David vs Goliath in Kalamazoo
Campaign Videos,Online Events,Online Fundraising,smart fliers,Video Story Telling
Necessity is the mother of invention. A team of Kalamazoo candidates innovate to overcome their lack of resources.
Background
The candidates have little funding and few technical resources, so the choice to use They adopted free, easy to use apps where possible to reach more voters, fund raise and mobilize their supporters. Volunteers for the three candidates collaborate to get the most value from their efforts in creating videos, flyers and online events. The candidates include:
Veronica McKissack - Kalamazoo County Commission
Stephanie Moore - Michigan 60th District State Representative
Doreen Gardner - Kalamazoo County Clerk
Campaign videos
Volunteers create 30 second campaign and issue videos with Lumen5, a free app. The app includes a catalog of professionally produced, royalty-free video clips and sound tracks that can be used to create new high quality videos with captions. The videos created can be easily adapted for other candidates on the team with a simple cut-and-paste feature. Videos created in Lumen5 are exported and shared on social media. Candidates benefit from high quality videos, produced by their volunteers quickly for free. Learn more about how to use Lumen5 from this free online course created by DemCast and DemLabs.
Smart flyers
QR Codes are digital codes that provide information when scanned with a camera phone. They can be freely created and make it easy for people to respond.
Volunteers add QR Codes to flyers which direct voters to the campaign's website when the code is scanned. QR codes are generated with Tec-It, a free app. QR codes can also be used to launch emails, texts and phone calls. Scan the code below to see how smart flyers work.
QR codes that encourage people to register to vote are added to yard signs. Details here. Workers at hazardous facilities such as meat packing plants are asked to complete online surveys on what COVID19 safety measures are being taken. Details here.
Peer-To-Peer texting
The candidates used volunteers to peer-to-peer (P2P) text their supporters. The messages included invitations to join online events, donate and visit the candidate's website to learn more about them.
Contact lists are first uploaded into Text Per Cent. Volunteers then texted people of the list with messages that the campaign had predefined. A combination of text (SMS) messages and images (MMS) were used in the campaign. Text messages can be customized with the recipient's name, much like an email merge program.
SMS messages are limited to 150 characters in a segment. Longer text messages consist of multiple segments. Images and GIFs (less than 100Kb in size) can be sent as MMS texts and improve the chances of a response. Videos are sent in the form of a URL in the text message.
Each candidate's initial contact list size was about 3,000 records. Volunteers were trained on how to text with Text per Cent in under an hour. Most could send 60 texts/minute and process the whole list of 3,000 records in less an hour.
Costing
Cost to send SMS texts to 3,000 people:
3,000 people x 1 cent/SMS text = $30
Cost to send MMS texts with an image to 3,000 people:
3,000 people x 2 cents/MMS text = $60
DemLabs LLC developed the Text Per Cent app using Signalwire technology to make P2P texting affordable to more campaigns.
Take away
David brought down Goliath with a free pebble. Challengers in Kalamazoo are tackling better funded opponents with new apps as their campaign pebbles. Got pebbles?
Deepak
Democracy Labs
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How do you bridge the divide between how elected officials vote and what their constituents want? Let people speak directly to power. Kalamazoo Commissioner Stephanie Moore mobilized...
Use Petitions To Harness Outrage And Build Contact Lists With Free New App
Harness the outrage through targeted petitions and also build lists of supporters. Petition drives work, but the pandemic has forced organizing online which demands innovation. Existing...
Three Free Safety Apps For Protestors
Police violence and digital surveillance shouldn't be used to intimidate peaceful protestors. These free apps protect protestors exercising their First Amendment right to "assemble peaceably and...
NAACP Volunteers Use ‘Smart’ Texts To Reduce Lines At Georgia Voting Centers
Voters braving a pandemic, shouldn't have to struggle to find their closest polling location. It's easy for Georgia voters to get confused, and many end up not...
Convert Public Attention Into Supporters And Donations
How do you convert public attention and media coverage into supporters and donors? Use QR Codes. Basics QR Codes are scannable codes that most phones can read....
How To Find Ballot Drop Boxes And Early Voting Locations In Georgia
Voters in Georgia's June 9th election can return their absentee ballots at drop box without a stamp or any human contact. How do they find the...
Organize Workers Forced To Re-Enter COVID-19 Infected Facilities
Workers pressured back to work in dangerous conditions have a tough choice: their paycheck or their lives? How can they organize for safe working conditions and fair wages in such a...
COVID19 Death Sentence
Over 2 million people are imprisoned in America. Most of them are black or Hispanic and they are dying in the hundreds from the Coronavirus. Is...
Who’s Against Heroes?
Politicians often vote against their voters' interests. How can the public track what they're voting for and let them know when they go wrong? In this blog you'll learn about:...
Musicians Power Virtual Fundraisers
Musicians and progressive campaigns are teaming to raise funds online with live streaming performances. The Coronavirus has forced campaigns to innovate. How do you fundraise...
Who Lives? Who Dies?
Why do some black counties in Georgia have 20 times as many deaths as nearby white counties? What impact does voter suppression have on the healthcare provide to African...
