Shenker-Osorio outlines effective Dem messaging
“If you only remember one thing: say what you are for,” Anat Shenker-Osorio said at the start of last week’s webinar, Words to Win Our Future, co-facilitated by WCDP. “That is the first principle for a reason. We have to present people a compelling and understandable story of what it is we want, what it is we believe and what it is we are going to achieve when, and not if, we win.”
Host of the Words to Win By podcast and Principal of ASO Communications, Shenker-Osorio examines why certain messages falter where others deliver. Many Dems understand that our party has a messaging issue. Shenker-Osorio broke it down in easy-to-understand terms during her talk, recorded here.
“All too often, we are a no, and a don’t, and a can’t…we are an unending litany of what we should not do,” Shenker-Osorio said. She calls this classic negation – CRT is NOT taught in our schools, my parents are NOT groomers, immigrants are NOT taking our jobs.” So often, we play defense and offer unending negative demands.
“The issue with being on the side of negative demands is that it robs us of airtime to say what we are for; to present to people our desirable case for the world if and when we are victorious.” For example, instead of talking about the policy of universal single payer health care, talk about the outcome of the policy. Talk about what it will mean to families to enact a fair immigration policy. Describe what Dems have acheived that has impacted our lives positively.
Basic messaging: State your values – what are we for? Who will our vision impact? Name the opposition getting in the way of our collective vision. Lastly, provide an action.
Example:
1. Folks are rallying and, just like we showed up in record numbers in 2018, we will do it again!
2. While Michigan Republicans are dead-set on passing laws that make it harder for us to vote, Dems are working hard to pass the Promote the Vote initiative to protect and expand our voting rights.
3. If we unite, we can get this initiative on the ballot. Sign the petition that rhymes – Promote the Vote!
While Republicans focus on fear and race-based messaging, stoking resentment, distrust and division, Dems need to focus on our vision and who we are. And we need to do that over and over.
Every member and ally can unite and spread our messaging this election cycle. A message only works when it is shared repeatedly.
It’s our turn to speak up!
Looking for a way to help?
Protect Reproductive Freedom for All!
Democrats believe that all women should have autonomy over their own bodies. This year, WCDP voted to endorse the proposal, “Reproductive Freedom for All”. Our members and allies have been working hard on collecting signatures to get this initiative on the ballot, and ensure abortions continue to be legal in Michigan.
Despite nearly 70% of our nation being in favor of protecting reproductive rights, conservatives on the Supreme Court overturned Roe versus Wade last week. More than 2.2 million people at risk of losing access to abortion in our state. But we can — and will — fight back!
Washtenaw County leaders speak out
“I am stunned and scared…reproductive care is healthcare. And healthcare is a human right. The Supreme Court callously ripped that human right away from millions of people in this country. But trust me, this isn’t the end. Today, we find back. Tomorrow, we fight even harder.” – Rep. Debbie Dingell
“For residents of my county, I will reiterate this once again: No matter the outcome of court cases…we will not be prosecuting doctors, patients, or providers under that old Michigan law. Full-stop.” – Eli Savit, Washtenaw Prosecuting Attorney
The RFFA initiative needs 425,059 valid signatures by July 11 to be put on the November ballot. The ballot initiative would create a state constitutional right to reproductive freedom.
Please find it and sign it. If you can, help collect signatures.
Find & Sign Reproductive Freedom For All
Special Reproductive Freedom Event July 6
Planned Parenthood-endorsed candidate for State Representative Jimmie Wilson Jr. welcomes Dana Nessel to a Reproductive Freedom for All petition signing event next Wednesday, July 6, from 5-7 p.m. at the Learning Resource Center at 4135 Washtenaw Ave.
Stop by after work for this last chance to sign the Reproductive Freedom for All and Promote the Vote petitions, hear from Jimmie about his platform, and meet Dana.
