Dear Advocates for Affordable Living,

As we near the critical public forum on January 22 and the closing of public comments on February 2, your signature on our petition against the homeowners insurance rate increase has never been more crucial. Here's a comprehensive update, designed to harness the full potential of our collective action:

Highlighting Our Progress:

• Strongholds of Support: Fayetteville leads with an admirable 180 signatures. Raleigh and Raeford follow, with 27 and 17 respectively. While this is commendable, we urge supporters from cities not yet in the spotlight to rise up.

Top Ten Cities

1. Fayetteville - 180
2. Raleigh - 27
3. Raeford - 18
4. Hope Mills - 15
5. Wake Forest - 11
6. Charlotte - 11
7. Winston-Salem - 10
8. Southport - 6
9. Parkton - 4
10. Franklinton - 4

• Vital Statistics: We've gone from 130 signatures to 364 in just over a week. We're witnessing a share rate above 50% consistently, indicating a dedicated community backing us but unfortunately only 15% of people that open the petition link, end up signing. Remember, if you LIVE in North Carolina, this rate increase will impact you! We've had over 2500 views but only 364 signatures.

Action Points for Greater Impact:

1. Expand Our Reach: If you're from one of the top supporting cities, your efforts have been incredible. Let's encourage friends in other cities to join us. Every signature counts!
2. Share Wisely and Widely: While our share rates are good, there's room for improvement. Share the petition in local community groups, neighborhood apps, and on social media platforms. Personal appeals often resonate more, so don’t hesitate to tell your story.
3. Encourage Active Participation: Sharing is great, but signing is better. Encourage friends and family to not just share, but also sign the petition. Every additional signature strengthens our position.
4. Utilize Media Attention: The recent WCNC Charlotte news story by Julia Kaufman is a powerful tool WCNC - Julia Kaufman Coverage. Share this story to bring more attention to our cause and direct people to our petition WCNC Coverage. Along with last nights coverage, here are some additional links to coverage:
   1. WRAL: https://www.wral.com/story/insurance-companies-ask-for-42-2-rate-increase-for-homeowners-insurance/21224408/
   2. The Carolina Journal: https://www.carolinajournal.com/nc-rate-bureau-requests-42-increase-in-homeowners-insurance-rates/
   3. The Daily Tarheel: https://www.dailytarheel.com/article/2024/01/city-state-homeowners-insurance-increase-north-carolina
   4. WAVY: https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/nc-realtors-call-for-action-on-possible-insurance-rate-increase/
   5. The Coastland Times: https://www.thecoastlandtimes.com/2024/01/12/north-carolina-rate-bureau-proposes-average-42-homeowner-premium-increase/
   6. WUNC: https://www.wunc.org/2024-01-17/higher-insurance-rates-in-buncombe-county-inflation-and-climate-change-may-be-to-blame
5. Deadline Awareness: Remind everyone of the upcoming public forum on January 22 and the deadline for public comments on February 2nd. Time is of the essence.
6. Virtual Meeting Attendance: If you are unable to attend the public forum in person, please log in to participate virtually and make your voice and opposition known. The public comment forum will be held simultaneously with the in-person forum on Jan. 22 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The link to this virtual forum will be: https://ncgov.webex.com/ncgov/j.php?MTID=mb3fe10c8f69bbedd2aaece485915db7e

My Previous Update (January 15, 2024):

I highlighted the urgent need for more signatures and shares. Our count then was 283, a modest number compared to the massive homeowner population in NC. We emphasized the financial impact of the insurance hike on both homeowners and renters, potentially draining nearly $1000 more annually from our pockets.

The Time to Act is Now:

This isn’t just a fight against rate hikes; it's a battle for the economic stability of our homes and communities. Remember, signing takes just 30 seconds, but its impact can last a lifetime. Let's band together and show what North Carolina is truly made of – resilience, community spirit, and the power to enact change.

Final Appeal: Your Contribution is Our Catalyst

As we approach the final stretch of our campaign, it has become apparent that the swell of grassroots support we anticipated needs a significant boost. This is where your contribution becomes the linchpin of our efforts. I ask not for myself, but for the power of our collective voice. A donation of $3, $5, or even $20 to Change.org directly fuels our advocacy, propelling our petition into the spotlight and onto the desks of those who hold the reins of change.

Invest in Our Cause: Make a Statement with Your Support

Your financial contribution is more than just a number—it's a declaration of solidarity, a clear demonstration that our community’s fight against the insurance rate hike resonates with every North Carolinian, homeowner and renter alike. By donating, you are not just supporting a campaign; you are raising a banner that says we demand to be heard, we are serious, and we will not back down. Together, let's send an unmistakable message to the NCRB and Commissioner Causey: We are united, we are steadfast, and we will not accept this hike without a fight.

Together, we can make a difference.

In solidarity,

David Sabine Your Advocate and Neighbor in Hoke County