Be Bold: A Message to Democrats
Over the past few months, while a pandemic has raged on, we’ve seen something incredible happen at the National Democratic Training Committee.
Almost every day, we’ve seen hundreds of Democrats join our Virtual Live Trainings (VLT). To date, we’ve seen over 30,000 people register for a VLT.
When I join these trainings, I always come away impressed, inspired, and even more committed to doing all I can to help the 2020 Blue Wave become a reality.
But there always seems to be something missing. Something that we ought to be saying or doing that we just… aren’t.
It’s a conversation that I have with dozens of Democrats in every state we speak to.
It is what we, as a party, need to do to be successful this year.
Unfortunately, it’s something that Republicans do really well.
So my advice to every Democrat this July 4th is this. It doesn’t matter if you’re a candidate or a volunteer. A staffer or a voter. It’s advice for old Democrats and for new.
It’s simple.
Be Bold
Don’t be afraid to be who you are. Don’t be afraid to do what you need to do to win. And don’t apologize for what you believe.
Democrats need to do things a lot differently this election. If we repeat the same playbook from the past, we’re going to get the same results.
No more excuses. No more backing down.
Be Bold.
Winning this November means you are going to have to do some things that make you uncomfortable. You will have to knock doors. You will have to talk to strangers.
You’re going to have to ask for money. Quit apologizing. Quit making excuses.
Be Bold.
This is the price we have to pay for making change. Hell, for saving our country. We don’t want another November 2016. Your community, your family, my family, everyone is counting on you.
Be Bold.
You are going to get challenged by people who don’t agree with you. So what?
Don’t back down. Don’t make excuses. We need leaders who are willing to listen, but aren’t afraid to stand their ground. Who aren’t afraid to lead.
Be Bold.
Do you strongly believe in a women’s right to choose, but live in a pro-life district? Don’t compromise on your core values. Run. We need more people like you.
Be Bold.
Are you uncomfortable asking someone for money for your campaign? Get over it.
You aren’t your donor. Quit thinking about why they won’t write a check and focus on why they need to write one.
Be Bold.
Do you believe that President Trump has completely failed in the US Coronavirus response? And that our country has suffered thousands of unnecessary deaths that countries with proper leadership avoided?
Did you see the millions of people who marched in support of Black Lives Matter? They are counting on you. Those at risk of dying from COVID-19 are counting on you.
And you won’t ask someone to support you with a check because asking for money is uncomfortable?!
Be Bold.
People want a leader. They want someone to stand up and lead the way. Be that person the best you can.
Be Bold.
Know that the work you are doing, the money that you’re asking for from your donors, the time you’re asking from your volunteers, isn’t just for you. You aren’t asking because you’re greedy or power-hungry. It’s because you want to improve the community around you.
Be Bold.
Speak up. Stand your ground. Fight for your causes.
If you believe that fundamental human rights are under attack, then say it. Your campaign is in need of resources? Then ask for them. If you’re uncomfortable with answering questions on certain issues, be prepared to be challenged.
Above all else, BE BOLD.
A version of this post was originally published on The National Democratic Training Committee Blog.
