Question regarding political activity

[Kixel]

I'm doing some organizing in our district and I want to figure out the best way to engage some of the new faces we saw at caucus. For those of you who are politically active, what made you start? For those of you who aren't-what do you think would make you get involved?

It's hard to bridge that gap between frustration and action, and I'm looking for wisdom!

Thanks

[qb]

1. I caucused for the first time this year.

The reasons are...
1. I'm gay (came out a year ago). I believe a lot of GLBT issues this year depend not only on which party gets its candidate elected, but which candidate the Democrats nominate.
2. I have been paying more attention to DU and Democratic e-mails and realized the importance of participating in the caucuses.

My suggestion is to focus on the particular issue that frustrates a person, and emphasize that change depends on getting as many people as possible involved this year to make sure we get a Democrat in the White House.

[Kixel]

7. You are my target!!

And congratulations on coming out.

[dpbrown]

2. Paul Wellstone and Dennis Kucinich told me if I wanted change I had to be the change

So I took them at their word.

[cynthia]

3. I think the message that got to me was

something like this:

politics belongs in the hands of those who show up!

An activist described to me a party meeting with a dozen or so people, one of whom had a persuasive argument (take your pick, it could have been pro gay marriage, or against gay marriage, gun rights, abortion, you name it, either side of the issue)
and that person was able to persuade the people there to support
a. the position on the issue'
b. the candidate who supported the position on the issue

and was able to influence the party endorsement which often means the candidate is a shoo-in.

If one persuasive person can make such a difference, either you want to be that person, or you want to be the one who stands up to that person to counter the argument and pull the group to your side.

I realized that I might need to be the straight ally of the GLBT citizens who says, "hey, wait a minute" and I knew I could do it if need be.

I went to my senate district convention and was selected to go to state and have never looked back.

I always go to the senate district convention and seek a spot at state, but if there is someone who has the fire, I support sending that person instead, to keep the movement going.

[Kixel]

8. This is very helpful

And I agree with you on the fire. I made it to the state convention my first time and it hooked me.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

4. To get someone to affiliate with any organization, approach them on a personal level

Invite the newbies to meet you for coffee, either singly or in groups, to talk about the issues that they are most concerned about.

[Kixel]

6. This is true

People who made the personal connection with me made me more comfortable being involved.

[crweber]

5. If you're a student, check with college Democrats