No Experience Necessary

Hello, friends. I think about you a lot. You might be one of the familiar faces, always showing up and looking for new ways to move us forward. Or you may have just subscribed and know nothing about LD3 Dems or what we do. Or somewhere in between. Wherever you land, I think about you a lot. Even if we haven’t met, I feel connected to this community we’re building together.

Is it time for you to Say Yes?

As Chair of this organization, I often ask myself the same questions when I think about you. If you’re already active, I wonder if I am doing enough to support you with the tools, resources, and connections you need to keep going. And if you’re new, or maybe someone who’s been reading this newsletter for a while but hasn’t yet made the leap from reader to activist, I wonder what can I say or do to help you see how much your participation matters. Because it does. You matter. Especially right now.

Today, I am asking you to consider how you might be able to help shape the future right here in Legislative District 3. Wherever you are in your journey, I hope you’ll take a moment to reflect on what’s possible for you, and take a leap, or even a small step. And truly, even the smallest actions add up. So stick with me for a few minutes. Let’s get started...

Your situation:

"I'm still working full-time. And/or I'm a parent. And/or I'm really busy!"

I get it. We tend to fill our time up (hopefully with things that give us purpose.) Making room for something new can be hard. If you don't know, I work full-time outside of my role as Chair, and I have a just-turned-18 year old son heading to college in a few weeks. I have a husband and two cats who are hungry ALL THE TIME. I also travel, garden, and go to concerts. I have a full life, but the work of "bending the arc of history toward justice" is important to me. It is never lost on me that what we do now will determine what our great grandchildren's history books say one day. But I am not asking you to go all-in. Just to think about how you can make room for a little bit of political action in your routine. Read our weekly newsletter and do a few of the "sit on the couch" actions. Commit to taking 15-20 minutes each Sunday to take action. That's already more than most people do, so do what you can and feel good about it! But keep reading. See if something sparks in you.

Your situation:

"I'm a total introvert. And/or I have social anxiety. And/or I have mobility challenges."

Being an activist doesn't have to mean going out to protests and running around with a sign. It also doesn't have to mean walking neighborhoods and knocking doors, going to events, or strategizing with others. There are a lot of things you can do on your own, from your home. Find things to do in the "sit on the couch" section of our weekly newsletter. I highly recommend going to online trainings, which you can do with your video and audio off. You can also write and send postcards. Quiet, powerful, effective. Just like you.

Your situation:

"I see great things others are doing, but feel I don't have much to offer."

I remember when I was first asked to become a PC (Precinct Committee person.) To me, that position sounded so official and formal. I had no idea why anyone thought I was qualified to do something like that! But I said yes. What I learned is that being a PC really just means connecting with a few neighbors to figure out how best to engage with Democrats and independents nearby. If you've done anything at all, you’re probably already qualified. And if not, we’ll guide you. You just have to say yes. You have real value to offer this movement and this moment in history. Please don’t minimize your importance. If you want to do it, say yes. We’ll take it from there together.

Your situation:

"I'm just so sad and/or angry! I have no energy to take action."

Oh friend, I feel you. We’re all sad and angry, and for good reason. Activism isn’t a cure, but showing up beside people who are also fighting makes it feel less lonely and less hopeless. Knowing there are thousands of groups like ours across the country, each one chipping away at the darkness with their own little lights keeps me going. Also, staying busy beats doom-scrolling any day. It keeps me focused on the future instead of frozen in fear.

Your situation:

"I'm not a Democrat."

That's okay! We have lots of independents and even a few Republicans who are helping to do the work. The only thing you can’t do is hold an official party position. If you’re interested in becoming a PC, you’ll need to update your voter registration. Otherwise, welcome. We’re glad you’re here.

Your situation:

"I don't have time, but I have financial resources."

Our donors are critical to our success. We are all unpaid volunteers, and LD3 Dems does not receive funding from the national, state, or county party. We rely solely on our local community to be able to do everything we do. If you can justify a monthly recurring contribution, having a budgeted monthly income helps us plan into the future. Click here now and click "make it monthly" and "opt in". Thank you for believing in us.

So, what now?

If any part of you is curious, hopeful, or even just tired of feeling helpless, take a step. Contact Shana at volunteer@azld3dems.org to learn more about becoming a PC or being added to our volunteer list. Also, our newsletter hits your inbox every Sunday at 7:15 AM. Subscribe here, then open it each week for local protests, petitions, trainings, and other ways to plug in. There is a place for you here. Let us help you find it. 

If you’re already in the fight, thank you. But I want to challenge you, too. What’s one way you can grow? Maybe it’s mentoring someone new, trying a different kind of action, or stepping into a leadership role. Maybe it’s simply inviting one friend to join you. Our power grows when we stretch just a little beyond what’s comfortable. Your next step could inspire someone else to take their first.

Crystal

Chair, LD3 Democrats