August Newsletter
Those moments have made me even more certain that bringing people together, in whatever ways we can, is an important part of strengthening our communities. It's something that often feels missing today, and it's one of the reasons I think we need someone different for our community in the State Senate.
Building Community,
One Conversation at a Time
Over the past few months, I've spent hundreds of hours knocking on doors across District 17. Most conversations last only a few minutes; some turn into half-hour discussions on front porches. Some end with disagreement, others with laughter, but almost all of them end with something increasingly-rare: two people who have taken the time to really listen to one another.
As a psychologist, I've spent my career helping people navigate difficult conversations. Campaigning has reminded me that those same skills belong in politics too. When we stop talking to one another, it's easy to believe we're more divided than we really are. But conversation has a way of revealing something much more interesting.
I've noticed something unexpected happening: as I drive through the District now, I recognize streets, neighborhoods, and sometimes even the people I've met. Even when I don't know someone personally, I feel a stronger sense of connection to this community than I did before. It has reminded me that community is built in small moments: waving to a neighbor, checking in on someone's well-being, taking time to listen, or simply stopping for a conversation on the front porch.
On The Campaign Trail
Beyond organized events, I've continued meeting residents one-on-one at their doors, participating in community gatherings, walking in local celebrations, and hosting Coffee with the Candidate conversations. Every interaction teaches me something new about our district and strengthens my commitment to serving it well.
July was filled with opportunities to connect with our community.
I was honored to attend the Planned Parenthood Rhode Island fundraiser, an organization that has had a personal impact on my own life. As a teenager, my first independent healthcare experience was at a Planned Parenthood clinic. There, I was treated with kindness, respect, and compassion. That experience helped shape my belief that everyone deserves accessible, high-quality healthcare.
This campaign wouldn't exist without our volunteers. Every door knocked, signature collected in the summer heat, event hosted, and conversation started has been made possible because people believed enough in this campaign to give their time.
A special thank you to Amy Small, Dr. Phil Chan, Sally Hay, Dee Bird, Martine Santiago, Jay O'Grady, Paula Carmichael, Mary Anne Shallcroft Smith, and Michelle Austin for helping collect the signatures that officially placed our campaign on the ballot.
Because of you, we're ready for the next stage of this campaign.
Thank You to Our Volunteers
I'm deeply grateful for the confidence so many organizations have placed in our campaign and honored to have earned the support of organizations that share my commitment to strengthening our communities. Recent endorsements and recognitions include:
Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate Distinction
These endorsements reflect our shared values to affordable healthcare, economic opportunity, women's autonomy, safer communities, and building a Rhode Island that works for everyone.
Growing Momentum
Nelly in the News
Our campaign is getting noticed!
Nelly recently spoke with Steve Ahlquist about her background, why she’s running, and her vision for District 17. She also joined Bill Bartholomew on Bartholomewtown for a wide-ranging conversation about healthcare, housing, small businesses, and the importance of rebuilding trust in government. And The Valley Breeze recently featured Nelly in its coverage of the competitive race for Senate District 17.
Read Steve Ahlquist’s interview with Nelly
Listen to Nelly on Bartholomewtown
Read The Valley Breeze coverage
Every Contribution Makes a Difference
We're entering one of the most important phases of the campaign.
Thanks to your generosity, we're preparing our first major voter mailing and getting ready for yard sign season.
We’re reviewing designs now. Which one do you like best?
One thing I especially appreciate is seeing supporters return with a second, or even third donation. That continued investment means so much.
If you'd like to help us reach more voters, now is the perfect time to contribute.
Donating now will give us the resources to get the mailings to voters homes and signs on lawns. $25 will put 30 letters in the mail, or 3 signs on a lawn. Pitch in today and help get the word out.
Every conversation matters, but reaching more neighbors takes resources. Your support allows us to knock on more doors, send information to more households, and continue building the kind of grassroots campaign that starts with listening.
Come Say Hello
One of my favorite parts of this campaign is simply sitting down with neighbors over coffee.
I'd love to meet you at one of our upcoming Coffee with the Candidate events:
August 15 (Saturday) – Fundati Coffee, 11:30 AM–1:00 PM
Whether you have questions, ideas, concerns, or simply want to introduce yourself, I hope you'll stop by.
We're also planning a family-friendly end-of-summer ice cream social, so stay tuned for details!
Thank You
Every month, I'm reminded that campaigns aren't built by one candidate…they're built by communities.
Every conversation on a doorstep, every volunteer shift, every cup of coffee with a neighbor, every donation, and every word of encouragement reminds me why I decided to run.
Whatever happens in November, I already know this experience has changed me: I know this District better; I understand more of the challenges families face; I've met people whose stories I'll carry with me long after Election Day.
Over the next few months, more neighbors will begin paying attention to this race. My hope is that they'll experience this campaign the same way I've experienced this community…with curiosity, respect, and genuine conversation.
Thank you for being part of this journey. I hope we'll continue the conversation in the weeks ahead.
– Nelly