I am neurodivergent and want to get out the vote, but...
August 2, 2024 11:13 AM Subscribe
I'm part of a big online group of women working to get out the vote but they are heavily into "relational organizing" and I feel excluded, triggered, and that anything other than "talking to your PTA friends, church friends, and sorority sisters" (of which I have none) and door-knocking in your neighborhood (hello social anxiety) are the proverbial AuDHD Not Enough.
"It's not enough to just write postcards," the leader of the group said in a recent Zoom. I just felt so bad because that was what I was planning to do. I am very sensory-sensitive and even a convo with a loved one can be enough to make me need twice as much alone time as the convo was long. I can't imagine canvassing strangers in this heat for a few hours without needing copious downtime. I'm afraid it might backfire -- I can be blunt, and I lack empathy for undecided voters or protest voters as fascism breathes down our necks. I would be one of the most vulnerable under Project 2025 and I am enraged at these people and not very good at hiding my feelings.
I sort of feel like I did in high school -- like "these are the popular girls and I'm glaringly Not One of Them." I really want to do my part but how? Text and phone campaigns are draining too. Postcards, letter writing, and social media posts are even tanking my energy, though I'm confident that I can do them at a steady pace this summer with adequate rest. But is it even worth it?
If face-to-face, peppy, perky, smiley, eye-contact-y interactions are really the only thing that works, is there anything I can do to get myself in the headspace to do this without feeling awkward or cringe? I have no idea how to even bring up politics with the few friends I have who aren't already obviously voting, let alone neighbors I don't know. I understand there is training, but I know I will just sound scripted and do something wrong with my facial expression like a forced smile or furtive eye contact that will turn people off.
"It's not enough to just write postcards," the leader of the group said in a recent Zoom. I just felt so bad because that was what I was planning to do. I am very sensory-sensitive and even a convo with a loved one can be enough to make me need twice as much alone time as the convo was long. I can't imagine canvassing strangers in this heat for a few hours without needing copious downtime. I'm afraid it might backfire -- I can be blunt, and I lack empathy for undecided voters or protest voters as fascism breathes down our necks. I would be one of the most vulnerable under Project 2025 and I am enraged at these people and not very good at hiding my feelings.
I sort of feel like I did in high school -- like "these are the popular girls and I'm glaringly Not One of Them." I really want to do my part but how? Text and phone campaigns are draining too. Postcards, letter writing, and social media posts are even tanking my energy, though I'm confident that I can do them at a steady pace this summer with adequate rest. But is it even worth it?
If face-to-face, peppy, perky, smiley, eye-contact-y interactions are really the only thing that works, is there anything I can do to get myself in the headspace to do this without feeling awkward or cringe? I have no idea how to even bring up politics with the few friends I have who aren't already obviously voting, let alone neighbors I don't know. I understand there is training, but I know I will just sound scripted and do something wrong with my facial expression like a forced smile or furtive eye contact that will turn people off.
"It's not enough to just write postcards," the leader of the group said in a recent Zoom.
More than you otherwise would is absolutely enough. Fuck that lady. Do what you're comfortable with doing, be proud of the contributions you can make, and don't let the bastards get you down.
Thank you for being a helper!!!!!
posted by phunniemee at 11:24 AM on August 2 [84 favorites]
More than you otherwise would is absolutely enough. Fuck that lady. Do what you're comfortable with doing, be proud of the contributions you can make, and don't let the bastards get you down.
Thank you for being a helper!!!!!
posted by phunniemee at 11:24 AM on August 2 [84 favorites]
Just because the group leader says that writing postcards is insufficient does not mean that it's actually so. There's a lot of organizations that are doing letter and postcard writing, and they seem to believe it's effective. So if that's more your speed for any reason, then I say you should find one of those and do as much as you feel able to do.
I've done GOTV things door-to-door and it's not my jam either. I don't think I convinced a soul, personally. And, frankly, I don't want random people coming to *my* door either. It's not going to change my vote one way or another, it's just an interruption.
So, ignore the group leader and do what you feel you can do. In addition to, presumably, getting yourself to the polls and voting, you're doing something and that's enough. The world has plenty of people who dig social interactions who would *hate* sitting home and writing postcards alone. So let them do the door-to-door and you can reach others who'd prefer a postcard to a knock at the door.
posted by jzb at 11:27 AM on August 2 [17 favorites]
I've done GOTV things door-to-door and it's not my jam either. I don't think I convinced a soul, personally. And, frankly, I don't want random people coming to *my* door either. It's not going to change my vote one way or another, it's just an interruption.
So, ignore the group leader and do what you feel you can do. In addition to, presumably, getting yourself to the polls and voting, you're doing something and that's enough. The world has plenty of people who dig social interactions who would *hate* sitting home and writing postcards alone. So let them do the door-to-door and you can reach others who'd prefer a postcard to a knock at the door.
posted by jzb at 11:27 AM on August 2 [17 favorites]
Most people I know hate the door-knocking. Post cards, flyers, social media, bumper stickers (do these even exist now?), yard signs—whatever you feel comfortable doing.
posted by Ideefixe at 11:35 AM on August 2 [5 favorites]
posted by Ideefixe at 11:35 AM on August 2 [5 favorites]
Eff that person. WRITE POSTCARDS. We each do what we can; there's nothing more to be said.
posted by BlahLaLa at 11:36 AM on August 2 [17 favorites]
posted by BlahLaLa at 11:36 AM on August 2 [17 favorites]
It might be helpful to interpret the organizer's sentiment It's not enough to just write postcards to mean that as a collective organizing effort, we have to do more than write postcards. That's true, but it doesn't mean that every single person needs to do every single thing. Even if she meant it as an individual indictment, it's more useful and strategic to think of this as a collective effort rather than an individual one, and to contribute to the cause according to your unique skills and limitations. Democrats are still sending out email and text blasts, putting together letter/postcard writing campaigns, etc. in addition to door-to-door canvassing. Groups would not put time and money into those routes to reach voters if they weren't in some way significant.
