REV UP PHILLY
Image description: Philadelphia city skyline as the sun comes up!
PROUD PHILADELPHIANS FOR DISABILITY JUSTICE!
FACTS:
In Pennsylvania:
1,072,129 Registered Voters
507,992 Voted
Check your registration.
Check your ballot.
Join the COALITION of Philadelphia residents, workers, organizations, and businesses to affect change in Philadelphia County for people with disabilities and seniors!
Rev UP Philly Tee
This tee carries a quiet confidence — a soft, durable shirt bearing a bold civic message. Light enough for summer days, sturdy enough for repeated wear, it sits comfortably at the center of grassroots events, volunteer shifts, and everyday life in the city. The circular front design combines a skyline silhouette with crisp red and blue typography, projecting pride and action without shouting. Wear it to volunteer meetups, canvassing routes, community forums, or while running errands around town. It layers easily under jackets or over long-sleeve shirts, and its classic crew neckline and relaxed fit keep the look approachable and effortless. For people who show up — organizers, volunteers, and engaged neighbors — this shirt becomes part of that routine: a practical layer, a conversation starter, and a small public statement of civic participation.
Rev Up Philly Hoodie
This cozy hooded sweatshirt brings quiet civic pride into everyday wear. Soft, medium-weight fleece wraps you in warmth while the clean, circular “REV UP! Philadelphia” emblem sits centered on the chest — bold red and blue type with a subtle city-skyline motif above. The roomy kangaroo pocket and adjustable double-lined hood make it easy to toss on for morning coffee runs, rallies, or chilly walks through the neighborhood. Built with sturdy cotton-poly blend fabric and thoughtful finishing (color-matched drawcord, tear-away label, and reinforced cuffs), it feels lived-in from the first wear and holds up wash after wash. Wear it to show quiet support for local energy and action, to layer on cool game nights, or simply as a go-to pullover for weekday commutes and weekend errands.
What is Non-Partisan and why is it Important in our Work?
For a 501(c)(3) organization, being nonpartisan means a strict prohibition on engaging in political campaign activities, such as endorsing or opposing any candidate for public office, making political contributions, or intervening in elections, to maintain tax-exempt status and donor trust. While they can educate voters and advocate on policy issues (lobbying), they must remain neutral regarding candidates, providing balanced information to empower voters rather than swaying them for a particular party or person, ensuring all activities focus on the organization's charitable mission.
Key Prohibitions
No Candidate Support/Opposition: Cannot support or oppose candidates in any election (local, state, or federal).
No Campaign Contributions: Cannot donate to political campaigns or candidates.
No "Campaign Intervention": Cannot engage in activities that directly help or hurt a candidate, like making public statements for or against them.
Neutrality on Resources: Must treat all candidates equally if using facilities or resources, often requiring fair market value payments.
Permitted Activities (with caveats)
Voter Education: Can provide nonpartisan voter guides, host forums, and offer voter registration, focusing on informing voters about issues and candidates' stances without bias.
Issue Advocacy (Lobbying): Can advocate for specific issues, but with limits on the amount of lobbying, and never in connection with a specific election or candidate.
Fair Treatment: If discussing issues, they must present diverse perspectives and allow all candidates to participate in events equally.
Why It Matters
Trust: Maintains public trust as impartial problem-solvers, not partisan actors.
Effectiveness: Ensures the organization's focus stays on its mission rather than internal political debates.
Legal Requirement: Failure to adhere to these rules can jeopardize the organization's tax-exempt status.
Become a Philly Poll Worker
Disability Map of Philadelphia
A map of disability characteristics in Philadelphia was created in partnership with the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, Managing Director’s Office, and Philly Counts.
Within the map, you can add layers, including neighborhoods, City Council districts, and more to see specific disability data of those geographic areas. Additional layers of age, race, and ethnicity can also be viewed. The map data comes from the U.S. Census American Community Survey
Check out the videos made by the community!
Thank you to Easterseals of Southeastern PA for all of their help to produce these videos! Descriptions are AI generated.
Register, Educate, Vote- Use Your Power
Chuck Horton, a board member of Disability Pride Pennsylvania, emphasizes the vital role of voting in ensuring that the voices of individuals with disabilities are heard and represented. He reflects on the challenges that many face in accessing polling places, understanding ballots, and navigating the voting process.
Rodney Whitmore, a dedicated employee at Liberty Resources Inc. and gunshot survivor, actively champions the importance of voting among individuals with disabilities.
In this video, State Representative Joe Hohenstein discusses the vital role of voting for individuals with disabilities. He highlights how participation empowers marginalized voices and ensures diverse representation in government.
Shane Janick, CEO of The Arc of Philadelphia, notes that participation in democracy enables people to have a say in the policies that directly impact their lives.
Michael Anderson, an advocate with The Arc, echoes these sentiments, highlighting the unique challenges faced by voters with disabilities.
Domonique Howell, Independent Living Specialist advocates for disability rights and representation. As co-founder of She stresses the importance of voting for the disability community, as each vote impacts policies on accessibility, healthcare, and support services.
Tony Brooks emphasizes that voting is a fundamental right and responsibility for all citizens. It is a powerful way to voice opinions, influence policy, and ensure that the needs of the community are addressed.
Resources - thanks to our friends at Rev Up Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Capital-Star https://www.penncapital-sta.com/
Spotlight PA https://www.spotlightpa.org/
City and State PA https://www.cityandstatepa.com/
Politics PA https://www.politicspa.com/
Upcoming Elections: https://www.vote.pa.gov/About-Elections/Pages/Upcoming-Elections.aspx
Voting in PA: https://www.vote.pa.gov/Voting-in-PA/Pages/Accessible-Voting.aspx
How to become a poll worker: https://www.vote.pa.gov/Resources/Pages/Be-a-Poll-Worker.aspx
PA Poll Worker Interest Form: https://paebrprod.powerappsportals.us/EBR/DOS/Votes-PA-County/
Krystle Knight, of VOTE RIDERS:
https://www.voteriders.org/
The goal of their organization which is to assist voters with the proper ID required to register and vote. The non-profit organization works across the nation to reduce the impact of stringent voter ID laws.
Thank you to AAPD and Rev Up National for supporting our voter registration advocacy!
