Dear Reader,

As someone who thinks and writes a lot about the power of our voice, I want to share some resources that can help us use our voices this election season.

This is a very important, nail-biting election here in the US. I want to offer resources that will both empower us and keep us centered and at peace within ourselves.

I am also going to be hosting a 60-90 minute live Get Out the Vote Letter Writing Zoom Session this coming Friday, October 18th at 12:00 pm ET / 9:00 am PT. This is a time for us to connect as a community, offer one another support, and sit together and write letters to get out the vote! If you click on the button below, simply enter your email and I'll send you everything you need to join.

Note: I'm a Democrat; I believe in addressing climate change, in protecting women's rights over our own bodies, in protecting voters' rights, in the importance of worker's rights—and so much more. I'm working with resources from Swing Left to reach Democratic voters. You are welcome here in this writing community even if you disagree with me! Having places where people hold different opinions is important. :) But Friday's session might not be for you. I hope you will follow your heart and do what feels right to you.

Why am I doing this?

I feel lucky to live in a democracy; as imperfect as it might be, I don't take that for granted—indeed, I'm worried about the state of our democracy. One of the best ways we can preserve our democracy and have our voices heard is by voting and helping get out the vote. Millions of Americans don't vote.

On Friday, we'll be sending letters to citizens who lean Democrat but are unlikely to make it to the polls without encouragement.

I also find that I feel both more empowered and more at peace when I take action.

I know many people who spend a lot of time reading the news and talking about their concerns and fears with their friends but then don't take action.

I can understand feeling disempowered or uncertain about what actions to take, but I try to take a different approach: I limit how much news and information I take in. I find that staying up to date all the time does not fundamentally change my position on the issues, and I notice that when I consume a lot of media, I emotionally and physically feel less good. But when I take action, I feel that I am doing my part, and then I can focus my mind and energy on other things that bring me more joy.

I also find that in the days and months and years after an election, I feel more at peace if I know that I've tried to make a difference.

So I hope you find these resources helpful:

Resources: To Get Out the Vote

In-Person Canvassing: In-person canvassing is still the most effective way to impact this election. I try to canvass door to door at all the major elections, and I've found it a great way to talk to other people, hear about their concerns, and get a pulse on the political climate. (I'm going to be in the Philadelphia area next week and would love to canvass with you if you're there—send me an email!)

Letter Writing: This is a great way to encourage people to vote through the power of your pen.

Phone Banking/Texting. Talking to people on the phone can make a real difference in getting out the vote!

There are a few groups I recommend:

​Swing Left can help you do any of these three activities. Their website is relatively easy to use.

My neighbor, Johanna Schulman, is very active in this work and is a wonderful support. If you'd like help getting letters, email Johanna at johannaschulman@gmail.com and she will send you everything you need to write letters! (Johanna gets names and addresses from Vote Forward, which also works with Swing Left, but connecting with Johanna might be an easier option for some people than going directly through Swing Left. She usually gets back to people within a few hours. If you're close to Cambridge, MA she can also print letters for you--ask her about that if you're interested.)

​Environmental Voters Project: You can canvass in person in a few swing states and/or phone bank with them. This is a great organization that encourages people to vote who care about the environment but often don't vote.

Write letters with me and in community this Friday

I've been gathering with friends at my house for the past several Fridays to write letters to voters, and it's been a fun way to do this work. While we can't all gather in my living room (!), we can get together over Zoom! Click the button below and I'll send you everything you need to join!

As always, reach out with any questions, and please invite friends to join us!

with smiles,
Nadia