There are usually a lot of admin and communications needs for volunteer groups as well, and people don't always want to do that because it feels less satisfying than on the ground work. Maybe you can pitch in on that side too!
posted by rabbitbookworm at 11:36 AM on August 2 [51 favorites]
There are usually a lot of admin and communications needs for volunteer groups as well, and people don't always want to do that because it feels less satisfying than on the ground work. Maybe you can pitch in on that side too!
posted by rabbitbookworm at 11:36 AM on August 2 [51 favorites]
Thanks for what you are doing!!!
Postcards are effective in getting people to vote. This article references a study showing postcard campaigns increased turnout in VA by 0.4 percent. In the same study, canvassing increased voting by .3 percent.
I've been doing some lit drops where you just put info on someone's door without knocking. I'm not sure the data on that but it may be another option if you really want to try something else.
posted by JuliaKM at 11:36 AM on August 2 [15 favorites]
Postcards are effective in getting people to vote. This article references a study showing postcard campaigns increased turnout in VA by 0.4 percent. In the same study, canvassing increased voting by .3 percent.
I've been doing some lit drops where you just put info on someone's door without knocking. I'm not sure the data on that but it may be another option if you really want to try something else.
posted by JuliaKM at 11:36 AM on August 2 [15 favorites]
Postcards, letter writing, and social media posts are even tanking my energy, though I'm confident that I can do them at a steady pace this summer with adequate rest. But is it even worth it?
Yes! Postcards are worth it. These people have studied it and it does make an impact. Especially if you use colors and stickers.
As someone who spent a lot of my childhood licking envelopes I thank you for your efforts. You are doing way more than many people ever will.
posted by RobinofFrocksley at 11:37 AM on August 2 [20 favorites]
Yes! Postcards are worth it. These people have studied it and it does make an impact. Especially if you use colors and stickers.
As someone who spent a lot of my childhood licking envelopes I thank you for your efforts. You are doing way more than many people ever will.
posted by RobinofFrocksley at 11:37 AM on August 2 [20 favorites]
On the off chance that a combination of poor messenger and existing anxieties are causing you to misread this situation:
In general when organizers say something like, "it's not enough to just [blank]" they mean it's not enough if that is the only thing ANYONE does, not that the person who does it is bad for doing it. They mean that if you're writing postcards, it's important that other people be knocking on doors, phone banking, and working their networks. They say this so that people who might otherwise default to the lowest-cost/conflict option might be spurred to get out of their comfort zones, not to exclude people who need to take that option for whatever reasons.
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 11:40 AM on August 2 [19 favorites]
In general when organizers say something like, "it's not enough to just [blank]" they mean it's not enough if that is the only thing ANYONE does, not that the person who does it is bad for doing it. They mean that if you're writing postcards, it's important that other people be knocking on doors, phone banking, and working their networks. They say this so that people who might otherwise default to the lowest-cost/conflict option might be spurred to get out of their comfort zones, not to exclude people who need to take that option for whatever reasons.
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 11:40 AM on August 2 [19 favorites]
I did a whole lot of Envelope Stuffing for Tammy (Baldwin) one election, because it needed doing. (Ben Wikler has fixed a lot of WisDem processes since then...) Every contribution IS A CONTRIBUTION.
I agree with rabbitbookworm's charitable collective interpretation of the facilitator's meaning -- but as rabbitbookworm says, the facilitator may have aimed it at attendees as individuals. (You were there, I wasn't, you get to decide what was meant!) In that case -- the facilitator is being a guilt-trippy jerk, and you are FINE.
posted by humbug at 11:40 AM on August 2 [3 favorites]
I agree with rabbitbookworm's charitable collective interpretation of the facilitator's meaning -- but as rabbitbookworm says, the facilitator may have aimed it at attendees as individuals. (You were there, I wasn't, you get to decide what was meant!) In that case -- the facilitator is being a guilt-trippy jerk, and you are FINE.
posted by humbug at 11:40 AM on August 2 [3 favorites]
Well it's going to have to be enough, because that's what you can do.
You know who I want to vote? People like you. You know who doesn't want a someone showing up at their door all smiley and chatty? People like you. Play to your strengths and help get them1 to the polls.
1 or at least their ballots! absentee voting is great too!
posted by teremala at 11:41 AM on August 2 [10 favorites]
You know who I want to vote? People like you. You know who doesn't want a someone showing up at their door all smiley and chatty? People like you. Play to your strengths and help get them1 to the polls.
1 or at least their ballots! absentee voting is great too!
posted by teremala at 11:41 AM on August 2 [10 favorites]
It's like planning a picnic. If you don't put up a signup sheet and specifically remind people, "it's not enough to just bring potato chips," you get 15 bags of potato chips and nobody even brings a picnic blanket. But someone should still bring chips! Just not literally every person.
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 11:41 AM on August 2 [25 favorites]
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 11:41 AM on August 2 [25 favorites]
I'm sorry this was triggering, and I agree with rabbitbookworm; "It's not enough to just write postcards" could refer to the group's collective efforts.
I also think, this high-social-contact group does not sound like the right fit for Beethoven's Sith. Try to clarify how the group intends to reach its goals? (And are their goals measurable?) If it turns out that working one's social network is the standard m.o. for next 100 days, to me that's ghastly & too much like MLM.
If they're unable to appreciate your strengths, it's good to know that now and perhaps apply your volunteering efforts and energies in another group. But please know your "[p]ostcards, letter writing, and social media posts" are valuable contributions, and thank you for doing this work.
posted by Iris Gambol at 12:04 PM on August 2 [4 favorites]
I also think, this high-social-contact group does not sound like the right fit for Beethoven's Sith. Try to clarify how the group intends to reach its goals? (And are their goals measurable?) If it turns out that working one's social network is the standard m.o. for next 100 days, to me that's ghastly & too much like MLM.
If they're unable to appreciate your strengths, it's good to know that now and perhaps apply your volunteering efforts and energies in another group. But please know your "[p]ostcards, letter writing, and social media posts" are valuable contributions, and thank you for doing this work.
posted by Iris Gambol at 12:04 PM on August 2 [4 favorites]
"It's not enough to just write postcards," the leader of the group said in a recent Zoom.
