General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsWatching Scarface and heard a line Dems should consider.
Pacino is lecturing his security chief : "We are just not hungry anymore!"
To me, this is the state of the Democratic party. We had a good run under Obama and then went on vacation (okay, not everyone). But it is true that we do not fight fire with fire. We have the majority of voters (barring suppression efforts). The truth in my opinion is we may not have the comfort zone to overcome the right wing propaganda machine. Too much work, not enough money
Here is the truth:
We only have to win this battle in 2018 and 2020. It is right around the corner. Citizens United, Gerrymandering. Voter suppression. FCC rules. Collective bargaining. All of these things CAN be reversed and must be reversed. But it will not happen unless all of us try to influence the turnout.
Contact local groups who think the same way and go have a cup of coffee. There are more than you think and it is not that hard to do. If you don't want to hold a sign on a street corner, at least donate what you can.
Crutchez_CuiBono
(7,725 posts)"Get hungry"..or something,...instead of putting a negative spin on people who probably won the election, and have been lectured and beaten down about "our performance" at every turn. I really believe history will show...HRC won by a landslide. First female president right after first black president...I know I sure voted to be part of history. Don't assume everyone else did any less please.
dameatball
(7,394 posts)Crutchez_CuiBono
(7,725 posts)BigmanPigman
(51,567 posts)They are smart and serious. They have been planning and organizing at the local level for over a year. They are in this for the long haul. Every time I hear about them or actually get together with them I feel so impressed and leave in awe of their efforts. It is really incredible. I don't know how many DUers have ever had the chance to get together with them directly, but if you do you will feel the same way that I do. I cannot say enough great things about them. Check them out.
https://www.indivisible.org/act-locally/
https://www.indivisible.org/guide/grassroots-advocacy
CHAPTER ONE
GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY
How grassroots advocacy worked to stop President Obama. We examine lessons from the Tea Partys rise and recommend two key strategic components:
A local strategy targeting individual Members of Congress (MoCs).
A defensive approach purely focused on stopping Trump from implementing an agenda built on racism, authoritarianism, and corruption.
CHAPTER TWO
YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS
How your MoC thinks reelection, reelection, reelection and how to use that to save democracy. MoCs want their constituents to think well of them, and they want good, local press. They hate surprises, wasted time, and most of all, bad press that makes them look weak, unlikable, and vulnerable. You will use these interests to make them listen and act.
CHAPTER THREE
ORGANIZE LOCALLY
Identify or organize your local group. Is there an existing local group or network you can join? Or do you need to start your own? We suggest steps to help mobilize your fellow constituents locally and start organizing for action.
CHAPTER FOUR
ADVOCACY TACTICS
Four local advocacy tactics that actually work. Most of you have three MoCs two Senators and one Representative. Whether you like it or not, they are your voices in Washington. Your job is to make sure they are, in fact, speaking for you. Weve identified four key opportunity areas that just a handful of local constituents can use to great effect. Always record encounters on video, prepare questions ahead of time, coordinate with your group, and report back to local media:
Town halls. MoCs regularly hold public in-district events to show that they are listening to constituents. Make them listen to you, and report out when they dont.
Other local public events. MoCs love cutting ribbons and kissing babies back home. Dont let them get photo-ops without questions about racism, authoritarianism, and corruption.
District office visits. Every MoC has one or several district offices. Go there. Demand a meeting with the MoC. Report to the world if they refuse to listen.
Coordinated calls. Calls are a light lift, but can have an impact. Organize your local group to barrage your MoCs with calls at an opportune moment about and on a specific issue.
How Grassroots Advocacy Works
dameatball
(7,394 posts)smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)LeftInTX
(25,125 posts)I knocked on 95 doors on Sunday and 42 doors tonight. I have 120 to go for this election. In 2 weeks, we have another election, I get to start all over and do it again!