I've taken your advice and had my book club read your book and joined the local Dem club with two friends. Also taking your advice to try and take over the Dem club 🙃 It unfortunately is quite unorganized with fear and anger being the dominating themes rather than hope and passion. I'm focused on building community and creating a more engaging civic experience but any additional tips, advice, how it's been done well previously would be helpful (or you can tell me to reread the book lol) Thank you for all you do!
Yes! I'm planning to go to my local Dem meeting next week for the first time and I don't know very much about what to expect. What are very successful Dem committees doing? What can I do to help?
As a chair of my local municipal Democratic committee in a small town in the Northeast, I can only speak from personal experience, but here's some things I've tried so far/thoughts on what might be helpful:
-try not to alienate the existing members! At least in my committee, most folks are seniors who have been doing this work for decades. While I am often frustrated with some of their stuck-in-the-mud ways, I try to recognize that they often have a lot of wisdom and perspective to share and we're not going to get anywhere by pushing people out. Also, retirees have A LOT of time on their hands and are happy to help if you give them tasks to do.
-again, the makeup of my committee is quite senior, so things like offering to build a website, Facebook page, or ActBlue account are really valuable, but obviously if your committee is younger this might not be an issue.
-we have monthly municipal meetings (not sure how it is elsewhere), which can often be quite boring -- voting on minutes, treasurer's report, etc -- so I try to bring in speakers, especially elected officials. It's helpful for folks to see that attending these meetings can be an opportunity to speak directly with local reps.
-having a list of protests/rallies/volunteer opportunities either organized by you or co-sponsored with other groups, and bring that list to tabling, door knocking, etc. Most people just want to DO something, not necessarily attend a monthly meeting.
-I'm also trying to organize more social events that aren't necessarily political. We do monthly meetups that are open to anyone (not just Dems) and are currently organizing monthly movie nights around a social justice theme. These can be helpful for getting to folks who don't want to attend a monthly meeting but are "Dem-curious" lol
Sorry for the novel length comment, but I am passionate about trying to revitalize my local committee and have a lot of thoughts haha. Would love to see a post dedicated to this!
These are all super helpful! I love the movie night theme. Our club definitely needs to recruit and I've been trying to think of ways to do it that aren't blatantly "we're the dem club come protest or knock doors etc." Don't want to go total early 2000s Christian youth group bait and switch tactics but want to find a way that's FUN and low pressure to start building that community that hopefully then leads to civic action.
Yes totally! I think the community building piece is so important— all the bigger stuff like protesting/door knocking can be fun once you know the people you’re doing it with, and it seems less intimidating. Someone just suggested a collage night to me, which I think could also be a fun low pressure idea
I'd love for a piece on what those of us living overseas *because* of working for the US government can be doing. It is tough for many people who do not own a home back in their "home" state, as reps offices immediately ask for your address when you call. And demostrations on military bases are not advised. So what's next?
A fun and horrifying read about RFKs lust demons, and the pervasiveness of lust demons in the men of the Kennedy family, is Ask Not, by Maureen Callahan. Just when you think you can't hate RFK any more, you find new depths!
Emily, congrats on the growth of this newsletter, which I look forward to every time and learn so much from. Well deserved!
Probably even more than growth - your practical advocacy tips are invaluable.
When Caroline shared her thoughts on him I was like, wow he really fits the mold of men in that family. And it definitely seemed there was plenty she was holding back.
Thanks for the refresh on some of your articles! I’ve found them all incredibly helpful and appreciate that they have a particular focus and always include action or hope to rally around which I’m finding key for my sanity right now.
Anything on communicating with voters. Tangible actions. And highlighting the things to call and fight against NOW are appreciated.
Wow, thanks for this post! I subscribed a few months back and was overwhelmed by the amount of previous content so this curated list was such a treat!
I love your interviews, more please! In your book you say hopeful moments / holding the line / wins are to be celebrated, and I would love those to have a focus in your writing. And if there are any more actionable items with the Musk / DOGE of it all. As a spouse to a federal contractor, this moment is feeling…dark.
I would love a discussion on why Trump refused any debates after his initial debate with Kamala. I’m sick of this narrative that Kamala was a failure. I think she could’ve trounced that man if he’d consented to another debate. A lifelong prosecutor. She was more than ready and willing to show the world just what type of pig Trump is. That was our last chance.
Kamala did show the world who Trump was. She did debate him and she did a really good job. I was so hopeful. He refused any further debates. He would’ve shown too much of himself and she’s an expert at making criminals like him do that. Damn I wish there could’ve been another debate.
Emily is so right. The other side isn’t fighting a logical war. We’re all caught in a terrible reality tv show. Everything is being twisted if it doesn’t fit the narrative that benefits the former reality tv star turned president. So many opinions formed based on what podcast they consume or social media they follow with so little safeguards and truth and standards built in. That is what the democrats need to do. Find their base through social medial and meet the Republicans where they are. With actual truth and not a fake reality found through the media we consume.
Thank you for the reintroduction and article summery. Can you talk a bit about the media's role in what's happening and potential reform that could address the misinformation crisis?
Emily - thank you. As always. For everything. I was chatting with my friend Michelle who introduced your account to me back in the summer of 2022. You quickly became a fave account, and have inspired me in so many ways. Going back to read these older articles was amazing, and your book goes with me almost everywhere.
With love and rage is the best sign off!
I thought the same thing!
