When they go weird . . .
When they go weird . . .
we go Democrat
Greetings allies,
Those of us living in the Austin area shouldn’t be surprised at the impact calling something ‘weird’ can have.
Just when some of us were starting to wonder if the Harris announcement might lose some steam before November 5, it was the Walz announcement to the rescue. One day you’re calling the GOP ‘weird’, and the next thing you know, you’re standing on a stage in an arena packed with thousands of cheering fans chanting your name because you’re now the running mate of the future President of the United States.
Can’t wait to see what happens after the convention.
Many kids are going back to school next week. We are going back to activist work. Back in the day, election season usually geared up after Labor Day. Anymore, it’s a year-round project.
As you can see from our August calendar, we will be hitting the ground running. It’s too hot for many to block walk. But the phone banks are prepped and ready to go. We have several group events organized at private homes, but you can always make the calls solo from your home at your convenience if you prefer. Phone banking is free to our volunteers. We supply the technology and suggested messaging. All you have to do is let your fingers do the walking.
A word about phone banking: all other things being equal, in-person voter outreach has been shown to be far superior to other methods such as media ads, mailers, and texts. Reference this article about voter engagement from the Pew Research Center. The operative word is ‘engagement’. When lack of resources/volunteers, weather, personal safety, and logistics/terrain issues work against block walking, phone banking is the next best option. It presents an opportunity for two human beings to speak to each other, as opposed to reading (then tossing) a mailer, or being annoyed by the ridiculous amount of texts bombarding us about fundraising (and yes we realize we are part of that bombardment).
No single method of outreach is perfect. Some people won’t answer the door to a stranger. Ditto a phone call. They opt out of texts. That’s why we encourage a variety of tactics.
That’s where the mighty postcard comes in.
Thanks to all of you who have volunteered to write postcards for us. In addition to phone banking, we will be writing postcards this week at our monthly meeting at the Bastrop Library (details below). We are also planning a postcard event at Tough Cookie Bakery in Bastrop, date TBD. We provide the postcards and addresses. We suggest some messaging. Volunteers typically provide the labor and the postage. We have distributed more than 500 postcards so far this cycle and hope to double or even triple that amount before Election Day.
Our billboards are up! Thanks to all who contributed.
We had a fantastic turnout at our cookout and candidate meet-n-greet on August 3.
Also many thanks to our fabulous hosts at the Bastrop County African-American Cultural Center. They are open every Saturday 11-3 and are also looking for volunteers.
Last but not least, thanks to everyone who was able to join us and get some face time with our candidates. More photos and videos on our socials.
Speaking of videos, we are looking for voters to participate in our Community Messenger project. Here’s how it works: go out into your community and take a photo or video of yourself at a local landmark. For example at our cookout, many folks took theirs at the Harriet Tubman statue, or at the Kerr Center. Here’s an example from candidate Tanya Lloyd’s daughter Jenna:
Say a few words about yourself, why you vote blue, and encourage others to get out and vote later this fall. When early voting starts in October, send the photos/videos to friends and neighbors not only to GOTV, but to brag up your home town. It’s fun! Send us a copy of yours and we’ll share it on our socials as well.
Congrats to Lee County Democratic Party for hosting their candidate forum recently. A great venue and some wonderful BBQ brisket by Elvis and his lovely wife. Tasty!
Upcoming events:
Phone banking at Ruth Todd’s home Tuesday August 13 5:30-8pm, plus more house party locations in Elgin and Smithville throughout the month. See calendar above or on our Facebook Group.
Monthly Mobilization Meeting Thursday August 15 6:30pm Bastrop Library. We will be phone banking and writing postcards.
Fun Night August 22 Trivia Night at Bastrop Beer Co.
Drop in to the Fayette County Democratic Party booth at the Fayette County Fair 4-8pm August 29-Sep 1. Rumor has it you can get your picture made with 2D Kamala!
Thanks for reading. Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share. Until next time!
I don't see a form to get a sign on this link.
You are so right. When door knocking isn’t possible, as is often the case because of it’s just too hot to be outdoors, phone banking is the next best thing. I really enjoyed making calls with you all last week and felt uplifted by those I spoke to, even the conservative guy.