It may not feel like it with all the COVID still going around, but it’s a new year! Time for new goals, life-changing resolutions, or maybe just surviving wave 5?...6?...infinity? of the pandemic with your sanity semi-intact. For those who’ve ever wanted to run for office, though–especially those of us who struggle with “imposter syndrome”–good news! 2022 is our year. Here’s why.
If we’ve learned anything from a virus killing millions of people worldwide, shuttering businesses, deepening political divides, and poking holes in the already faltering “safety net” and “healthcare system,” it’s this: pretty much everyone is winging it at this point. Business leaders, medical providers, teachers, entire school districts, and most importantly, the elected officials charged with leading us into a post-COVID future. We’re all in uncharted territory, the learning curve for everyone is steep, and if you’re reading this, you’ve managed to survive COVID thus far…so, really, what’s there to lose?
If you’re waiting for a sign that YOU should put your name on that ballot and YOU have what it takes to help lead us out of this mess, here it is.
Not convinced yet? Burned out from nearly two years of, you know, all of this? *gestures broadly at everything* That’s ok, but unfortunately, complacency today will lead us to an even scarier place tomorrow. The people who have perpetuated this mess…the anti-maskers, the conspiracy theorists, the horse-medicine takers, the election deniers…they’re fired up. They want to “re-envision” your school’s curriculum, “clean up” your state’s voter rolls and bring us all back to those “good ol’ days” when being white and male gave you supreme control over everyone else. They don’t care that they’re underqualified, anti-democracy, or even batshit crazy. The bottom line is, 30+ seats are open this year in the Michigan State Legislature alone, and if people like us don’t run for them, people like them will…and, without strong opposition, they will win.
So, at this point, you’re definitely in. We’re doing this. But exactly how do you go from being a suburban stay-at-home-mom, Detroit-dwelling creative, or small town business owner to being a candidate for public office? In short, file some paperwork, decide what your “platform” issues are, and start knocking doors, collecting donations, and getting people hyped up about voting for you. If you want to WIN (which you should), you could also check out our candidate training on February 12th. In addition to going through a curriculum created by The Guerrilla Politic’s experienced and talented campaign staff, you’ll hear firsthand from state-level legislators who’ve taken the leap into public service and made big impacts in their first terms. Our meeting space at Chroma Detroit can only hold so much badassery, so make sure you grab your spot soon. Learn more or RSVP here.
No pressure, but the health of our democracy depends on people like YOU standing up to the anti-science, anti-diversity, pro-authoritarian crowd and fighting to create a better world for all of us. Together, we can build the Democratic bench and bring empathy, common sense, and critical thinking back to government. Join us.