Organize for Democracy Leadership Program Reflection: Aaeshah Siddiqui

Blue Future teamed up with Grassroots Democrats HQ to create a compensated program to train young people in virtual organizing, which we called Organize for Democracy. At the conclusion of the program, we asked our wonderful participants to write a reflection on their time in the program.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, I was unsure of what the 2020 election would look like. I had little plans for my freshman year in college, let alone what this historic election would look like. Little did I know how powerful online organizing was going to become and how I would play a significant role in it. Getting so heavily involved in the 2020 elections and generating a passion for youth voter turnout, I hoped to keep the same energy in 2022. When I saw the fellowship opportunity with Blue Future and Grassroots Dems HQ, I was immediately interested because this is exactly what I had wanted. Being able to connect with voters across the nation, work on a grassroots level for campaigns and candidates that I would normally not get the chance to work with, and level up my leadership skills was exactly what I was looking for.

Blue Future was exactly that. Not only did I get to meet a multitude of candidates from across the nation and get inspired by their passion and drive for politics, but I was also able to learn various skills, ranging from how to lead online meetings effectively, volunteer recruitment, how to create a strategic plan, and more! This leadership program allowed me to gain the necessary skills for working on campaigns in the future and meet people that I can continue to network with throughout the entirety of my career.

The structure of the program really catered to a variety of people, whether they are students, working professionals, or both. Having a dedicated group of people working on a certain issue (or campaign in this case) is one of the best ways to concentrate positive movement in that work. The 5 hours of volunteering each week, with the flexibility that Blue Future offered, was one of the reasons I signed up, because it offers much opportunity to make your own schedule and manage your time wisely. I am honored to be able to have had the chance to be a part of this program and highly encourage it for all, as it is a great program that shows you the value of online organizing.