Virus Free Voting
How can a virtual protest be organized during a pandemic? One where Congress gets to hear from real people? A virtual protest #VirusFreeVoting is planned by Indivisible chapters...
Conduct Polls In A Pandemic? Use Chatbots.
Collecting accurate, timely information in a pandemic needs innovation. Mothers Of Hope uses chatbots to collect information from Kalamazoo residents about their Coronavirus care and census participation. The group encourages community members...
Will You Be Counted In The Census?
[caption id="attachment_2319" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Image: Lumen5[/caption] How can marginalized groups be inspired to take part in the census during a pandemic? Sharvin Lee with Michigan Voices is experimenting with difference approaches....
National Calendar Of Events Responding To The Coronavirus Pandemic
How can experts, volunteers and resources connect in a pandemic? NYC United Against Coronavirus (NYC UAC) shows how it can be done quickly and with few resources. They...
Visualizing 40,000 Deaths
Big numbers make it hard to fully grasp the size of a tragedy - such as the number of American deaths from the Coronavirus. The facts are...
Make Sure Everyone Hears Your Message – Regardless Of Their Language.
Make sure every one get to hear your message regardless of their language. One out of five American speaks a language other than English at home. Many...
Organize Gig Workers Digitally In A Pandemic
The pandemic has devastated gig workers. No unemployment insurance. No health insurance. Unsafe working conditions. How can gig workers organize to demand their rights when they...
Pandemic-Mode Voter Suppression
"Wisconsin's holding of a primary during a pandemic is just the latest example of Republicans’ naked bid to keep power at all costs." - The Guardian The story...
Statewide Michigan Indivisible Rapid Response To GOP Demand That Jeopardizes Lawmaker’s Lives
Michigan Republicans insist legislators vote in-person in the middle of a pandemic! "The vote will come a day after it was announced that State Rep. Karen...
Teach Your Children Well – At Home With These Free Apps And Games
[caption id="attachment_2288" align="aligncenter" width="548"] Image: Inspired Teaching[/caption] Free home education apps and resources to teach their children how to cope with pandemic induced anxiety. Resources created...
Is Coronavirus Testing Really Color Blind?
[caption id="attachment_2285" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Image: Eddie Murphy "White Like Me" on SNL[/caption] How evenly are different ethnic groups being tested for the Coronavirus? Mothers of Hope is a...
Poor People’s VA Campaign Offers Local Coronavirus Newsfeed
How does a grassroots group with little funding keep locals informed of dangers and resources during a pandemic? How can vital information be quickly collected and...
Groups Connect Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Donors With Healthcare Providers.
Healthcare workers should not have to fear for lives because they lack personal protective equipment (PPE). These groups connect donors with workers to get them the equipment they need...
Vote by Mail. Leave No Voter Behind.
Voting by mail has worked well for years, but will be especially important in this pandemic. But how do voters without a computer or internet access...
Crowdsourced Infomap Helps Idaho Communities Prepare For Coronavirus
Accurate, timely information is valuable - especially while you're preparing for a pandemic. Which stores have supplies you need? Which facilities open? Which offices are open at different times?...
Coronavirus Guide. Mobile Training Delivered By Voice And Text.
Coronavirus safety training now available freely by phone. How can safety recommendations be shared with hard-to-contact groups in the middle of a pandemic? Technology designed to...
How Many Coronavirus Tests Has Your State Conducted?
"Testing is a key tool in limiting the spread of coronavirus. You need to know who has contracted the virus so those people can be isolated, and...
Coronavirus Atlas Map US Cases, Safety Tips And Official Response.
There are facts - and 'alternative facts'. A means to find the truth is needed when alternate facts put lives at risks. Coronavirus Atlas is a free app created...
Group Uses Personal Video Testimonials To Encourage Use Of Vote-By-Mail Ballots.
Photo by Qim Manifester on Unsplash Make your videos more persuasive with personal testimonials. Video testimonials work but collecting them has been difficult for groups with limited time, money...
Activists Use GIFs To Demand Funding For CDC To Fight Coronavirus
Reach more people, faster and for less money with a GIF. GIFs are just seconds long but get your message heard. They play automatically and engage viewers immediately....
Drive To Get Out The Vote.
People lose their vote when it's hard for them to get to the polls. The elderly, disabled and low income voters in rural areas suffer the most. How can...
Build Or Buy Campaign Software?
Elections have consequences. So do budget cuts. Mobilize voters on the issues that matter to them. People care when public safety is jeopardized by CDC funding cuts that limit...
Five Free Apps For Better Canvassing
Trying to find the right campaign app when you're tight on money and not tech savvy? Checkout the DemLabs site with over 110 solutions and Solution Guides like the one...
Podcast Training Retreat For Women Changemakers
[caption id="" align="aligncenter"] Photo by CoWomen on Unsplash[/caption] Millions listen to podcasts but not enough are hosted and produced by women. How can we fix this?...
Young Activists Make The Best Storytellers
If you're not at the table, you're on the menu.Get to the table by engaging others to your side with story-telling. Young activists excel at crafting...
