Do Something to Help Elect Democrats

(Photo by Noah Berger/via Getty Images)

I have been thinking a lot of about the success of the recent Democratic National Convention and all of the inspiring and empowering speakers who contributed to one hell of a political pep rally. The entire event was really well done and showed an evolution in production that really sought to include younger voters and get them excited about voting for Kamala Harris. The themes were consistent from “we’re not going back,” to constant references to looking out for each other and taking care of our neighbors.

I keep thinking back to Michelle Obama’s speech because it was delivered beautifully and was so succinct. She was successful in explaining why action is so necessary — especially in a time of apathy or malaise — and why these next few months will be the most critical time for volunteers to get to work. Here is an excerpt from that speech that I found particularly moving:

Look, we have already sacrificed so much this year. So many of you are already going that extra mile. Even when you’re exhausted, you’re mustering up unimaginable courage to put on those scrubs and give our loved ones a fighting chance. Even when you’re anxious, you’re delivering those packages, stocking those shelves, and doing all that essential work so that all of us can keep moving forward.

Even when it all feels so overwhelming, working parents are somehow piecing it all together without child care. Teachers are getting creative so that our kids can still learn and grow. Our young people are desperately fighting to pursue their dreams.

And when the horrors of systemic racism shook our country and our consciences, millions of Americans of every age, every background rose up to march for each other, crying out for justice and progress.

This is who we still are: compassionate, resilient, decent people whose fortunes are bound up with one another. And it is well past time for our leaders to once again reflect our truth.

So, it is up to us to add our voices and our votes to the course of history, echoing heroes like John Lewis who said, “When you see something that is not right, you must say something. You must do something.” That is the truest form of empathy: not just feeling, but doing; not just for ourselves or our kids, but for everyone, for all our kids.

Inspiration is not easy to come by, but sometimes it can get overwhelming to think about where to start with regard to helping Democrats keep the White House and our essential Congressional seats. Here is a volunteer road map for anyone who wants to get involved and quick links to where you can go to help the Harris/Walz Campaign. There are activities for everyone, and you can contribute as much or as little time as you like to accommodate your own busy life. I have put a time estimate by each action so you can get involved, without getting overwhelmed.

(Photo via Getty Images)

In the next two months, my newsletter will be committed to electing Kamala Harris as the next President of the United States. At SHERO, we will focus on what is at stake, what the mainstream media is continuing to miss in terms of coverage, and how you can get involved to help make herstory. Be sure to sign up for my free newsletter and/or consider a paid SHERO subscription to support our work as we head into the election. To quote a wise woman, quoting a wise man, “You must do something,” and here are some ideas for how you can help.

Make a Group Donation to Vulnerable Dems

(two minutes maximum)

Swing Left has been keeping a close eye on new data, including polling and fundraising figures, and working closely with our partners to keep this fund focused on the closest races where grassroots dollars are needed most. You can help stop the spread of MAGA extremism by supporting this week's top races on the path to protecting Democratic seats that we desperately need to hold, and in gaining more blue seats to build power at the state level. You can find out more about these races and donate here.

You can also read this SHERO article, which details vulnerable Democrats in key elections and has links to all of their direct donation pages:

Democrat Call Crew

(4-6 hours per week or more)

As a member of the Democratic Call Crew, you will join hundreds of volunteers in having meaningful conversations with voters in battleground states across the country. The Call Crew talks with thousands of voters each week to get voters the information they need and maximize impact and voter turnout. (According to a study done at Temple University, phone calls from volunteer phone banks boost voter turnout by almost 4%, which could mean all the difference.)

There are several options for how to get involved and you can click here to find out more about making a powerful difference by having real conversations with voters. Current calling hours are Tuesday to Friday from 2PM – 8PM ET (11AM – 5PM PT) and Saturday 2PM – 6PM ET (11AM – 3PM PT).

Join a Text Bank

(one hour of training and then as much time as you like)

Some people have difficulty speaking to other people on the phone, so you might want to consider joining a texting campaign to help elect democrats. The Democratic Volunteer Center offers zoom training and will help you get started here. There are many organizations that run text banking campaigns you can join from home including the DNC, specific Democratic campaigns for candidates/states/counties, Fair Fight, NextGen, MoveOn, Movement Labs, and others.

When you sign up with one of these organizations, they’ll train you to use a specific texting application. Applications are web-based apps like Spoke, ThruText, Impactive, and others. You won’t be texting from your mobile phone; instead, you’ll use an app on your laptop or desktop computer to more easily send and respond to texts. This also prevents people from seeing your personal phone number.

For more on how to get involved with texting voters, click here.

Volunteer at the Election Polls

(training and then a full day on the election)

Poll workers are critical to the success of an election. Having an adequate number of poll workers to staff polling places on and before Election Day can ensure voters receive the assistance they need at the polls and can help provide a positive and smooth voting experience for all. By signing up to be a poll worker, you can Help America Vote. 

While specific duties and compensation vary depending on location, poll workers are the face of the election office during voting. Most jurisdictions task election workers with setting up and preparing the polling location, welcoming voters, verifying voter registrations, and issuing ballots. Poll workers also help ensure voters understand the voting process by demonstrating how to use voting equipment and explaining voting procedures. 

You can use the lookup tool here to find information on being a poll worker in your community, including requirements, hours, pay, training, and more. Links are provided so you can sign up directly with your state or local election office. I have been a poll worker. It was a very interesting and fun experience, and it’s a great way to protect the vote.

Organize a Voter Registration Drive

(8+ hours)

Help make an impact by registering voters through Rock the Vote. Sign up here to join thousands of others making a difference in their communities and gain access to Rock the Vote's voter registration drive toolkit, which includes:

• Virtual Event Guide: Information on hosting a virtual voter registration drive using social media and other digital tactics

• QR Codes: Use QR codes to help voters easily register themselves

• In-Person Event Guides: Everything you need to host a great in-person event

• Graphic Assets: Rock the Vote's official logo

Help a State or Local Campaign

(as much time as you like)

If you have never helped to work on a local or state campaign, you are missing out. It is a great way to meet like-minded people who share a lot of your passions, and it makes you feel more connected to your community. To find a campaign you want to get involved with, Google your location and ‘local and state campaigns.’ You can also head to Ballotpedia to check every race near you. Once you find a campaign that looks interesting, head to their website and contact them. If you don’t hear back right away, try and call them directly as many staffers are incredibly overwhelmed right now.

Check Your Voter Registration

Be sure to check your own voter registration status often to make sure you are all set for early voting or for Election Day!

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Amee Vanderpool writes the SHERO Newsletter, is an attorney, published author, contributor to newspapers and magazines, and an analyst for BBC radio. She can be reached at avanderpool@gmail.com or follow her on Twitter @girlsreallyrule.

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