Hey Reader!

David Kessler here.

Who let the dogs play games? Woof Woof Woof Woof

Congratulations to Courtney Sherman. Treat, Please! is being published by Solis Game Studio and the Kickstarter is live until November 12th.

In Treat, Please!, each player takes on the role of a different dog competing for attention from “the human” with the goal of becoming the most spoiled doggo in the house. In the game, you play behavior cards from your hand like “Boop the Human with your Snoot” or “Stare Longingly at the Fridge” to get attention from the human. Attention is used to complete objectives, like Get Belly Rubs, Go to the Dog Park, and lots of other fun things you hope to accomplish as a dog!

Treat, Please! utilizes a unique hand building mechanic, where you take cards directly into your hand, as opposed to a traditional deck builder. The game was playtested at Protospiel Online in January and July of 2021. Courtney has also been directly involved with PO as a moderator and as back end support helping keep our attendee directory up to date from 2021-2023.

If you’ve ever thought about something important in your life and wanted to make a game about it, Treat, Please! is perfect inspiration. Courtney was inspired by her very own doggo, Trixie.

This Kickstarter campaign is one of many funded or very nearly funded live campaigns from Protospiel community members. Congratulations to all!

• Holiday Hijinks Master Detective Collection by Jonathan Chaffer Kickstarter Ends Nov 7 (funded!) The $3 pledge and up gives access to the Hijinks Hunt, an original puzzle adventure Jonathan created as an exclusive backer experience. There's still time to join!
• Epilogue game by Emma Larkins, writing by AnnaMaria Phelps Kickstarter Ends Nov 11 (funded!)
• Treat, Please! by Courtney Shernan Kickstarter Ends Nov 11 (86% funded)
• Tomten by Chris Scaffidi Kickstarter Ends Nov 13 (89% funded)
• Amoebunnies by Jaime Browne Kickstarter Ends Nov 20 (funded!)​​
• Knitting Circle by Emily Vincent Kickstarter Ends Dec 13 (funded!)​​

📣Announcements Announcements Annooouuuncements!

Heather Newton here, hopping in to cover the announcements for this week.

With the deadline to vote in the US election only 3 days away and the National Security Leaders for America’s* unequivocal endorsement of Kamala Harris for President in mind, here are some resources the nearly $5,000 in funds raised by the PO community since 2020 have helped our featured charities produce and distribute to support US voter turnout and human rights:

ACLU

• ​Conversation Guide for discussions with friends and family about ballot issues that matter most to you
• ​Many press releases on issues including voter suppression, human rights violations, and a promise to stand firm against abuses of power no matter the outcome of this year’s election

Amnesty International

• ​2024 US Election Guide with tips on learning how to be a human rights voter, voting resources, and more
• ​State by state action steps for protecting women’s right to safe and effective healthcare

Equal Justice Initiative

• ​Voting Information by State shared in partnership with Rock the Vote

NAACP

• Nationwide voter mobilization campaign including this Power Your Vote webpage featuring Key Issue Overview, Election 2024 Resources Kit, and more
• ​Partnership with Lyft to provide free or discounted transportation for voters. Use the code NAACPVOTE24 to claim up to $20 off of two rides ($40 total) — one to the polls and one back. This offer runs from now through Election Day, November 5, while supplies last

National Police Accountability Project

• ​Guide to State Ballot Measures with an impact on police accountability in the US
• ​Article on the Above the Law website with an overview and analysis of where each presidential candidate stands on key issues to police accountability (The Above the Law website only allows one free article read per visitor, so be sure to read this one through before clicking away!)

The Innocence Project

• ​This article sharing the stories of four wrongfully convicted exonerees voting for the first time in a U.S. presidential election

* The National Security Leaders for America is a bi-partisan coalition comprised of 862 Senior National Security Leaders: including 10 Cabinet Secretaries, 11 Service Secretaries, 253 retired Admirals and Generals with 15 four-stars, 49 Senior Enlisted Members, 164 Ambassadors, as well as 181 Associate Members; 1043 members in all.

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Here at “PO Headquarters” in Colorado, we’ve taken advantage of the early voting system we are immensely grateful to have access to in our state.

We also found this helpful article from New York Magazine on how to make the most impact with last-minute political donations and chose a few key races to make donations to through the data-driven donation platform, Oath.

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We’ll leave you with this quick guide to early voting from the NAACP and a wish for a safe and productive trip to the ballot box for every eligible US voter in our small but mighty community of caring, intelligent, creative humans.💜

Voting early means shorter lines, more flexibility, and the peace of mind of knowing you’ve done your civic duty ahead of Election Day. By voting early, you’ll join millions of others taking control of their future and making sure their voice is heard.

Here’s how to vote early:

• ​Register to vote (or check your registration): It’s quick and easy, and you can ensure your voter information is current.
• Check your state’s early voting dates: Know exactly when and where you can vote ahead of Election Day.
• Find your nearest early voting location: Early voting sites may differ from your usual polling place, so check in advance.
• Bring the essentials: Be prepared with any ID or documents your state requires.

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That’s it for now. Stay tuned for more awesome events, community opportunities, and updates about games tested at Protospiel!

~David and Heather

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P.S. If you have something you'd like to see featured in our Community Newsletter, you have 3 options -- either submit an official feature request, reply to this message, or, if you're a current attendee or alumni, post in the #🙌share-your-wins channel in the Protospiel Online Discord server to let us know the details. We'd love to celebrate you!

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