I became interested in the problem of gerrymandering in PA 2016 and during my early research found references to FDPA. I contacted them and got involved and have remained involved since. I have made more than 120 educational presentatioins across the state demonstrating how gerrymandering contributes to polarization and a non-responsive legislature. FDA seeks to amend the PA Constitution to remove party leaders from the redistricxting process and replace them with an Independent Citizens Redistrictin Commissioin. FDPA is devoutly non-partisan as evidenced by the fact that democratic and republican party leaders work against us. Leadership of both parties plan to control the next cycle of redistricting in 2031 and plan to gerrymander to the extent they can get away with it.
This is the most terrific group of people I have ever worked with--not only are they smart and learned about state government, they are willing to share their knowledge to help others understand what is going on and why. Although it is a volunteer organization, these folks work harder than any CEO would have any right to expect. They are fast AND accurate and their hearts are in the right place.
I signed up with Fair Districts PA in 2017 after realizing how futile it was to elect decent candidates in gerrymandered districts. FDPA is focused, productive and adaptable. My volunteer time is well-spent. The non partisan nature allows me to speak with people across parties about fairness and effective governance. We have six years of work ahead of us to get an independent redistricting commission in PA. We just might do it. It's definitely worth the effort.