Summary
Let’s talk about how grassroots organizing and mobilizing your vote can protect democracy, secure your rights, and combat ongoing systemic injustices.
Democracy is on the ballot! Our nation is at an inflection point, one that will dictate our rights and freedoms for years to come. It’s up to us to get in formation and vote for the future of America!
Across the legal system and workplace, our efforts to offset historical injustices and even the playing field are under continuous attack. Our rights continue to be undermined. It’s time to draw on the history of community organizing and respond in force.
How we respond to crises at this moment will change the state of play in the battle to preserve our democracy. How we galvanize our communities to put power behind our vote will split the difference.
Now is the time. Let’s get in formation!
The Power of Organizing
In less than a week, virtual grassroots gatherings have generated a historic surge in campaign donations, raising millions of dollars in anticipation of the November 2024 presidential elections.
The speed and precision of these significant campaign donations are made possible by existing organizations and community leaders who are dedicated to justice and the empowerment of marginalized communities.
Historically, marginalized groups organized to engage the democratic process, from defending voting rights to ensuring fair elections. Let’s go back in time and revisit the legacies of our community organizers across history!
What is organizing?
Organizing involves unifying individual and group efforts to mobilize, educate, and empower eligible voters, helping them overcome systemic barriers to political participation and advocate for their rights and representation in the democratic process.
What is the power of organizing?
Historically, the civil rights movement was a period marked by dismantling legal segregation and securing voting rights through grassroots actions and sustained campaigns. Thanks to community organizers, major wins during this period resulted in the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
A contemporary example is an organization called Higher Heights for America. Established in 2014, this organization encourages Black women to participate in the political process and has supported the election of over 200 Black women to public office.
How to Organize
- Identify and Connect: Center around a topic that impacts you and your community. Form a core group of committed members through personal and virtual networks. Use technology to expand your reach!
- Plan and Mobilize: Once you have built up a significant community, develop a clear action plan with specific goals and methods for implementation.
- Take Action and Advocate: You are now the community organizer! Execute your plan through various actions such as petitions, rallies, and/or advocacy campaigns. Continue to propel your activism through engaging with local leaders and policymakers.
According to Brookings, the Black voter turnout rebounded back to 63% in 2020 from a historic drop in 2016. Let’s keep up this momentum going into 2024! If you aren’t already registered to vote, do so as soon as possible. November is quickly approaching.
Help us stop the deterioration of democracy by supporting the NAACP’s campaign “A Vote For Democracy” and be sure to cast your ballot this fall. To support as a volunteer, sign up HERE. To get election reminders, sign up HERE. To learn more about why this is the most important election of our generation, read HERE.
YOUR VOTE MATTERS! Your voice makes a difference. Grab your friends, family, and communities – it’s time to get in formation. Next Stop: the voting polls!