And who said this person was actually correct? They aren't. In so many parts of life, "every little bit helps" is true. And that includes getting out the vote. Even one conversation with one undecided person can help. It could sway that person to decide, and they could then sway others. Postcards can sway people, and they in turn sway others.
posted by Meldanthral at 12:15 PM on August 2 [3 favorites]
And who said this person was actually correct? They aren't. In so many parts of life, "every little bit helps" is true. And that includes getting out the vote. Even one conversation with one undecided person can help. It could sway that person to decide, and they could then sway others. Postcards can sway people, and they in turn sway others.
posted by Meldanthral at 12:15 PM on August 2 [3 favorites]
Well, I want to say two things: first, this is one of those terrible opportunities for growth. As much as you can, try to reflect on how you are feeling and how what the organizer is saying isn't about you, or an attempt to judge and exclude you. (Do you truly believe that, in your heart of hearts?) I think this would be good work for you to do regardless.
The second thing: maybe find another group? If this one is about talking to people, find one that's different. Perhaps supporting a local candidate? Turnout for your party at the local and regional level can help boost turnout for national elections too. Perhaps they need someone to deliver yard signs or stuff envelopes or answer incoming phone calls.
(Also, I am a pretty extroverted person, often very comfortable talking to strangers, and I love local politics, and I find knocking on doors for candidates I like excruciatingly painful.)
posted by bluedaisy at 12:49 PM on August 2 [4 favorites]
The second thing: maybe find another group? If this one is about talking to people, find one that's different. Perhaps supporting a local candidate? Turnout for your party at the local and regional level can help boost turnout for national elections too. Perhaps they need someone to deliver yard signs or stuff envelopes or answer incoming phone calls.
(Also, I am a pretty extroverted person, often very comfortable talking to strangers, and I love local politics, and I find knocking on doors for candidates I like excruciatingly painful.)
posted by bluedaisy at 12:49 PM on August 2 [4 favorites]
By the way, working my social network would be pointless. For better or worse, almost all of my friends agree with me politically and are all highly likely to vote (and are mostly actively working on political stuff themselves. Furthermore I live in an area that is heavily blue so changing one vote will have virtually zero impact. Writing letters to people in other parts of my state or even other states, especially with support of the group that has done serious research on the best way to write them, is going to be far more effective in changing the outcome of the election, even by a very small amount, than the kind of social networking being advocated.
Now you probably live in a different place and have different friends that I do so that leader's advice is not as terrible as it seems. I'm just saying that not only do I think postcards and letters can be effective but I don't buy that their style of getting out of the vote is as much better as they think.
posted by metahawk at 12:59 PM on August 2 [7 favorites]
Now you probably live in a different place and have different friends that I do so that leader's advice is not as terrible as it seems. I'm just saying that not only do I think postcards and letters can be effective but I don't buy that their style of getting out of the vote is as much better as they think.
posted by metahawk at 12:59 PM on August 2 [7 favorites]
I think I was on the same call as you, and I agree that it did do a lot of stereotyping of women as super social connectors (which I am not, and it sounds like you aren't either)! I took the statement you quoted the same way as rabbitbookworm did- that this group as a collective needs to be more active in organizing. I'm sorry that the way this was stated was triggering and exclusionary for you!
Other people on the call did lay out different ways to be involved- if you can't knock doors in swing states, donate to the groups that are, if you can't donate money, volunteer time locally, if you can't do that, speak to people in your current social networks, if you can't do that, post on social media, if you can't do that, etc. etc. on down the line. Writing postcards is definitely part of that chain!
I think it's important to know that (if this is the call I think it was) that this was a call specifically targeted at a group of women who are a large part of the electorate but who historically do not engage as actively in politics as other groups of women. The tone of the call was, I think, tailored to energize and engage that large group of women- it definitely made me (as bluedaisy suggested) consider how I can amp up my current efforts within my abilities and the practical constraints on my time/energy.
posted by MadamM at 1:03 PM on August 2 [7 favorites]
Other people on the call did lay out different ways to be involved- if you can't knock doors in swing states, donate to the groups that are, if you can't donate money, volunteer time locally, if you can't do that, speak to people in your current social networks, if you can't do that, post on social media, if you can't do that, etc. etc. on down the line. Writing postcards is definitely part of that chain!
I think it's important to know that (if this is the call I think it was) that this was a call specifically targeted at a group of women who are a large part of the electorate but who historically do not engage as actively in politics as other groups of women. The tone of the call was, I think, tailored to energize and engage that large group of women- it definitely made me (as bluedaisy suggested) consider how I can amp up my current efforts within my abilities and the practical constraints on my time/energy.
posted by MadamM at 1:03 PM on August 2 [7 favorites]
One of the nice things about being an adult, as opposed to high school, is that you don't have to do what other people tell you to do.
Some people are born introverts. Some people are born extroverts. And that is okay. I personally would become homeless and starve before I took a job making cold calls and ringing doorbells.
posted by Melismata at 1:09 PM on August 2 [1 favorite]
Some people are born introverts. Some people are born extroverts. And that is okay. I personally would become homeless and starve before I took a job making cold calls and ringing doorbells.
posted by Melismata at 1:09 PM on August 2 [1 favorite]
Oh lord, I would not be opening the door to a stranger wanting to talk to me. I pretend to not be home when that happens.
Do what you WANT to do and would feel okay doing. Screw Ms. Perky.
posted by jenfullmoon at 1:38 PM on August 2 [6 favorites]
Do what you WANT to do and would feel okay doing. Screw Ms. Perky.
posted by jenfullmoon at 1:38 PM on August 2 [6 favorites]
I really like getting the postcards. I hope you do it.
posted by CMcG at 1:49 PM on August 2 [6 favorites]
posted by CMcG at 1:49 PM on August 2 [6 favorites]
I agree that you shouldn't do things that are so outside your comfort zone that they'll create a problem for you rather than energize you. And I also want to add that if you're anxious and uncomfortable talking to people in this way, it's unlikely to be a very effective strategy anyway! There's a reason that certain types of people go into politics and organizing, and it's generally because they have strengths in talking to people. So lean into your own strengths! What can you do that feels meaningful and do-able?
posted by lapis at 2:08 PM on August 2 [1 favorite]
posted by lapis at 2:08 PM on August 2 [1 favorite]
As someone who is heavily involved in this election cycle, I understand the new focus on relational organizing. It's super effective to hear from your contacts over a stranger. It's the new hotness. But it's just one tool in the toolbox.
