team 6 so that they can continue ensuring that others vote as well.
#HoldTheFloor
May 30-31, 2020
Guests
Ahmed Abedy * Rabia Ahmadi * Reverend Edward Anderson * Kelly AuCoin * Vivian Augustine * Ogechi Anyanwu * Jason Berlin * Louise Brealey * Jabari Brisport * Mike Broihier * Kat Calvin * Chas Castell * Apu Chakraborty * Abbey Clements * Andi Defaye * Ato Essandoh * Ali Ewoldt * Greg Good * Matthew Helmly * Sarah Jakle * Pastor Jackie Jackson * Rep. Shevrin "Shev" Jones * Tim Kornegay * Pete Kronowitt * Wayne Liebman * Mia Livas Porter * Megan Merrick * Catherine Nyambura * Roberta Pereira * Carlina Rivera * Mayor Libby Schaaf * Keanakay Scott * Rafael Silva * Susan Soon He Stanton * Bobby Steggert * DazMann Still * Alona Tal * Alina Vega * Alicia Weigel * Miry Whitehill * Stephanie Ybarra
Partner Organization: Field Team 6
This event is a fundraiser benefitting one of the organizations doing the work of bringing power back to the voices of the people: Field Team 6. We are proud to support the inspiring work of this organization.
FIELD TEAM 6 is a 527 nonprofit organization launched in 2019. The mission of Field Team 6 is simple: Register Democrats. Save the World. We do this by conducting openly partisan voter registration across 12 battleground states. By targeting the states we need most, we aim to establish Democratic majorities in state legislatures, grow our House majority, flip the Senate, and take back the White House. We are highly effective and our work is crucial to flipping some of these elections at every level, which are often won or lost by razor-thin margins. We have a winning strategy, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, and amazing partners that help us increase our capacity. At the end of the day, it's not about winning elections anymore, it's a matter of life and death.
Things to Know
BRIAN HASTERT
Founder/Floor-Holder
Brian Hastert helped found The TEAM theater company with Tony award winning director Rachel Chavkin, and helped write and perform a number of acclaimed original works about the experience of living in America today. As an educator he created a new BFA program in acting for Film and Television for Pace University. He holds an MFA from Yale School of Drama. Currently living in LA. IG:@bhastert
ALYSSA SIMMONS
Producer
Alyssa Simmons is a creative producer and manager. She currently serves as the Assistant General Manager at The Public Theater. Her interests run the gamut from theatrical productions to immersive experiences to festivals and live events. Alyssa pursues projects that challenge the idea of performance, broaden the form of storytelling, and, most importantly, make the audience experience something memorable. Alyssa holds a BA in Theater Studies and International Studies from Yale University and a MFA in Theater Management from Yale School of Drama.
Spread The Word!
Thanks for helping us spread the word about #HoldTheFloor!
What To Do?
Head to your Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter page and post any #HoldTheFloor flyer that makes you smile!
Follow @bhastert on Instagram for updates on how you can donate and become a part of the #HoldTheFloor community. Then, tune in to the live broadcast on May 30th/31st via Instagram to watch the filibuster take place. See you there!