In This Issue ● Learn the art of deep canvassing● Voter protection in NH● Voter protection in DE ● In the words of Volunteers T*B*D callers ● Groundhog Day recap ● Email and Google Docs for activists ● Other ways to support activist groups
Deep Canvassing Training and Calls
Do you want to have meaningful, issue-based conversations that identify what matters most to voters? Research has shown that deep canvassing is a highly effective persuasion technique.
This is a great time to learn and practice deep canvassing, which Swing Blue Alliance will be using throughout the 2022 campaigns. After you complete this mandatory training, you can help US Representative Chris Pappas' team recruit volunteers, learn about voters' concerns, and hone messaging for the campaign. We’re calling now and plan to knock on doors in the future, given good weather and COVID safety.
Make sure that every NH vote counts. Learn how to “cure” voting issues in NH, both for the March Town Meeting Day elections and for other upcoming elections right though November. This training will cover New Hampshire voting laws, as well as how we record, track, and escalate voting issues.
Speaking of voter protection, we’re now working to ensure that states don’t legislate away voting rights. In collaboration with Common Cause, we’re starting a campaign to protect no-excuse absentee voting in Delaware.
Last year, all Delaware voters were able to vote absentee because of the pandemic. That will not be the case this year unless the state legislature votes to continue the no-excuse absentee voting program.
This week, we’ll be calling targeted voters in Delaware, asking them to urge their state representatives to support the HB 75 absentee voting bill. We'll focus on similar campaigns state by state to counter voter suppression.
"I spoke with some energizing Democrats … close to heaven!”
"Great calling list!"
“We were given very clear and thorough guidelines, and the debrief was helpful.”
“This is the fight of our lives."
So said callers after a recent Volunteers Taking Back Democracy phonebank session. Join this enthusiastic group and recruit volunteers to support Democratic candidates and issues in Pennsylvania.
Over 350 people attended SBA’s Groundhog Day event this past week to hear from the SBA Research Team led by John Loewenstein. He explained the effectiveness of our 2020 partnerships with local Dem County Committees in Florida.
The research team reported on the impact of the one-million-plus vote-by-mail and get-out-the-vote mail pieces sent to Florida Democrats. Measurement is a core value of SBA, and the research team continues to be involved in vetting volunteer opportunities and evaluating the influence of different campaign initiatives.
"I worked on many of those mailings for the 2020 election. It was great to hear about the impact of the mailings and to know about the collaboration that goes on between Swing Blue and local democratic groups. Thanks to Susan, John, and the other co-leaders for this important opportunity to participate in making a difference in our elections."
-Attendee
Read and bookmark "Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Postcard Campaign"
Are you managing your Gmail (or other email application) as efficiently as possible? Are Google Docs a mystery? If you are asking yourself these question, then the next two Saturday meetings will be right up your alley.
This training is offered by volunteers at the MAssachusetts Grassroots Information Center, a Slack workspace for exchanging information, encouraging connections among groups, and building activist momentum across the state. Join the News-MAGIC Slack space today.
Other Ways to Support Activist Groups
While Swing Blue Alliance does not run many fundraisers, similar activist groups run reputable and effective appeals. Consider supporting these worthy organizations:
Amplify NH Fundraiser through Force Multiplier
At this zoom meeting, hear from three members of Amplify NH's leadership team who have deep experience in NH politics and running campaigns. Amplify New Hampshire’s mission is to hold state government officials accountable, advance critical issues, and support progressive causes and organizations across the state.
To protect voting rights and rebuild confidence in the Supreme Court, Democrats must elect a clear Senate majority in 2022. At this event, Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) will talk about Hassan’s record in the US Senate and what we can do to help re-elect her in 2022.
Swing Left Western Massachusetts Raises Funds to Defeat Republicans
Candidates and grassroots organizations need capital to achieve a greater majority of Dems the Senate and House. Swing Left Western Massachusetts has already raised over $11,500 for:
Swing Left’s National Impact Fund, which is currently supporting U.S. Senators Mark Kelly, Raphael Warnock, and Catherine Cortez Masto; the eventual Senate nominees in Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania; Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers; and incumbent Democratic US Representatives. Donate to Swing Left Western MA’s National Impact Fund.
Swing Left Western Massachusetts is still collecting for these two groups, as well as Swing Left’s Defend Democracy Fund, which will support Democratic challengers to those Republican House members who voted to reject states’ electoral votes on January 6. Donate to Swing Left Western MA's Defend Democracy Fund.
Our Mission
Swing Blue Alliance (formerly Swing Left Greater Boston) is the largest all-volunteer Democratic grassroots organization headquartered in Massachusetts. We use proven methods to protect our Democracy, work on competitive local and national elections, and strengthen the Democratic party at the grassroots level.