I can guarantee you that that is not the only way to be effective. Postcards are helpful! Social media that is informational about how to vote and what to expect in your area helps reduce barriers to voting! Volunteering for a down-ballot candidate to do non-block-walky things that fit your abilities is also great. Don't be discouraged! There is no one correct way to help. We are all in it together.
posted by *s at 2:09 PM on August 2 [4 favorites]
I can guarantee you that that is not the only way to be effective. Postcards are helpful! Social media that is informational about how to vote and what to expect in your area helps reduce barriers to voting! Volunteering for a down-ballot candidate to do non-block-walky things that fit your abilities is also great. Don't be discouraged! There is no one correct way to help. We are all in it together.
posted by *s at 2:09 PM on August 2 [4 favorites]
OP, I'm not sure if you were on the call I was on, but I heard the same message on Zoom, and I suspect you are taking it potentially more literally and personally than might be necessary.
It's not that, "Hey, Beethoven's Sith, it's not enough FOR YOU to just write postcards." It's more, "People, listen up, it's not enough to just write postcards!" This kind of thing is (and forgive the unintentionally Marxist quote) each according to his ability.
I can talk to strangers all the live-long day (and I do) and while I can craft intelligent, persuasive messages on the computer for a blog or email, my handwriting is entirely illegible, even to me. A postcard from me is a waste of postage. You write your postcards. I'll persuade in person.
Give yourself permission to do all the things you CAN do. Postcards, sure. Maybe you can offer to dog-sit so your neighbor can get to the polls that day, or cover someone for an hour of work so they can go vote. If I recall your background, you're an artist, so maybe you can make some great pro-Kamala Harris art and donate the proceeds to the cause, or even just put pro-democracy text on your marketing for your art?
The leaders on the recent Zooms don't mean that every single one of us has to do every single thing. They're not going to tell a single mom of 5 that she has to be out canvassing all day while kids are out of school, or that an immunity-challenged person needs to be shaking hands and getting in people's faces. The "not enough to just write postcards" doesn't mean that every single person has to do all the things, but that all the things have to be done, and if each one of us can do the things we can do well (because obviously, they don't want you to make door-knocked folks angry), we will all be better.
When there's a bake sale, somebody has to do the accounting and the set-up and the clean-up, and it's really helpful if the crappy baker eschews making the thing that will make them miserable and the bake sale attendees sick and instead does some of the other tasks.
So, I was on the calls, and if you were on just about any of the national calls, then I was probably on the same call with you, and I can absolutely assure you that you, personally, are not expected to do the interpersonal things that make you deeply anxious to the point that it would not be effective. I definitely understand why it made you feel that way, but please understand that that isn't the intent of the message. (And even if it were, we're telling you, Kamala's OK with you doing something, not everything.)
OK? OK! Good talk.
posted by The Wrong Kind of Cheese at 2:37 PM on August 2 [23 favorites]
It's not that, "Hey, Beethoven's Sith, it's not enough FOR YOU to just write postcards." It's more, "People, listen up, it's not enough to just write postcards!" This kind of thing is (and forgive the unintentionally Marxist quote) each according to his ability.
I can talk to strangers all the live-long day (and I do) and while I can craft intelligent, persuasive messages on the computer for a blog or email, my handwriting is entirely illegible, even to me. A postcard from me is a waste of postage. You write your postcards. I'll persuade in person.
Give yourself permission to do all the things you CAN do. Postcards, sure. Maybe you can offer to dog-sit so your neighbor can get to the polls that day, or cover someone for an hour of work so they can go vote. If I recall your background, you're an artist, so maybe you can make some great pro-Kamala Harris art and donate the proceeds to the cause, or even just put pro-democracy text on your marketing for your art?
The leaders on the recent Zooms don't mean that every single one of us has to do every single thing. They're not going to tell a single mom of 5 that she has to be out canvassing all day while kids are out of school, or that an immunity-challenged person needs to be shaking hands and getting in people's faces. The "not enough to just write postcards" doesn't mean that every single person has to do all the things, but that all the things have to be done, and if each one of us can do the things we can do well (because obviously, they don't want you to make door-knocked folks angry), we will all be better.
When there's a bake sale, somebody has to do the accounting and the set-up and the clean-up, and it's really helpful if the crappy baker eschews making the thing that will make them miserable and the bake sale attendees sick and instead does some of the other tasks.
So, I was on the calls, and if you were on just about any of the national calls, then I was probably on the same call with you, and I can absolutely assure you that you, personally, are not expected to do the interpersonal things that make you deeply anxious to the point that it would not be effective. I definitely understand why it made you feel that way, but please understand that that isn't the intent of the message. (And even if it were, we're telling you, Kamala's OK with you doing something, not everything.)
OK? OK! Good talk.
posted by The Wrong Kind of Cheese at 2:37 PM on August 2 [23 favorites]
Can you offer to take over some/all of the background organizational work that is necessary to have others do the in-person work? I like to think of some rules I've had as tech support - not out front, but grinding out the reports to give the outgoing people stuff to do, so they don't wander off task. Being a cat herder is a tough job someone might have to do!
(Yeah, or it's the wrong group.)
posted by cobaltnine at 2:38 PM on August 2 [3 favorites]
(Yeah, or it's the wrong group.)
posted by cobaltnine at 2:38 PM on August 2 [3 favorites]
Oh fuck that. Do not let people's privileged, ableist bullshit make you feel bad about about, you know, existing . That woman should feel bad about being an out-loud ableist and her breathtaking lack of self-awareness.
As The Wrong Kind of Cheese so rightly points out, all of the things need to be done, but not by you. Send postcards. Make radical art. Make radical postcards!
posted by DarlingBri at 3:14 PM on August 2 [2 favorites]
As The Wrong Kind of Cheese so rightly points out, all of the things need to be done, but not by you. Send postcards. Make radical art. Make radical postcards!
posted by DarlingBri at 3:14 PM on August 2 [2 favorites]
So yeah, there's a lot of research that shows door-to-door canvassing is one of the most effective tools for "get-out-the-vote." But going door-to-door is most definitely not for everyone. What's more there are many good reasons for people to NOT go door-to-door (mobility issues, personal safety, personal preference, etc.).
