2026 Involvement Guide

“Action is the Antidote to Despair”

First things first: do not get overwhelmed and give up!
That is exactly what cynicism and authoritarian politics count on.

When the news cycle feels relentless and the stakes feel impossibly high, remember this truth:

Action is the antidote to despair.

You don’t need to do everything. You just need to do something. This guide is designed to help you find meaningful, concrete ways to plug in - at every level of involvement, from dipping a toe in to jumping all the way in.

If you’re feeling anxious, angry, or powerless, that’s not a failure - it’s a signal. Let’s turn that energy into action!

How else can I get involved?

  • Not ready to run? That’s okay! Campaigns run on people power.

    Think about what issues matter to you:

    • Healthcare, climate change, the future of AI, foreign policy, environmental protections, etc.?
      → Support a congressional candidate

    • Public schools, infrastructure, reproductive rights, housing affordability, worker protections, etc.?
      → Support a state legislative candidate

    • Local services, zoning, public safety, community investment, etc.?
      → Support a county-level candidate

    Ways to Help a Campaign:

    • Canvass (knock doors - it’s still the most effective tool we have)

    • Phone bank or text bank

    • Help with data entry or research

    • Host a house party or meet-and-greet

    • Design graphics, write copy, or manage social media

    • Drive materials or help with event setup

    There is a role for every personality type - introverts included!

  • If you’re looking for a place to plug in right now, this is it!

    The Monroe County Democratic Party runs on people power, and that means there is a role for everyone, no matter your schedule, skill set, or experience level.

    Whether you want to be front-and-center or behind the scenes, we can put your talents to work in ways that matter.

    Help Us Build a Bench!

    Help us to keep show up strong and visible in the community:

    • Staff community events, fairs, and festivals

    • Welcome neighbors at open houses

    • Help set up, break down, and keep things running smoothly

    • Be a friendly point of contact for folks who are curious, new, or ready to get involved

    These moments are often someone’s first interaction with the party and you can make it a great one!

    Use Your Professional Skills

    If your strengths are more technical or specialized, we need you too:

    • IT & tech support (databases, troubleshooting, digital tools)

    • Legal support (election law, compliance, governance)

    • Finance & fundraising assistance

    • Administrative & organizational support at HQ

    • Graphic design, writing, and communications

    These behind-the-scenes roles are critical to keeping the party strong, compliant, and effective.

    There’s a Spot for You!

    Only have an hour here and there? Perfect!
    Want to dive in every week? Even better!
    Not sure what you want to do yet? We’ll help you figure it out!

    Whatever you’re interested in doing, we can find a spot for you! This is a team effort. It’s hands-on, it’s meaningful, and it’s honestly a lot of fun. Come build something with us!

  • You don’t need permission to start.

    Scripts for Letters & Phone Calls

    • Call your elected officials  (Yes, they track calls!)

    • Write letters to the editor

    • Email decision-makers about local issues

    We can provide:

    • Sample scripts

    • Talking points

    • Guidance on who to contact and when

    How to Organize Your Friends

    • Start a group chat

    • Host a casual coffee meetup

    • Invite friends to canvass together

    • Share events and volunteer opportunities

    Organizing doesn’t have to be formal.
    It just has to be intentional.

  • Staying informed is important - doomscrolling is not.

    We encourage a healthy media diet that includes:

    • Local journalism (where real accountability happens)

    • Independent and nonprofit news outlets

    • Community newsletters and issue-focused reporting

    Local news helps you understand:

    • What decisions are being made right here

    • Who is responsible

    • Where pressure can make a difference

  • Democratic values don’t stop at the ballot box. Volunteer with local organizations that align with your values:

    • Mutual aid and food access groups

    • Housing and homelessness advocacy

    • Reproductive justice organizations

    • Environmental and climate groups

    • Labor and worker advocacy organizations

    Strong communities create strong democracies.

    https://www.bloomingtonvolunteernetwork.org

  • If you want to shape local policy without running for office, serving on a City of Bloomington board or commission is one of the most impactful ways to do it.

    These boards and commissions are where much of the real, day-to-day work of local government happens. They review proposals, advise elected officials, and help guide decisions that directly affect how our city grows, spends money, and serves residents.

    Why This Matters

    Boards and Commissions:

    • Provide oversight and accountability

    • Bring community voices and expertise into government decisions

    • Shape recommendations on housing, transportation, public safety, climate, and more

    This is where values become policy - and where informed, engaged residents make a real difference.  

    Find more information here: https://www.bloomington.in.gov/boards

  • There are many Democratic-aligned organizations, PACs, organizing groups, and social clubs in our community. See a list of all organizations here, and consider joining to further your impact!

Become a Precinct Chair

Precinct Chairs are the backbone of the local party.

You don’t need to be an expert; you’ll receive plenty of training and support.

As a Precinct Chair, You:

  • Help turn out voters in your neighborhood

  • Serve as a local point of contact for Democrats

  • Share information about elections and events

  • Help build long-term, year-round organizing power

This role is especially important in off-years - democracy doesn’t only happen every four years.

Ask how you can be appointed as a Precinct Chair today! Email chair@monroedems.org for more information.

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