Dear Volunteers,
This is my love letter to you. You’re the fuel that keeps the engine of democracy moving forward. I see you…
Phone banking
Texting
Canvassing
Writing postcards
Setting up signs
Making posters
Collating materials
Stocking snacks
Snapping photos
Instagramming
Facebooking
Tweeting
Snapchatting
TikTok-ing
Filming
Setting up tables, chairs, podiums, microphones
Handing out ballots, signs, stickers, T-shirts
Staffing volunteer bases
Taping off every six feet
Lit dropping
Scheduling
Rescheduling
Wiping down all the things
There is so much more. We won’t turn around this country without a squad of volunteers at the helm. Let’s host galas and parties for volunteers instead of for big donors (and how about some campaign finance reform so we don’t cater to big donors anymore). Volunteers are truly the unsung heroes whose work, time, talents, and voices should not go unnoticed. In fact, when you see volunteers in the wild, given them an earnest thank you. Consider all the time they put their lives on pause to be on the frontline to see Joe Biden and Kamala Harris steer our country into the light. And all they ask of us is to take a little time to cast a vote.
Volunteers, I see your dedication, your gumption, your energy, your unwavering commitment to our country, and yes, I even see a glimpse of your much needed optimism. I see your smile as you greet people and answer the same questions 1000 times a day. I see you recite the same spiel hours upon hours. I see you manage the media. I see you deftly steer away naysayers and hecklers. I see how you cheer on other volunteers. I see you spending more time at work than at home. I see your sacrifice. Behind the scenes work gets no glory, but I’m here to give you all a standing ovation.
For all you do, I bow to you.
Ilina