There are so many other ways to be useful to a campaign (let me tell you about the group of women who brought in a weekly buffet of delicious hot dishes during my time running campaign offices, they were amazing!). Writing to voters and encouraging them to take part in the election is a great way to contribute. You have nothing to feel bad about.
posted by brookeb at 3:59 PM on August 2 [4 favorites]
There are so many other ways to be useful to a campaign (let me tell you about the group of women who brought in a weekly buffet of delicious hot dishes during my time running campaign offices, they were amazing!). Writing to voters and encouraging them to take part in the election is a great way to contribute. You have nothing to feel bad about.
posted by brookeb at 3:59 PM on August 2 [4 favorites]
I allllmost didn't answer the doorbell today and it turned out to be neighborhood children looking for their cat, which was sweet. I would have been super annoyed if it had been someone trying to sell me anything, including candidate XYZ (although I probably would have been civil, and asked if they needed water). Thank you for not showing up on my doorstep. Thank you for whatever you are willing to do.
posted by adventitious at 4:59 PM on August 2 [6 favorites]
posted by adventitious at 4:59 PM on August 2 [6 favorites]
Your wisdom of your own abilities supersedes any well-meant but decidedly unwise recommendation that you need to take counterproductive action.
The purpose is to get Kamala elected. That’s what we’re here for (metaphorically). Lapses in leadership judgment or poorly turned phrases do not change that.
I also will be writing postcards. It’s what I believe I can handle. The activism police will not be coming for either of us. If everyone just did the little bit that we could, the whole landscape would be different. You can proudly consider yourself to be leading by example.
posted by bunderful at 6:55 PM on August 2 [3 favorites]
The purpose is to get Kamala elected. That’s what we’re here for (metaphorically). Lapses in leadership judgment or poorly turned phrases do not change that.
I also will be writing postcards. It’s what I believe I can handle. The activism police will not be coming for either of us. If everyone just did the little bit that we could, the whole landscape would be different. You can proudly consider yourself to be leading by example.
posted by bunderful at 6:55 PM on August 2 [3 favorites]
Just adding my voice in case seeing even more people support you helps -- this person is probably onto something for the organization as a whole's goals, but I'm not sure they meant that everyone has to do everything, and if they did, they're wrong. You are not a bad person for not doing specific activism if it's not something you cannot reasonably/comfortably/healthfully do. There are plenty of people who can, and are, doing other things. Your postcards will still help, as people up-thread have observed. If your skills and aptitudes will allow you to help in some other behind-the-scenes way, then that would be cool too, but if you're not able, please write the post cards you are able to happily do, and honestly, screw the rest of 'em. You're doing as much as you can and if everyone could do that we'd be in much better shape, so thank you.
posted by Alterscape at 7:35 PM on August 2 [2 favorites]
posted by Alterscape at 7:35 PM on August 2 [2 favorites]
Postcards are helpful. Putting candidate signs in your window is also helpful. I loathe texting and phone calling like the devil, whether I'm the one giving or receiving, but I did some batches of postcards and that was nice. The main thing was I felt I was doing *something*, which made me less afraid.
posted by Peach at 7:43 PM on August 2 [4 favorites]
posted by Peach at 7:43 PM on August 2 [4 favorites]
Point that person to this thread.
posted by disconnect at 7:55 PM on August 2 [1 favorite]
posted by disconnect at 7:55 PM on August 2 [1 favorite]
We should form our own group of disabled and neurodivergent campaign volunteers because I've been running into this sort of thing a lot too.
Back when I was a volunteer manager for political campaigns, if someone told me they could only do certain things then I believed them and found them something to do. If they didn't fit into any of our existing volunteer opportunities I made one. Like when I ran a textbank, I had a lady who was referred to me because she wasn't physically capable of canvassing but it turned out she didn't have good enough eyesight to text either. But she loved talking on the phone so when someone texted back that they wanted to talk on the phone instead of texting we sent their contact info to her.
Everyone can do something and a volunteer manager who can't figure out a good fit for someone is just not a very good volunteer manager.
posted by Jacqueline at 10:11 PM on August 2 [16 favorites]
Back when I was a volunteer manager for political campaigns, if someone told me they could only do certain things then I believed them and found them something to do. If they didn't fit into any of our existing volunteer opportunities I made one. Like when I ran a textbank, I had a lady who was referred to me because she wasn't physically capable of canvassing but it turned out she didn't have good enough eyesight to text either. But she loved talking on the phone so when someone texted back that they wanted to talk on the phone instead of texting we sent their contact info to her.
Everyone can do something and a volunteer manager who can't figure out a good fit for someone is just not a very good volunteer manager.
posted by Jacqueline at 10:11 PM on August 2 [16 favorites]
If interacting with people in person is not your forte, that gives you the opportunity to best use your efforts on getting the vote out in a battleground swing state that may need your contribution more than your own neighbourhood does.
posted by Jane the Brown at 4:35 AM on August 3 [2 favorites]
posted by Jane the Brown at 4:35 AM on August 3 [2 favorites]
I just want to share an anecdote that has been rankling me and at the end I will explain why I think it relates to you:
My mother is notorious for grandstanding monologues that are either. one-way postulations or directives. They neither invite or allow for actual dialogue. She just gave yet another the other day re: the election where she dramatically pleaded “you ALL have to promise me you will do something - ANYTHING! - whatever it takes to make sure the orange one isn’t elected!”
When asked (by me, her blunt neurodivergent daughter) “what specifically does that mean?” She awkwardly paused and said “…. I don’t know but we all will need to do it!”
In my mind, your group leader and my mother are not that different. One is extremely directive based, the other is cluelessly grandstanding without any meaningful directives. But in both cases maddening to blunt pragmatic people who want to focus on DOING SOMETHING.
I feel strongly that you can safely ignore both of these bloviating archetypes and just do what works for you!!!
posted by seemoorglass at 6:50 AM on August 3 [3 favorites]
My mother is notorious for grandstanding monologues that are either. one-way postulations or directives. They neither invite or allow for actual dialogue. She just gave yet another the other day re: the election where she dramatically pleaded “you ALL have to promise me you will do something - ANYTHING! - whatever it takes to make sure the orange one isn’t elected!”
