I’ve been thinking about how we can all find our place in the democratic process. Whether you’re new to this or you’ve been involved for years, there’s a way for you to make a difference that fits your life and comfort level. I’ve been working on a way to help you figure that out!

I’ve ranked some of the most effective grassroots activities from the simplest to the most challenging so you can find the best way to contribute to the cause you believe in.

But this isn’t just about listing activities—it’s about finding what suits you.

That’s why I’ve created the Political and Campaign Engagement (PACE) Assessment, a tool to help you determine which grassroots activities will bring you the most excellent satisfaction and impact based on your unique personality and preferences. I’ll have more on that in a moment, but first, let’s dive into the activities. I’ve listed them by level of engagement – from easy to holy smokes.

How to Get Involved: A Civic Engagement Job Board

Personal Brand Endorsement: Show Your Support Your Way
Let’s start with a simple but less impactful—personal brand endorsement. You might not think putting up a yard sign or wearing a campaign t-shirt or cap makes a difference, but it does. These small acts create a ripple effect in your community. When your neighbors see your support, it can inspire them to learn more, get involved, or even cast their vote.

In the 2020 election, yard signs and bumper stickers weren’t just symbols of support; they were powerful visual reminders that the election’s outcome mattered to individuals. The simple act of showing up with your endorsement, even in a small way, can have a considerable impact.

Sending Postcards: A Personal Touch
If you’re looking for something more hands-on, sending postcards is a fantastic way to engage voters directly. There’s something special about receiving a handwritten note—especially in our digital age. Whether you’re reminding people to vote, sharing information about a candidate, or just offering encouragement, postcards can be a meaningful way to connect with voters.

During the 2018 midterm elections, thousands of volunteers participated in postcard campaigns, sending handwritten notes to voters in key swing states. These personal touches contributed to record voter turnout and helped tip the scales in several close races.

Social Media Advocacy: Amplify Your Voice
Today, conversations happen on social media, where being trustworthy and positive is crucial. You can reach hundreds—if not thousands—of people by sharing reliable information, debunking misinformation, and promoting your candidate on platforms like Twitter, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. Social media advocacy is compelling because it’s flexible—you can engage as much or as little as you want whenever it fits your schedule while maintaining a positive and credible voice.

In the 2020 election, social media became a battleground for information and influence. Grassroots activists used these platforms to organize, educate, and mobilize voters unprecedentedly.

Phone Banking: Direct Voter Engagement
To have a more direct impact, phone banking is an excellent way to engage with voters. It involves calling potential voters to discuss the issues, answer questions, and encourage them to vote. This might seem intimidating at first, but it’s incredibly rewarding. You get to have honest conversations with people about the issues that matter most to them.

During Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign, phone banking was crucial in mobilizing voters, particularly in swing states. Volunteers made millions of calls, helping to drive record voter turnout and secure a historic victory.

Canvassing: Hitting the Streets
If you’re ready to take your activism to the next level, canvassing might be for you. This involves going door-to-door to talk with voters directly. It’s a time commitment and requires some comfort with face-to-face interactions, but it’s one of the most effective ways to engage voters. Nothing beats the personal connection of a face-to-face conversation.

Canvassing has been a cornerstone of successful campaigns for decades. In 2016, Bernie Sanders’ grassroots campaign relied heavily on canvassing to spread his message and mobilize voters, particularly among younger demographics.

Driving: Ensuring Every Vote Counts
Helping people get to the polls is one of the most impactful and challenging activities you can undertake during an election. This role involves assisting those who might struggle to get to the polls independently—whether due to a lack of transportation, disability, or other barriers. It’s especially critical in swing states, where voter turnout can determine the election’s outcome. This task may also involve traveling to these key areas to provide support where it’s most needed.

In the 2020 election, grassroots organizations like “Souls to the Polls” were pivotal in mobilizing voters, particularly in communities of color. Volunteers organized rides to polling stations, ensuring everyone who wanted to vote had the opportunity to do so, contributing to the record turnout in crucial states.

Join the Team: Formalize Your Role
Becoming part of your local campaign team is a significant step up in commitment and impact. This role involves attending regular meetings, organizing events, and working closely with other campaign members to strategize and execute the campaign’s goals. It’s a time-intensive role requiring consistent effort, but it’s incredibly rewarding as you directly contribute to shaping the campaign’s direction. Additionally, it’s an excellent opportunity to start building your network if you’re interested in a campaign career, as you’ll work alongside experienced professionals and passionate volunteers.

Local campaign teams were the backbone of Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign. Volunteers at the local level helped organize rallies, phone banks, and canvassing efforts that were instrumental in building momentum and securing key victories in battleground states.

Poll Worker: Safeguard the Voting Process
Volunteering at polling stations on election day is crucial for ensuring the voting process runs smoothly and fairly. Poll workers are responsible for checking in voters, managing voting equipment, and ensuring that the election laws are followed. It’s a significant commitment, often involving long hours and meticulous attention to detail, but it’s a vital part of the democratic process.

In the 2020 election, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, tens of thousands volunteered to work at the polls. Their efforts were essential in ensuring that the election could proceed smoothly and that every eligible voter had the opportunity to cast their ballot.

How Do You Know What’s Right for You?

Considering these activities, think about what might work best for you. The Political and Campaign Engagement (PACE) Assessment is designed to help you figure that out. It’s a simple tool that considers factors like whether you prefer working alone or in a group, your availability, and whether you enjoy talking with people or prefer behind-the-scenes work. This isn’t just about what’s easy or hard—it’s about finding the most fulfilling and impactful for you.

Don’t worry—I will walk through the rubric in detail below. But first, I want you to consider what kind of involvement excites you. What aligns with your values and comfort level? Let’s ensure your voice is heard in a way that feels right for you.

• Working Style: Do you like to be alone or in a group? Do you prefer activities you can do solo, like sending postcards, or do you thrive in a group setting, like canvassing?
• Availability: Do you need flexibility, want to layer engagement into your busy life, or are you okay with committing to a scheduled activity where folks may depend on you?
• Interaction Level: Do you enjoy talking with people, making phone calls, and engaging face-to-face? Or do you prefer lower interaction or working independently, like creating digital content or sending emails?
• Validation: You’re giving your time and talent, and feeling good about it is essential to the process. Do you do activities that provide immediate results, like canvassing, or are you okay with delayed satisfaction that comes from long-term engagement, like helping with voter registration?

Take the PACE Assessment

Final Thoughts About Finding Your Place in Democracy
Participating in a campaign is personal, and it should feel empowering. Every action counts, whether you’re putting up a yard sign or knocking on doors. The key is to find what resonates with you and dive in confidently. Our democracy thrives when everyone finds their way to contribute, no matter how big or small.

To-Do List

1. Take the PACE Assessment and determine which activities sound interesting to you.
2. Consider asking a friend to join you – they can take the PACE Assessment, too.
3. Share this with others. A lot of folks have no idea how to get involved. Share this blog with your network!
4. Let me know what you think. Is the PACE Assessment helpful? What’s missing?