I've taken your advice and had my book club read your book and joined the local Dem club with two friends. Also taking your advice to try and take over the Dem club 🙃 It unfortunately is quite unorganized with fear and anger being the dominating themes rather than hope and passion. I'm focused on building community and creating a more engaging civic experience but any additional tips, advice, how it's been done well previously would be helpful (or you can tell me to reread the book lol) Thank you for all you do!
Yes! I'm planning to go to my local Dem meeting next week for the first time and I don't know very much about what to expect. What are very successful Dem committees doing? What can I do to help?
As a chair of my local municipal Democratic committee in a small town in the Northeast, I can only speak from personal experience, but here's some things I've tried so far/thoughts on what might be helpful:
-try not to alienate the existing members! At least in my committee, most folks are seniors who have been doing this work for decades. While I am often frustrated with some of their stuck-in-the-mud ways, I try to recognize that they often have a lot of wisdom and perspective to share and we're not going to get anywhere by pushing people out. Also, retirees have A LOT of time on their hands and are happy to help if you give them tasks to do.
-again, the makeup of my committee is quite senior, so things like offering to build a website, Facebook page, or ActBlue account are really valuable, but obviously if your committee is younger this might not be an issue.
-we have monthly municipal meetings (not sure how it is elsewhere), which can often be quite boring -- voting on minutes, treasurer's report, etc -- so I try to bring in speakers, especially elected officials. It's helpful for folks to see that attending these meetings can be an opportunity to speak directly with local reps.
-having a list of protests/rallies/volunteer opportunities either organized by you or co-sponsored with other groups, and bring that list to tabling, door knocking, etc. Most people just want to DO something, not necessarily attend a monthly meeting.
-I'm also trying to organize more social events that aren't necessarily political. We do monthly meetups that are open to anyone (not just Dems) and are currently organizing monthly movie nights around a social justice theme. These can be helpful for getting to folks who don't want to attend a monthly meeting but are "Dem-curious" lol
Sorry for the novel length comment, but I am passionate about trying to revitalize my local committee and have a lot of thoughts haha. Would love to see a post dedicated to this!
These are all super helpful! I love the movie night theme. Our club definitely needs to recruit and I've been trying to think of ways to do it that aren't blatantly "we're the dem club come protest or knock doors etc." Don't want to go total early 2000s Christian youth group bait and switch tactics but want to find a way that's FUN and low pressure to start building that community that hopefully then leads to civic action.
Yes totally! I think the community building piece is so important— all the bigger stuff like protesting/door knocking can be fun once you know the people you’re doing it with, and it seems less intimidating. Someone just suggested a collage night to me, which I think could also be a fun low pressure idea
Thank you!!! This is super helpful, I appreciate it.
I'd love for a piece on what those of us living overseas *because* of working for the US government can be doing. It is tough for many people who do not own a home back in their "home" state, as reps offices immediately ask for your address when you call. And demostrations on military bases are not advised. So what's next?
A fun and horrifying read about RFKs lust demons, and the pervasiveness of lust demons in the men of the Kennedy family, is Ask Not, by Maureen Callahan. Just when you think you can't hate RFK any more, you find new depths!
Emily, congrats on the growth of this newsletter, which I look forward to every time and learn so much from. Well deserved!
Probably even more than growth - your practical advocacy tips are invaluable.
When Caroline shared her thoughts on him I was like, wow he really fits the mold of men in that family. And it definitely seemed there was plenty she was holding back.
Thanks for the refresh on some of your articles! I’ve found them all incredibly helpful and appreciate that they have a particular focus and always include action or hope to rally around which I’m finding key for my sanity right now.
Anything on communicating with voters. Tangible actions. And highlighting the things to call and fight against NOW are appreciated.
Thanks for all you do!
Was there only one?
Wow, thanks for this post! I subscribed a few months back and was overwhelmed by the amount of previous content so this curated list was such a treat!
I love your interviews, more please! In your book you say hopeful moments / holding the line / wins are to be celebrated, and I would love those to have a focus in your writing. And if there are any more actionable items with the Musk / DOGE of it all. As a spouse to a federal contractor, this moment is feeling…dark.
Who knew being in the Cabinet was so sexy, as to reignite lust demons! Maybe that's just what I need for my perimenopausal self. 🤣
Best in the Biz! Thanks for everything!
Congratulations on the growth of subscribers! I recommend your substack frequently. Love your sign off!
I would love a discussion on why Trump refused any debates after his initial debate with Kamala. I’m sick of this narrative that Kamala was a failure. I think she could’ve trounced that man if he’d consented to another debate. A lifelong prosecutor. She was more than ready and willing to show the world just what type of pig Trump is. That was our last chance.
Kamala did show the world who Trump was. She did debate him and she did a really good job. I was so hopeful. He refused any further debates. He would’ve shown too much of himself and she’s an expert at making criminals like him do that. Damn I wish there could’ve been another debate.
Emily is so right. The other side isn’t fighting a logical war. We’re all caught in a terrible reality tv show. Everything is being twisted if it doesn’t fit the narrative that benefits the former reality tv star turned president. So many opinions formed based on what podcast they consume or social media they follow with so little safeguards and truth and standards built in. That is what the democrats need to do. Find their base through social medial and meet the Republicans where they are. With actual truth and not a fake reality found through the media we consume.
Thank you for the reintroduction and article summery. Can you talk a bit about the media's role in what's happening and potential reform that could address the misinformation crisis?
Emily - thank you. As always. For everything. I was chatting with my friend Michelle who introduced your account to me back in the summer of 2022. You quickly became a fave account, and have inspired me in so many ways. Going back to read these older articles was amazing, and your book goes with me almost everywhere.