When asked (by me, her blunt neurodivergent daughter) “what specifically does that mean?” She awkwardly paused and said “…. I don’t know but we all will need to do it!”
In my mind, your group leader and my mother are not that different. One is extremely directive based, the other is cluelessly grandstanding without any meaningful directives. But in both cases maddening to blunt pragmatic people who want to focus on DOING SOMETHING.
I feel strongly that you can safely ignore both of these bloviating archetypes and just do what works for you!!!
posted by seemoorglass at 6:50 AM on August 3 [3 favorites]
Hey there, I'm a neurodivergent, introverted woman and I've been volunteering in politics in a very serious way for over a decade. I can do both canvassing and phone banking, and I even regularly lead organizing meetings that require me to speak in front of large groups of other people, but all of that stuff is draining AF for me and it took a lot of effort and practice for me to be able to do it as often and as effectively as I do (it helped that I'd already had a fair bit of forced practice in Extreme Masking when I had to work in retail to pay my way through college, which was before I got into politics, but I can't say I recommend that kind of stress training).
I'm really sorry to hear that you felt marginalized in that call. I think it's great if you can write postcards. Postcards do matter and writing postcards is more than most people bother to do. Doing anything above and beyond voting is more than most people bother to do-- remember that. As someone who has been doing this work for years I am personally thrilled that you want to be involved in any way beyond voting. Thank you so much! Welcome to the team. You matter and I'm so, so happy to have you.
Other ways you can help, depending on where your talents, interests, and resources lie, that don't involve a lot of talking to other people include:
- Deliver yard signs. This is one of my favorite political volunteer things to do, honestly. You just drop the signs off at addresses where people have requested them; you don't have to talk to people 90% of the time. And when you DO happen to need to talk to people, because they are out in their yards or something when they show up, they are generally really happy to see you! Because you are bringing them something they asked for! So the conversations you do wind up having tend to be easy. If the Harris campaign doesn't need help with sign delivery, I guarantee you there is a local Democratic candidate in your area running for State Representative or something who does. And helping downballot candidates is really important for multiple reasons and absolutely helps with overall turnout for the presidential. If you don't drive or don't have a car you might still be able to help with this by riding along as a helper with someone who does (it's always best practice for safety reasons when doing public-facing political volunteering to have at least two people working together; it's also a lot faster when delivering signs to have one person be the driver and a second person be the navigator and sign-planter).
- Help with data entry / data analysis (there is a TON of this in any campaign) or general behind the scenes IT stuff like networking, web development, etc.
- Help with graphic design and/or writing and editing work for printed campaign literature, websites, social media, etc. Again, the Harris campaign might not need this kind of volunteer help but your local candidates absolutely do. I have candidates in my area begging for graphic design and writing help all of the time.
- Help with set up and tear down at events-- building the Democrats booth at a local county fair, setting up chairs and a stage for a candidate's rally, etc.
- Volunteer to run campaign literature, food, drinks, etc. to volunteers working out in the field
Any of that work I mentioned is really genuinely helpful if you can do it. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DO DIRECT VOTER CONTACT TO HELP. But, if you do decide you want to try talking to voters more directly, either people in your personal networks or strangers, either in person or over the phone, I want to tell you something really, really important I've learned in my many years of talking to voters, which is: voters don't want to talk to a salesperson. They want to have authentic conversations with real, honest people, and so it's actually okay to be yourself (or at least, a polite version of yourself). You don't actually have to be peppy and smiley and polished when you talk to people to be effective. If you can share a personal reason for why this election matters to you, people will pay more attention to that than they will to an obvious script. And it also often really has a positive impact when you take the time to ask voters about what matters to them and then just listen (which, bonus for you, means less talking for you).
Also, if do you decide to participate in canvassing or phone banking, be sure to talk to the organizers about the fact that it makes you nervous. This kind of work makes a lot of people nervous (not just neurodivergent people, even some extroverted neurotypical types who could happily talk to strangers for hours about sportsball or celebrity gossip or the weather get super nervous about talking to anyone about politics) and if the organizers have any level of experience they will have heard this from other volunteers before and will be ready to offer some kind of support; they might give you extra training or pair you with a more experienced volunteer, for example, or make sure that you only interact with people who are already on "strong supporter" lists so your interactions will be less stressful. If the organizers aren't supportive when you tell them this then you can always decline to work with them and go find a different group to try to work with (another candidate's campaign, a local progressive org, a county or ward level Democratic club, etc.)
Also, a political veteran's tip for eye contact issues when delivering signs or canvassing or volunteering at a booth or doing anything else that's outside: you're outside! Wear sunglasses ;)
posted by BlueJae at 7:28 AM on August 3 [9 favorites]
I'm really sorry to hear that you felt marginalized in that call. I think it's great if you can write postcards. Postcards do matter and writing postcards is more than most people bother to do. Doing anything above and beyond voting is more than most people bother to do-- remember that. As someone who has been doing this work for years I am personally thrilled that you want to be involved in any way beyond voting. Thank you so much! Welcome to the team. You matter and I'm so, so happy to have you.
Other ways you can help, depending on where your talents, interests, and resources lie, that don't involve a lot of talking to other people include:
- Deliver yard signs. This is one of my favorite political volunteer things to do, honestly. You just drop the signs off at addresses where people have requested them; you don't have to talk to people 90% of the time. And when you DO happen to need to talk to people, because they are out in their yards or something when they show up, they are generally really happy to see you! Because you are bringing them something they asked for! So the conversations you do wind up having tend to be easy. If the Harris campaign doesn't need help with sign delivery, I guarantee you there is a local Democratic candidate in your area running for State Representative or something who does. And helping downballot candidates is really important for multiple reasons and absolutely helps with overall turnout for the presidential. If you don't drive or don't have a car you might still be able to help with this by riding along as a helper with someone who does (it's always best practice for safety reasons when doing public-facing political volunteering to have at least two people working together; it's also a lot faster when delivering signs to have one person be the driver and a second person be the navigator and sign-planter).
