Thread by @RubiconPostcard

As requested, I'm putting the instructions for this #ProtectMueller #Resistance project into a text format. This covers 1) why bother doing this, 2) how to find the donors' addresses on the FEC website, and 3) how to send a postcard to your list of donors.

1/ We’re getting close to a constitutional crisis here, so we really need to try something new to stop this. Of course, keep calling Congress directly–but it’s become painfully obvious that the GOP–the people with the power to stop this–only respond to their base & their donors.

2/ So we’re going to speak to their masters and send a BLIZZARD of postcards to their big donors ($1,000+) to remind them what is at stake before we reach a point of no return, before Trump crosses the Rubicon (look it up).

3/ Why donors? There are fewer of them, they’ve already bought access, they are more persuadable than your average redhat, and thanks to the FEC, we have their addresses. Now, here’s the first of many reminders: when you write to these people, be kind and keep it short.

4/ Do not make any threats. Just asking nicely is enough to acknowledge their power as donors and remind them of their responsibility to help us maintain the stable democracy that their plush lifestyles depend on. Any other implication can be left to their imaginations.

5/ Let's go! Part One of this project: Get the Donors' Addresses. Go to the FEC website, specifically, here: classic.fec.gov/finance/disclo… Click “More Search Options” then fill out some fields to search for a specific congressman or senator. Click “Get Listing” to start the search.

6/ Click the “Filings” tab. Select the “2016” dropdown option next to “Jump to:” Look at the table & find the file with the largest number of pages. This gets you the largest number of names/addresses in one file. To begin the download, click on the link with a FEC file # label.

7/ In the download pop-up window, select the CSV file link & save it to your computer in a place where you can find it. Now you have a list of donors to that particular GOP rep. It's not all of their donors, but enough to contact to help bring some pressure to do the right thing.

8/ Part Two: How to order postcards online that will be printed with your message and mailed to your list of donors. Go to easylettersender.click2mail.com/select-a-desig… This is a low-cost option with a relatively simple interface from a USPS affiliate.

9/ Before going further, we have to convert our list of names/addresses into a format that the postcard company can use. First we need to get their blank mail merge template file.

10/ Scroll down near the bottom and click on “Add recipient addresses.” In the window that pops up, click “Download a mailing list template” and download that file to your computer.

11/ Put the names/addresses from your donor list file (from FEC) into the blank mail merge file (from postcard site). You can copy/paste or an #Excel expert can reply with a quicker way to do this (please!). Choose only the donors that donated more than $1,000. Save the file.

12/ Go back to easylettersender.click2mail.com/select-a-desig… Choose a cover image (default image or blank would work). Then add your 150 word message. Again, be kind! Include an “ask”-- who you want them to contact and what you want them to request #ProtectMueller, #ImpeachTrump, etc.

13/ I'd also include some message that reminds them what they have at stake, that their lifestyle depends on the stability provided by the rule of law. Firing #Mueller, suppressing protests, declaring martial law, suspending elections would all disrupt this critical stability.

14/ Next, complete the form, entering your return address and changing the small picture if you want. Click “Add recipient addresses” then “Import list” to upload your formatted donor list file. Click “Save.”

15/ Click “Proof & finish” to double-check your work. If it looks good, click “Approve the proof” then “Check out” and proceed to fill out the rest of the order form as you have on hundreds of other websites.

16/ That's it! If you still need help you can watch the how-to video at or send me a DM with your questions. Also feel free to send suggestions for how to make this process even easier.

PS1/ If you feel this idea is especially clever and/or useful, please RT to help us spread the word. Not everybody can physically get out to join the protests. This is something different that they can do to help #Resist.