Want the Democratic Party to Change?

[Chathamization]

78. Spreading the word can work well. Chances are, you know someone who shares your

political beliefs but who might not bother voting or isn't terribly knowledgable about certain races. I got a good response this time around from just reaching out to those around me.

Having ongoing campaigns help as well. We usually have a number of progressive pushes each year (ballot initiatives, progressive candidates, issues we're trying to get passed), and each time we connect with more first time activists that we reach out to going forward (well, I say we, but it's really a handful of wonderful local super-activists). Of course, not all of them can work on every issue, but the network gets larger.

Another thing that I try to do that _hopefully_ help is to try talking to everyone and to actually engage individuals beyond just the immediate issue. A lot of people just think everything is rigged and people are completely powerless (you hear that sentiment a lot here). It's learned helplessness, and it's what the powers that be want. They don't need to rig elections when people themselves don't bother to vote. Showing people that there are others out there trying to make a difference and fight for them seems to get at least some people to think that they should get more involved as well.