- Help with data entry / data analysis (there is a TON of this in any campaign) or general behind the scenes IT stuff like networking, web development, etc.
- Help with graphic design and/or writing and editing work for printed campaign literature, websites, social media, etc. Again, the Harris campaign might not need this kind of volunteer help but your local candidates absolutely do. I have candidates in my area begging for graphic design and writing help all of the time.
- Help with set up and tear down at events-- building the Democrats booth at a local county fair, setting up chairs and a stage for a candidate's rally, etc.
- Volunteer to run campaign literature, food, drinks, etc. to volunteers working out in the field
Any of that work I mentioned is really genuinely helpful if you can do it. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DO DIRECT VOTER CONTACT TO HELP. But, if you do decide you want to try talking to voters more directly, either people in your personal networks or strangers, either in person or over the phone, I want to tell you something really, really important I've learned in my many years of talking to voters, which is: voters don't want to talk to a salesperson. They want to have authentic conversations with real, honest people, and so it's actually okay to be yourself (or at least, a polite version of yourself). You don't actually have to be peppy and smiley and polished when you talk to people to be effective. If you can share a personal reason for why this election matters to you, people will pay more attention to that than they will to an obvious script. And it also often really has a positive impact when you take the time to ask voters about what matters to them and then just listen (which, bonus for you, means less talking for you).
Also, if do you decide to participate in canvassing or phone banking, be sure to talk to the organizers about the fact that it makes you nervous. This kind of work makes a lot of people nervous (not just neurodivergent people, even some extroverted neurotypical types who could happily talk to strangers for hours about sportsball or celebrity gossip or the weather get super nervous about talking to anyone about politics) and if the organizers have any level of experience they will have heard this from other volunteers before and will be ready to offer some kind of support; they might give you extra training or pair you with a more experienced volunteer, for example, or make sure that you only interact with people who are already on "strong supporter" lists so your interactions will be less stressful. If the organizers aren't supportive when you tell them this then you can always decline to work with them and go find a different group to try to work with (another candidate's campaign, a local progressive org, a county or ward level Democratic club, etc.)
Also, a political veteran's tip for eye contact issues when delivering signs or canvassing or volunteering at a booth or doing anything else that's outside: you're outside! Wear sunglasses ;)
posted by BlueJae at 7:28 AM on August 3 [9 favorites]
I agree with the others that this group leader was probably talking about the collective needing to do more than postcards, and in her enthusiasm, did not phrase her comments well.
Postcards and other non-facing things like letter-writing, posting on social media, etc. are enormously helpful in situations like this. For every person like you, who does not want to do face-to-face engagement, there is probably someone else who hates the idea of sitting down and writing postcards. That's why we have more than one person involved in a big effort like this, so that we can complement each other's strengths and weaknesses.
One of my favourite proverbs is the Pashtun "Drop by drop, the mighty river forms." Each little bit counts, and that's what makes contributions like yours so powerful. You are a drop in the mighty river!
posted by rpfields at 8:54 AM on August 3 [1 favorite]
Postcards and other non-facing things like letter-writing, posting on social media, etc. are enormously helpful in situations like this. For every person like you, who does not want to do face-to-face engagement, there is probably someone else who hates the idea of sitting down and writing postcards. That's why we have more than one person involved in a big effort like this, so that we can complement each other's strengths and weaknesses.
One of my favourite proverbs is the Pashtun "Drop by drop, the mighty river forms." Each little bit counts, and that's what makes contributions like yours so powerful. You are a drop in the mighty river!
posted by rpfields at 8:54 AM on August 3 [1 favorite]
I am neurodivergent and I canvas and it is very draining, but I'm basically OK talking to people and I do have some really great memories of individual encounters here and there. As a matter of fact the very last canvassing activity (2022 - for a congressman) was generally really heartwarming because people were pretty enthusiastic, although I have to admit the most I accomplished was letting a few people know that early voting had started and where to go for it. I also write postcards but I absolutely categorically refuse to phonebank. Do what you can do.
To add to BlueJae's list of things to do besides canvassing:
- Driving canvassers: I've been to places that had volunteer drivers for the canvassers - so helpful!!!
- Food is always welcome at volunteer headquarters.
- A lot of canvasing I have done has been based out of someone's garage, and someone has to stay there to give and receive the canvassing packets.
You might try contacting a local Dem candidate's election field office to see if they could use help with any of these things, there will typically be some cross-pollination with the Presidential Campaign.
posted by maggiemaggie at 10:18 AM on August 3 [3 favorites]
To add to BlueJae's list of things to do besides canvassing:
- Driving canvassers: I've been to places that had volunteer drivers for the canvassers - so helpful!!!
- Food is always welcome at volunteer headquarters.
- A lot of canvasing I have done has been based out of someone's garage, and someone has to stay there to give and receive the canvassing packets.
You might try contacting a local Dem candidate's election field office to see if they could use help with any of these things, there will typically be some cross-pollination with the Presidential Campaign.
posted by maggiemaggie at 10:18 AM on August 3 [3 favorites]
I wrote postcards for the last 3 Georgia elections. It was what I could/can do. I got lots of Sharpie markers and did over 1000 postcards. We won GA in the presidential election by 11.5k votes. Every bit helps.
It was my part of the symphony.
posted by heathrowga at 11:35 AM on August 3 [5 favorites]
It was my part of the symphony.
posted by heathrowga at 11:35 AM on August 3 [5 favorites]
I’m surprised that the organizers haven’t taken into account that a lot of people hate being on the receiving end of door knocking and other in person approaches. Write the postcards, do the social media posts. It all creates a groundswell for change. Good for you for doing *anything*.
posted by t0astie at 6:18 PM on August 3 [4 favorites]
posted by t0astie at 6:18 PM on August 3 [4 favorites]
If you are not in your own neighborhood, it's better to canvass/ knock on doors with a partner. Ask to be paired up. Are you a good driver? In my area, where houses are often spread out, candidates often have a volunteer driver, who turns the car around and helps plan the route, saving the candidate time and also helping them not get too burned out; it's work. Canvassing is considered highly effective, but there are other options. Can you make calls or texts?
