Fight for Democracy, Part 2: Actions Before Elections

The most impactful way to help a specific candidate win an election is to volunteer for them. Contact their office, make calls, canvas neighborhoods. But I’m going to assume a number of people reading this are in a similar place as myself: I live in a liberal area where I’m represented by Democrats who I mostly agree with, and more importantly they are secure in their positions. Current government policies don’t directly harm me much and my vote won’t change anything in my district or state and neither will my neighbors’. What can we do to help Democrats win elections, advance our desired policies, and hold the Administration accountable for its many crimes, both legal and moral? We can do a lot.

Start with your checkbook (or more likely your credit card). If you are middle-class (or richer), if you have the privilege that protects you from most of the harms of Conservative policies, then you almost assuredly can afford to spend a little cash supporting good causes - which right now means Democrats running for office. And if you hate the fact that money buys influence in politics - suck it up and get over yourself. The only way to get money out of politics is to win and the only way to win right now is with money. If your personal representatives are good and safe, give to those who need it elsewhere. It doesn’t need to be a lot, but it should definitely be more than you gave last time. Here are a few places to find people to support:
https://www.flippable.org/
https://secure.actblue.com/
https://www.emilyslist.org/donate
https://www.vox.com/2018/6/4/17390070/california-primary-2018-midterms-house-blue-wave


Another great way to reach people who live in swing districts is through phone calls. It’s a lot easier than walking door-to-door and allows you to reach across the country (or even just the next county over). There are a number of national groups that make this an easy way to get involved on your own schedule:
https://swingleft.org/p/call-voters
https://www.cadem.org/take-action/get-involved/make-some-phone-calls

Voice your opinion. Look, social media helped get us into this mess so it’s only fair it helps get us out. I know everyone’s sick of political pie-fights on Facebook and no one ever changed their mind because of a Twitter war. But by simply speaking up and stating what you believe in it will help others find the strength to do the same. Liberals don’t need to change minds - on virtually every issue and policy position the liberal stance is favored by the majority of Americans. We need to remind people of this fact. We need to make our voices heard to those who really aren’t sure where they stand. We do this with truth and honesty and change the narrative of our social constructs. You don’t need to share a bunch of biased memes or attack anyone’s opinions or beliefs. Simply let the world (and your friends) know what you think is right and add your voice to the chorus.
https://www.wallofus.org/