Raising funds for WCDP Voter Guide
WCDP’s popular Voter Guide provides information on candidates and proposals that Democrats support. In 2020, WCDP printed over 60,000 Voter Guides, which were walked to doors, mailed to less walkable areas, and distributed at events.
We also distributed the information digitally via the WCDP website and PDF versions. One initiative this year is to pilot a digital version that personalizes candidate information based on your address!
How many Voter Guides get produced is dependent on our fundraising effort. To donate to this valuable voter resource, please click on the link below. Every dollar helps!
Promote the Vote!
We passed Promote the Vote with a huge majority in 2018. The new Promote the Vote 2022 goes farther – it guarantees, in the constitution:
- Prohibits harassment of voters
- Allows for nine days of in-person early voting
- Ensures that election audits can only be conducted by election officials
- Protects for local election funding and military ballots
Here’s how you can help get these signatures.
- Learn where to sign: See the list here
- Organize a signing party: Sign up here to get help
- Collect signatures at events: Volunteer here
Find & Sign Promote the Vote 2022
June is Gun Violence Awareness Month
Activists needed all year
Put the strength of your grief and outrage behind the folks working to protect us all. The Michigan Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence#EndGunViolence has the details on MI bills trying to stop the bloodshed.
Call your reps & senators. Learn more here!
Call to Summer 2022 WCDP County Convention
On Saturday, August 6, 2022 at 12:30 p.m., the Washtenaw County Democratic Party (WCDP) will hold a County Convention to choose one male member to the Credentialing Committee and one alternate female to the Resolutions Committee at the Statewide Nominating Convention to be held on Saturday, August 20, 2022 & Sunday, August 21, 2022 at the Lansing Center in Lansing, Michigan and to consider resolutions to be forwarded to the State Party. The meeting will be held virtually via Zoom and requires pre-registration (see below.)
NOTE: This County Convention is for members residing in the current 7th Congressional District only. Delegates and alternates for the current 12th Congressional District. This will be the last County Convention using the 2020 Michigan Congressional District map.
Delegates to County Conventions shall be the Precinct Delegates who were duly elected at the Primary Election held August 2, 2022, the Democratic nominees for County and Legislative office as set forth in section 3.2.2 of the MDP bylaws, and members of the Michigan Democratic Party whose membership was renewed at least thirty (30) days prior to the County or District Convention held on August 6, 2022, which is July 7, 2022.
Precinct Delegates, Democratic elected officials and Democratic nominees to partisan offices residing in the corresponding County or District may become members that day when they register at the County and District Conventions. You will need to prove you have become a member by the time of the meeting by forwarding an email receipt to Chris Savage (chrissavage123@sbcglobal.net.) You can join the MDP or renew your membership here.
Contact Chris Savage if you are unsure of your membership status.
Those wishing to submit resolutions should use this form and send them to Chris Savage ahead of the convention.
This event will be held via Zoom and requires pre-registration. To pre-register, click here.
Your WCDP is all-volunteer. Every dollar raised is used to keep voters informed and increase voter turnout. The stakes are high in 2022, but with your support we can #FlipLansingBlue! Join us!
More Information: https://www.washtenawdems.org/featured-events/
Buy Tickets: 2022 WCDP Garden Party
Share Away: Facebook event
Can’t attend? Sponsor a ticket for a guest who needs one!
Signs & more at the A2 Farmer’s Market!
Whitmer Gilchrist Nessel Benson: $15
Black Lives Matter: $5
Whitmer Gilchrist on white: $10
Check or cash preferred. You can also pick up signs at the WCDP Ypsilanti office on Wednesdays, 5 to 7, Saturdays, 11 to 3; and Sundays, 1 to 3. Call ahead to check stock: 734-879-0556.
Bridge Michigan does the reporting a democracy needs with their MI ballot proposal tracker, explaining goals, major funders, & more.
ActionHub connects you to local groups who share our Democratic values. Take action today!
Final Word