Visit the Dems campaign office; they're starting to open. Explain that you are very uncomfortable canvassing and ask what you can do. My local office has a volunteer who does a great job cleaning the office. Mailings happen and may need labels, stamps, etc. One of our state candidates has postcards he'd like people to write. When it's time, there are signs to put up, deliver to people. Letters to the editor are a big help. It really varies.
The Dems have some texting and online tasks. No one knows how effective this stuff is, but I do it when my health makes other stuff impossible. Memail me if you can't find the trainings for discord and Reach. Field Team 6 is fun.
Do not let this person make you feel bad. They are bring enthusiastic and don't understand that some of us live differently. Just tell them I can't do that; do you have some other options? Thank you for being active. The enthusiasm in the air is amazing and you are part of it.
posted by theora55 at 7:30 PM on August 3 [2 favorites]
Visit the Dems campaign office; they're starting to open. Explain that you are very uncomfortable canvassing and ask what you can do. My local office has a volunteer who does a great job cleaning the office. Mailings happen and may need labels, stamps, etc. One of our state candidates has postcards he'd like people to write. When it's time, there are signs to put up, deliver to people. Letters to the editor are a big help. It really varies.
The Dems have some texting and online tasks. No one knows how effective this stuff is, but I do it when my health makes other stuff impossible. Memail me if you can't find the trainings for discord and Reach. Field Team 6 is fun.
Do not let this person make you feel bad. They are bring enthusiastic and don't understand that some of us live differently. Just tell them I can't do that; do you have some other options? Thank you for being active. The enthusiasm in the air is amazing and you are part of it.
posted by theora55 at 7:30 PM on August 3 [2 favorites]
I am an organizer and let me tell you I am sorry but the anarchists have figured this shit out better than the Democratic Party in terms of how to handle people with differing abilities and also how to get people to actually turn out for shit (even if it is not specifically voting in those instances) and let me tell you FLYERING is actually super, super helpful, and none of the super social people ever want to do it because it is alone work and they feel lonely while they are doing it. Make flyers, bring them around with you throughout your day or go a few places you think you haven’t seen flyers, put them up. This is also a thing where your strengths are helpful. People like you who are most at risk can motivate people like my friends, who generally do not vote in elections but will do so if approached by people they feel are similar to them with a good reason, to vote. Put the election date on the flyer and instructions how to do it - people who generally don’t vote don’t always remember the right date and what they’re supposed to do.
posted by corb at 2:09 AM on August 4 [7 favorites]
posted by corb at 2:09 AM on August 4 [7 favorites]
FLYERING is actually super, super helpful, and none of the super social people ever want to do it because it is alone work and they feel lonely while they are doing it. Make flyers, bring them around with you throughout your day or go a few places you think you haven’t seen flyers, put them up.
Bonus, if you live near a college campus, we're coming up on a time when flyers are likely to be seen by people who may have recently moved. Am I specifically targeting doors to lecture halls used by first year students on our campus with information on voter registration and the fact that our state is one that mails ballots to everyone's home address? Yes, yes I am.
posted by deludingmyself at 12:12 PM on August 4 [3 favorites]
Bonus, if you live near a college campus, we're coming up on a time when flyers are likely to be seen by people who may have recently moved. Am I specifically targeting doors to lecture halls used by first year students on our campus with information on voter registration and the fact that our state is one that mails ballots to everyone's home address? Yes, yes I am.
posted by deludingmyself at 12:12 PM on August 4 [3 favorites]
I canvassed yesterday and have some feedback for you and anyone reading this. The list I was given is all friendlies. So I generally got a warm welcome. People move, and the door may be answered by a family member who is not friendly, but it’s generally positive and often really positive. Dems need turnout to win, so the priority is contacting and informing Dems, because trying to convert GOPers is way too time-consuming and discouraging. I’m more trying to persuade other people reading this, not trying to pressure you. I have social phobia, but did my neighborhood, and it was fine. Your decision to not canvass is absolutely legit.
Also, I met a lot of nice dogs.
posted by theora55 at 8:44 AM on August 5 [4 favorites]
Also, I met a lot of nice dogs.
posted by theora55 at 8:44 AM on August 5 [4 favorites]
I'm a socially anxious person who has felt that doing postcarding and other non-interactive GOTV efforts weren't doing enough, so I totally get it. I would recommend reaching out to your local Dem party. I'm in Illinois and for me this is my township group. They are always hungry for people to walk neighborhoods and drop lit on people's doors. My neighborhood didn't have anyone to do this before I did it, and I can see the increase in turnout (especially in primaries!) once I started. I wear headphones and just listen to podcasts for 2 hours and hit about 150 houses. If I catch someone that's outside, or they talk to me on their Ring cam, I usually just say something like "Here's some information about our candidates, come to our meetings if you want to learn more". People seem really happy not to have to talk to me lol
They will probably invite you to their monthly meeting (mine are combo Zoom and in person) where they talk about GOTV, fundraising, and local and national issues. They're probably going to be blunt and frustrated at undecided voters too. I love my local group of people, and they would absolutely be understanding if someone was only there to help and not to socialize. If your local group sucks, maybe go to a specific candidate's campaign office and ask them if they need help with data entry or lit drops.
posted by little king trashmouth at 9:17 AM on August 5 [2 favorites]
They will probably invite you to their monthly meeting (mine are combo Zoom and in person) where they talk about GOTV, fundraising, and local and national issues. They're probably going to be blunt and frustrated at undecided voters too. I love my local group of people, and they would absolutely be understanding if someone was only there to help and not to socialize. If your local group sucks, maybe go to a specific candidate's campaign office and ask them if they need help with data entry or lit drops.
posted by little king trashmouth at 9:17 AM on August 5 [2 favorites]
In the past when I’ve volunteered I’ve just said straight up that I won’t knock doors, is there any other way I can help. If it’s really only canvassing then it’s not for me but in general organizers have been happy to use my other data and communications skills. In general, don’t be a jerk about it but like this is volunteer work, the organizers, and people in general, are lucky you donate your time and abilities to do what you can. Good luck!
posted by Argyle Road at 8:48 AM on August 7
posted by Argyle Road at 8:48 AM on August 7
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posted by Alensin at 11:18 AM on August 2 [38 favorites]