These are extraordinary times, and they call for all of us to get outside of our comfort zone and take action. 

It is crucial that we are focused on results. Currently, we are trying to address issues and outcomes on two different fronts: one is the destruction of democracy and all that has affected Washington, DC; the other is the need to address local and statewide issues both on the legislative and the electoral front. 

Here are some places where we at Dem Women need you.

Making phone calls to state and local officials: We recently wrapped up a campaign calling state senators to urge them to vote against the anti-DEI bill currently awaiting SC action. We will be doing more of this kind of work, and we have learned from our elected officials that getting voters to make these calls is one of the most effective ways we can make a difference. We have training for you if you’re new to calling, we have scripts, and voter lists to work from so there’s lots of support if this is something new for you. But this will make a difference and we need more members on the team!

Writing letters to the editor/op-eds: A major problem with Democratic messaging is that by and large we are always talking to ourselves. One way to put a message in front of people who we do not normally reach is by writing letters to the editor or op-eds for publication in the Greenville News or Post and Courier. Because newspapers usually will only allow an individual to submit something once every 60 or 90 days, we need a pool of people who are willing to contribute so we can keep a steady stream of letters from different writers in the pipeline. Our goal is to put factual information in front of those who may be getting alternative facts. We are looking for people to join this writing team and agree to produce factual, researched pieces on a schedule we will put together. 

Attend local government meetings and provide summaries: Are you an engaged member of the community who regularly attends board or council meetings? Great, we’d love to be able to get a read out of those meetings, so we know what issues have come up, any important dates/deadlines to be aware of, and can organize action either in support or opposition of actions at the County Council, City Council, Library board, or School board. 

Attend events, rallies, protests: We’d like to have photos and updates from events you go to. If you go to the Clyburn Town Hall on April 22nd, can you write a few paragraphs about the most interesting discussion points. Or maybe you’re a photographer. The same with rallies and protests. 

Speaking of rallies and protests: Many of us need to vent our anger at the Trump administration at these events. And their visibility is important. Many of these events need volunteers to assist in organizing, publicizing, or being part of the event. Let us know if you’re willing to help with these. The same with just participating. If we have a list of people who want to know when events are, we can make sure you get the information and that we can either meet up as a group, get together to make signs, or reach out to you afterward for your impressions. You can also take pictures and post on social media (advising us so we can share and amplify each other’s messages). 

These are just a few of the volunteer options Dem Women is planning for this year and we are open to your ideas as well. If you want to contribute to these efforts, to stand up for our country, our rights, our values, please take a moment to complete this form and let us know where you feel you fit in, or what other ideasyou have.