Organize for Democracy Reflection: Earth Lyons
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.
As an active civil contributor, I knew the opportunity to participate in the Grassroots Democrats HQ (GDHQ) and Blue Future’s Fall 2022 Organizer program was an endeavor closely aligned with my thoughts and actions to educate voters with the necessary information to make an informed decision. Also, in my years of volunteer experience, I performed similar duties and knew that not only would I meet the expectations but exceed the expectations to educate voters and improve government oversight through the power of the vote!
Upon hearing about the Grassroots Democrats HQ (GDHQ) mission to educate voters and the vision of how to execute such a monumental task through phone banking, I was intrigued. Subsequently, I researched the Grassroots Democrats HQ (GDHQ) and learned that in 2021, the Grassroots Democrats HQ (GDHQ) was able to defend the House, Flip the Senate, and Take Back the White House via 925,000 phone calls, 2 million texts, and 300,000 postcards. This did not happen by luck, but instead by the countless volunteers donating their time to this important effort. I knew this was a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. I was now armed with fervor and zealousness for my responsibilities. I began my task to inform as many voters as possible about their Democratic representatives and the importance of every single vote now and in the future.
Although vested in several activities, there was something about making these specific calls that resonated with me. Something as simple as me making a phone call could impact the outcome of our governmental structure and affect our everyday lives. This knowledge empowered me and fueled my drive to do my part and make those calls. As can be imagined, there were a variety of responses to my calls. Yes, some calls were hang-ups and rude people. However, some were voters who were proud to report they had voted Democrat. Other calls were voters who were receptive and expressed the intent to vote Democrat and keep the Senate blue!
Differing time zones and a busy schedule were considerations but not deterrents. Each successful engagement and my fortitude combined to propel me through the voicemails, wrong numbers, and harder calls to more successful outreach. Being busy does present the need to be very aware of my time and schedule activities with purpose. A bonus of the remote calls availed me the flexibility of being able to make calls from anywhere at any time, making it possible for me to fully participate and ensure more support for our Democratic leaders.
I have always embraced and sought out opportunities for civic engagement from phone banking for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign to being a part of the Propel Ohio Leadership Summit, a statewide student conference organized by U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown. I know that being part of Blue Future’s Fall 2022 Organizer program was an excellent opportunity to learn, as well as strengthen my political and Democratic support.