Three Free Apps To Create Campaign Videos With Just A Laptop
Fast news cycles demand a rapid response. Short videos work best, but how does a campaign with little money, time and video skills create a rapid...
Five Free Online Training Platforms To Training Volunteers And Organizers.
How do you train volunteers and staff the skills to be better activists and organizers? Especially when a range of skills have to be taught from...
The Beginner’s Guide To Running A Low-Budget, Geo-Targeted Political Ad Campaign.
Reach voters on their phones even if you don't have their phone numbers with geo-targeting. Tips on running a smart, frugal campaign. Background "Bhuwan Pyakurel is running...
Map The Battlefield, Before You Launch Your Campaign.
Activists fight with limited resources against well funded political incumbents. They have to pick their targets strategically. Good mapping software can be the equalizer. Which incumbents...
Online Training For Activists On How To Frame Issues To Build Support.
How do you get someone with very different beliefs to support your cause? Frame the discussion to align with their existing beliefs. Framing is an effective...
New Artificial Intelligence (AI) Powered App, Coaches You To Become A Better Public Speaker.
A very few of us are naturally, gifted public speakers. The rest of us need to practice. Technology can now coach activists, organizers and candidates to become better...
Group Mounts Social Media Video Campaign To Block Redevelopment Of African-American Community.
Make the Road Nevada is fighting in solidarity with Windsor Park residents as the City of North Las Vegas is proposing to sell 80% of the land of...
Mobilizing Citizens To Prevent Cuts To The Food Stamp Program. Technology For A Rapid Response.
The Trump administration is planning to cut the Food Stamp program. This would eliminate SNAP benefits for 3.1 million individuals and take free school meals away from the children in...
Recording a video to shine a light on injustice? Do it right for maximum impact with these expert tips.
[caption id="attachment_1345" align="aligncenter" width="760"] Photo of Leisha Evans taken by Jonathan Bachman for Reuters from Wikipedia[/caption] A powerful image can tell a full story without a single word. Organizers, however, often...
Virginia Candidates Create Issue-Specific Campaign Videos With Free, Innovative App.
"There is an 80% increase in the time spent on watching videos ... 45% of the people surveyed in North America said they expect to watch even more videos on...
Up your game with this library of free campaigning and organizing ‘how to’ guides.
Grassroots organizing changes constantly with new tactics and apps. How can the lessons learned on one campaign be quickly shared with other progressive groups? Blueprints for Change converts know-how from campaign organiziners into free...
Midwest Academy Online strategic campaign training for Organizers.
The Midwest Academy has trained over 25,000 grassroots activists. Heather Booth founded the Academy in 1973 to train leaders fighting for social, economic and racial justice. It has played a...
Enough of old, male and pale. Let’s train more campaign staff of color.
[caption id="attachment_1113" align="aligncenter" width="394"] Genny Castillo & Ashley Robinson - Co-founders, The BLUE Institute.[/caption] “Lack of minority staffers threatens to hobble 2020 Democrats. If you don't...
8 Highly Effective Training Resources for Organizers
[caption id="attachment_1086" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Photo by Miguel Henriques on Unsplash[/caption] "Change requires more than righteous anger. It requires a program and organizing, which is the only way to...
See something. Say something. Especially at polling centers.
"See something - Say something". We see this at airports and on public transportation. So why not do the same while we are trying to vote?...
Micro Target Your Canvassers
Uber does it. Lyft does it. Send drivers to where there's known demand - rather than going to the same old locations as many cabs do. It's...
Is your Voter ID acceptable?
11% of voting-age U.S. citizens don't have a current government-issued photo ID. That's roughly 25 million voters in 34 states who don't have an acceptable Voter...
It All Starts With Training
Training new campaign volunteers is hard. They're often remote, pressed for time and difficult to schedule. Online learning platforms are affordable and offer training on demand. Campaigns struggle to train volunteers as in-person training can't...
Knock. Knock. Who’s there?
FedEx does it. Uber does it - optimize delivery routes with better software.How can campaigns up their game so canvassers spend less time walking and more time talking with people? The...
Is Open Source the Transformative Solution for Activism?
Organizing public rallies really is rocket science. A successful launch needs careful planning and good software. Especially when highly vocal users are involved! How well does...
Resisting? Running for office? Get trained online, you will.
Darkness is in the air. The Rebel Alliance is hopelessly outmatched. The Empire terrorizes the galaxy. The rebels train to fight back. The ‘force’ is with...
Designing a Facebook campaign to advocate for better opioid care
It’s 1943 and the German air superiority has devastated the Allied forces. The Allies lack the planes to fight the Luftwaffe directly. The U.S. Army Air Corps...
The Revolution Will Not Be Televised – It’ll be Computerized
Imagine that you have millions of supporters eager to help your cause. You only have a few weeks to get organized and hardly any existing systems...
Zoom Teleprompter for all professions, from performers to prayer leaders
All events have one thing in common these days, they take place online. Virtual meetings are the new normal, no matter the profession, and our free...
3 creative ways people are using our zoom tools
Life hacks have turned digital. Now that virtual meetings are the norm, people are finding ways to innovate and get creative while presenting, fundraising, or performing...
