ACTION PLAYBOOK

Mobilize Voters You Know

  • Direct, 1:1 outreach to voters you personally know is the most impactful way to boost turnout. Focus on friends in swing states, where the margins will be slim and every vote counts.

    1. List people you know in swing states

    2. Draft a personal message

    3. Reach out 1:1

Step 1: List people you know in swing states

Open a blank doc. Your mission here is to identify everyone you could plausibly reach out to 1:1 about voting this November. The outreach can be via text, email, LinkedIn, IG, or Facebook, etc., so cast a wide net. 

Make a list of swing states. Start simple with the 6 states from the 2024 Election Strategy Briefing – Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. These are particularly *key* for climate, since they have multiple, nested competitive races with climate candidates on the ballot. You might add Georgia, Nebraska, and North Carolina to your list, too.

Then, start listing the names of people you know! Aim for at least 10. Can you get to 20? 30? This is for your eyes only.

  • Start with whomever comes to mind. Bestie just moved for grad school? Your ex moved back in with their parents?

  • Search your LinkedIn contacts by location. Here’s a how-to.

  • Search your Facebook friends by location. Here’s a how-to. 

  • Search your phone contacts for swing state area codes.

  • Scroll through your Instagram and Twitter/X followers.

Want a longer list? Look at the states and districts rated “Lean” or “Tossup” in the Cook Political Report’s Presidential, Senate, and House ratings. Notice how many states that are not competitive at the presidential level have competitive districts within! (👀 California and New York)

Step 2. Draft a personal message

Go for short, kind, informative, and personal. The most effective messages include 2 elements:

  1. A clear ask: “Do you have a plan to vote?” Including a direct ask might feel blunt, but it’s best practice and invites a clear yes/no response from your friend. 

  2. Resources: Share this link: climatechangemakers.org/vote (Vote.org has the most comprehensive resources and using this specific link allows us to track our collective impact!)

Here are some *real 1:1 messages* sent by fellow changemakers to get you started:

  • Hi!! It’s been a while - hope you’re well!! I’ve been volunteering a lot this election, and am trying to make sure everyone I know in a swing state has a voting plan this year because… duh. Vote.org has great resources. https://climatechangemakers.org/vote Do you have a plan yet?

  • Helloooo my fave swing state voter! I know you already know how important your vote is… Here’s my favorite website for all things elections in case you need to look up your polling place or check your registration, etc: https://climatechangemakers.org/vote. Do you have a plan yet? And can you send the link to as many other PA voters as you can?

  • Hiya! I’ve been volunteering a lot this election and am trying to make sure all us North Carolina voters have a solid voting plan. Do you have one yet? A link to the best resources: https://climatechangemakers.org/vote

** You know your network best! Send the election-related message you think will resonate most. A simple “Hey, how are you feeling about this election?” invites meaningful conversation and connection. Always a safe move!

Depending on the friend and/or how they respond, you can also:

Draft your message(s) then move onto Step 3!

Step 3. Reach out with a 1:1 message

Yes, really, a 1:1 message. Don’t leave room for diffusion of responsibility in a group chat or public post. 

Pep talk: It can feel a little nerve-wracking to put yourself out there with people you haven’t talked to in a while – and even with friends, let’s be honest! But people are often looking for solutions and encouragement. By reaching out, you’re providing the social norm that civic engagement is respected, celebrated, and expected among your shared network. Your 1:1 nudge could truly be the difference between them voting and not voting. You’re powerful! Feel that energy and start slinging out these messages.

Copy-paste the messages you drafted into a text, email, or DM and ✨HIT SEND✨Do this for everyone you listed in your document, adjusting the message as needed.

As people respond, offer enthusiasm! And if anyone has questions – about the importance of voting, who the climate candidates will be on their ballot, or how they can do more than vote – feel free to point them to the ClimateChangemakers.org blog.

And that’s it, playbook complete!
Thank you for taking action. Feel accomplished!

🎉 CUE CONFETTI by clicking COMPLETE! 🎉

Want more action?
Go to the current Action Plan

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