DNC 2024 Night Four was incredible. I need to reiterate that I have never identified more as a woman, a businesswoman, or a GenX human.

Indulge me as I remember what resonated: childhood divorce, taking responsibility as a young girl, having to fight for yourself as a child, blended families, getting support from an extended network of humans who have become your family, fighting for those who need help and having to prove yourself knowing once again, you’re bringing the receipts.

Okay, back to night four and Kamala’s acceptance speech.

We’ll talk about it this weekend when I have more time to analyze all the goodness, but the delivery, structure, and the first part are all about her mom, her adopted aunts and uncles, who were there to support them.

Hillary was right – it takes a village. We grow up in a healthy, supportive environment if we’re lucky. And if we’re unlucky, there’s still a good chance someone kept an eye on you. And if this didn’t happen, I’m so sorry because we should look out for one another. But you can join Kamala’s village and become part of history.

Our job, post-convention, is to carry the message forward.

One of our roles is to provide confirmation bias. It’s a powerful way to lock in a belief. It’s used regularly to strengthen someone’s position because it reinforces what someone already believes. Here’s how it’s defined:

Confirmation bias describes our underlying tendency to notice, focus on, and give greater credence to evidence that fits with our existing beliefs.

Confirmation bias can lead to poor decision-making as it distorts the reality from which we draw evidence. When observed under experimental conditions, assigned decision-makers have a tendency to actively seek and assign greater value to information that confirms their existing beliefs rather than evidence that entertains new ideas. > read more

There are downsides to confirmation bias, but there are also benefits, and a huge one is getting folks to feel good about their decision. This happens more often when you spend a lot of money – on a house, a car, an appliance, or if you hire someone you want to believe was a good hire.

Our job is to help remind everyone their decision to back the Harris Walz ticket is not only the right decision, but it’s so right that you need to tell everyone about it!

Take the energy and pay it forward. Do Something!

Conventions are designed to inspire, make you feel like you’re part of something bigger, and turn that inspiration into action. The excitement in the air is palpable, with every speech and every moment crafted to ignite a spark in you—whether donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the message. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or just beginning to think about getting involved, this is the time to step up and make your voice heard. Here are four steps to get you moving!

Step 1: Find Your Purpose; the Policy or Practice that Motivates You

Review the DNC Platform and determine what motivates you. Looking at the table of contents, you’ll see the issues this Administration wants to focus on. Do any match your life experience? Do any make you say YES? This is great if you’re an issues person and can speak from your heart and personal experience about why this approach makes sense.

Your issue might be voter access. It is unrelated to the campaign issues, and you might be well suited to drive folks to the polls, help register voters, and verify registration for those with access issues.

Or maybe you’re a civics nut like me and want to be more aligned with the electoral process than the message your local election office is waiting to hear from you. You can also write, podcast (wink), or do TikTok videos to help people understand how the process works.

Step 2: Finding Your Best Role with the PACE Assessment

Before diving into volunteering, it’s crucial to understand where you can make the most impact. That’s where the Political Campaign Engagement Self-Assessment (PACE Assessment) comes in. Yes, I created it. Volunteering can take many forms, and finding the right kind of volunteering is sometimes challenging. The assessment considers energy level, access issues, and personal preferences to help you discover where you might fight best.

By taking this quick assessment, you can identify the best ways to participate, whether knocking on doors, making phone calls, or organizing events. Knowing where you fit ensures that your efforts are effective and enjoyable, giving you the best chance to make a real difference in the campaign.

Step 3: Finding Your People to Build Your Political Network

Building a network within your party is essential whether you’re new to politics or a seasoned campaigner. It’s about more than just meeting people—finding those who share your values, goals, and vision for the future. But you don’t have to align with a campaign. You can align around an issue. The choice is yours.

• Start with Local Meetings. Attend local party meetings, town halls, or community events. These gatherings are prime opportunities to meet others who are politically active in your area. For Democrats, this could mean joining a local Democratic club or attending grassroots organizing events. Republicans might look for similar opportunities within local GOP organizations.
• Leverage Social Media. Social media is a powerful tool for connecting with others who share your political interests. Join Facebook groups, follow influential voices on Twitter, and participate in online discussions. Platforms like LinkedIn can also be valuable for networking with politically engaged professionals.
• Attend Political Rallies and Fundraisers. These events are not just about supporting a candidate—they’re about connecting with others passionate about the same issues. Whether you’re at a rally for a local candidate or a national figure, use the opportunity to network and build relationships.
• Participate in Volunteering Events. Grassroots efforts like canvassing, phone banking, or organizing community events are excellent ways to meet others and work towards a common goal. [As mentioned in Day 85: Want to Impact the Election? Find Your Perfect Campaign Role!], volunteering can range from sending postcards to voters to driving people to the polls. Each of these activities brings you closer to a network of committed individuals.

Step 4: Break the Ice and Easily Start the Conversation

Networking can be intimidating, especially if you’re new to the scene. Here are a few icebreakers to help you start the conversation:

• “What brought you to this event?” A simple, open-ended question that can lead to deeper discussions about shared interests and goals.
• “How did you get involved with [Party or Cause Name]?” This question allows the other person to share their story, giving you insights into their experiences and motivations.
• “What issues are most important to you this election?” This question not only opens up the conversation but also helps you identify common ground.
• “Have you volunteered for any campaigns before?” Learning about others’ experiences can inspire you and provide valuable tips for your involvement.

Oh, the places you’ll go when you “Do Something!”

Building a network and getting involved in grassroots volunteering are not just about meeting people—they’re about making a difference. By finding your people and working together, you can amplify your impact and help shape the future of your community and country.

As you engage in these activities, remember that every connection you make and every volunteer hour contributes to creating momentum. Whether you’re supporting a local candidate, advocating for an issue, or simply helping to get out the vote, your efforts matter.

So, get out there, find your people, and make a difference today. And if you’re looking for more tips on how to get involved, be sure to check out my other posts on civic engagement and political action.