The Power of Our Voices this Election Season

As someone who thinks and writes a lot about the power of our voice, I want to share some resources that can help us use our voices this election season.

This is a very important, nail-biting election. I want to offer resources that will help both empower us and keep us centered and at peace within ourselves.

I also am going to be hosting a 60-90 minute live letter writing Zoom session this coming Friday, October 18th at 12:00 pm ET/ 9:00 am PT where we can connect as a community, offer each other some support, and sit together and write letters to get out the vote!

Enter your email below and I'll send you everything you need. 

If you can't come live, but would like the recording, sign up below.

Note: I'm a Democrat, and this election season the contrast between the Democrat and Republican candidate is especially sharp. I'm supporting Democrats up and down the ballot because I want candidates who believe in addressing Climate Change, in protecting women's rights over our own bodies, in protecting workers' rights and voters' rights—I'm truly concerned for the future of our democracy. I'm working with resources from Swing Left to reach Democratic voters. Friday's session might not be for you if you have different political leanings. That said, You are welcome here in this writing community even if you disagree with me! Having places where people hold different opinions is important 🙂 I hope you will follow your heart and do what feels right to you. 

Why am I doing this? 

I feel lucky to live in a democracy and don't take that for granted. One of the best ways we can preserve our democracy and have our voices heard is by voting and helping get out the vote. Millions of Americans don't vote. 

And yet, the future of so many things hinges on this election. 

I also find that I feel both more empowered and more at peace when I get involved in some way. 

I know many people who spend a lot of time reading the news and talking about their concerns and fears with their friends, but then don't take action.

I can understand feeling disempowered or uncertain about what actions to take, but I try to take a different approach: I limit how much news and information I take in; I find that staying up to date all the time does not fundamentally change my position, and I notice that when I consume a lot of media, I emotionally and physically feel less good. But when I take action, I feel that I am doing my part and then can focus my mind and energy on other things that bring me more joy.

I also find that in the days and months and years after an election, I feel more at peace if I know that I've tried to make a difference.

So I hope you find these resources helpful:

Write letters with me and in community this Friday

I've been gathering with friends at my house for the past several Fridays to write letters to voters, and it's been a fun way to do this work. While we can't gather in my living room, we can gather over Zoom at 12:00pm ET for 60-90 minutes! 

This will be a time to gather in community, connect with one another, share some hopes and fears, get grounded, and, most importantly, write letters together to help get out the vote!

Click the button below and I'll send you everything you need to join!

If you can't come live, but would like the recording, sign up below. 

Other Resources: To Get Out the Vote

In-Person Canvassing: In-person canvassing is still the most effective way to impact this election. I try to canvass door to door at all the major elections, and I've found it a great way to talk to other people, hear about their concerns, and get a pulse on the political climate. (I'm going to be in the Philadelphia area next week and would love to canvass with you if you're there)

Letter Writing: This is a great way to encourage people to vote through the power of your pen.

Phone Banking/ Texting. Talking to people on the phone can make a real difference in getting out the vote!

There are a few groups I recommend:

Swing Left can help you do any of these three activities. Their website is relatively easy to use.

Johanna Schulman is my neighbor and a wonderful support. If you'd like help getting letters, email Johanna at johannaschulman@gmail.com and she will send you everything you need to write letters and walk you through the process! (Johanna gets names and addresses from Vote Forward, which also works with Swing Left, but this can be an easier option for some people than going through Swing Left)

Environmental Voters Project: You can canvass in person in a few swing states and/ or phone bank with them. This is a great organization that encourages people who care about the environment but often don't vote to vote.

And again join me this Friday at 12:00pm ET on Zoom to write letters to get out the vote. 

As always, reach out with any questions, and please invite friends to join us.

with smiles,
Nadia