Benton County Democratic Central Committee

Welcome to the second edition of Build Blue Digest. This is your weekly, central source for all things Build Blue Week. Every Wednesday, look forward to hearing about new speakers, campaign insights, and resources to get you prepared for the various events taking place throughout the week.

Learn more about the events coming your way October 2nd through 5th.

The second event of Build Blue Week is Cultivating Donors for Long-Term Change. The fundraising landscape is a dynamic one. Donors have endless outlets for investing their money into causes, candidates, nonprofits, and other initiatives they care about. So your strategy for convincing folks to donate to you is more important than ever.

As you prepare to join us for this fundraising panel event on Tuesday, October 3rd, let’s dig into some data-driven trends in philanthropy and giving.

A big motivating factor for donors is dissatisfaction or outrage towards an inadequate system; this certainly rings true in the political sphere. Researchers of philanthropic behavior call this rage giving, and while it sounds aggressive, it merely refers to donors who give to organizations and people who are getting things done to address the very issues that they care about.

Take the disastrous Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. Immediately following the release of the decision, financial support for abortion provider Planned Parenthood surged, with as much as a “20-fold increase.”

On the other end of the spectrum, economic outlook and uncertainty continues to guide donor behavior. Charitable donations fell last year for the first time in decades, which economists link to inflation rates . Now this is not a reason to give up or be pessimistic. Rather it is a chance to be realistic and understand why crafting effective asks are all the more essential throughout your fundraising plan. You’re competing with voters’ various interests and priorities, so you need to build a resounding, effective ask.

With this and much more in mind, bring your questions to our slate of fundraising experts to the Cultivating Donors for Long-Term Change event happening on the second day of Build Blue Week, Tuesday, October 7.

In the New Speaker Spotlight section, we’ll highlight new speakers added to events this week!

First during Coalition Building for Community Change, we welcome Former Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin Mandela Barnes! Barnes was the first African-American to serve as a Lieutenant Governor in Wisconsin, and the second African-American to ever hold statewide office. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Lt. Gov. After serving two terms in the Wisconsin State Assembly, Barnes will share his own experiences in organizing spaces to fight for solutions that invest in opportunities and fairness for everyone.

We are also thrilled to spotlight Former Rep. Cheri Bustos (IL-17), who will be a panelist for our Messaging That Connects: Local Issues and National Narratives event. Rep. Bustos, who worked for over two decades as a journalist, served five consecutive terms in Congress. Notably, she won by the largest majority of any Democrat in a Trump District. Rep. Bustos was the first woman elected to Congress from her district. In 2019, Bustos became chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

Relevant Resources will be your hub for learning guides to supplement the week’s events! Learning guides include guiding questions, links to other relevant coursework, and more.

This week, we’re delivering the learning guide for Tuesday’s fundraising event: Cultivating Donors for Long-Term Change.

To best prepare for this session, review some of the campaign finance fundamentals in NDTC’s Online Academy. First Building Your Network: Donors, Volunteers, & Validators provides an overview for leveraging the best connections needed to level up your fundraising strategy. Be sure to also check out our Campaign Rolodex Template so you can best organize donors and other important contacts.

In the Sponsor Corner, learn more about our biggest, bluest supporters and the work they’re doing to strengthen Democratic progress across the country.

JM2 is a boutique political mail consulting agency dedicated to electing Democrats, promoting progressive causes, and serving as a communications guide for like-minded organizations. Through direct mailers, JM2 delivers unique concepts that are uniquely tailored to the specific needs of a district, race, or election.

Dear FAN friends throughout the Tri-Cities area,

Shalom United Church of Christ invites you to join the rescheduled FAN Tri-Cities cluster gathering on September 13. Please see the invitation below and rsvp so they know you’re coming! We at FAN appreciate your presence for justice in your area!

My name is Gretchen Hormel and I am the incoming Chair of Shalom’s Mission and Social Action Committee. One of our 2023-24 priorities is to start reconnecting with our local faith network and FAN. We tried to schedule a social in August, but not many were able to attend, so we have rescheduled for Wednesday, September 13.  We look forward to seeing you then:

Event: Mission and Social Action Reception at Shalom UCC (United Church of Christ)

Address: 505 McMurray, Richland

Date: Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Time: 5:30 – 7 pm

Appetizers and lemonade will be provided. Please let us know if you have any dietary or other accommodations needs when you RSVP. If childcare would be helpful, please let us know when you RSVP and we will see what we might be able to do.

Time will be dedicated to introductions and getting reacquainted. We are also hoping to include a FAN update.

We plan to include a shared action during this reception and more news about that will follow.  We will then solicit ideas for future shared actions at future get togethers.

Can you join us? Are there others who you can invite or recommend? Please do not hesitate to share this invitation. 

RSVP by Sunday evening, September 10, please. Please email ghormel@outlook.com. This will help us at Shalom make sure that we have plenty of food and try to address any special needs that you may have.

If you have questions, do not hesitate to call me at 509.876.1235.

Shalom’s Mission and Social Action Committee looks forward to the prospect of seeing you on Wednesday evening, September 13th, at 5:30! We share the FAN vision that “Together, we are powerful voices of faith and conscience advocating for a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world.”

Gretchen Hormel
Incoming Committee Chair, Shalom UCC Mission and Social Action Committee
ghormel@outlook.com; 509.876.1235

Eric Don Anderson, M. Div.
South Central WA Regional Organizer, he/him/his
FAITH ACTION NETWORK
www.FANWA.org
509.492.2216

Faith Action Network
3720 Airport Way S
Seattle, WA 98134
United States

Hey there — At NDTC, our mission is to equip Democrats with the tools to run for office, especially those who have been marginalized and traditionally excluded from positions of power.

So this Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re bringing you a special edition of our So You Want to Run for Office training alongside our partners at Insituto, Latino Victory, and Pa’lante Georgia with a focus on the unique challenges and considerations for Hispanic and Latinx candidates.

Not only that, the training will kick off with a very special welcome and introduction from Secretary Julián Castro!

Join us next Tuesday, September 19 at 1pm ET as Trainer Judy Neufeld guides you through all aspects to consider before making this big decision.

Hispanic and Latinx culture is at the core of American life.

But there’s still a great deal of work to be done in ensuring Hispanic and Latinx voices are heard, respected, and validated in our political system.

Despite the amazing strides of trailblazers, only 2% of elected officials in the U.S. identify as Latino.

By considering running for office, you’re taking the first step in creating lasting change in your community.

So don’t miss out! Know a friend who would be a great fit for this training? Be sure to share this opportunity with them too.

This special training includes resources for running along with collaborative, interactive discussions! Don’t miss it.

— NDTC Live Training Team

And it doesn’t stop there! You can always visit the Online Academy’s Course Catalog, set up a free account, and keep track of your progress while taking advantage of our extensive course offerings.

It’s September, meaning a new training theme for the month 

In August, we focused on “If You Build It” aka setting up GOTV plans and strategies. September will center around “They Will Come,” in other words, the things that actually move voters to action. You have the tools, so let’s learn how to apply them!

Preview September’s lineup of field-focused, tactical trainings!

Field Tactics 101
Friday, September 8 at 1pm ET

This training is a one-stop shop for the most popular and effective field tactics that campaigns and local parties can use.

From texting tactics to event logistics, learn the ins and outs of the key five ways to reach potential voters in the field: phone banking, text banking, door-to-door canvassing, events, and relational organizing.

Can’t make this one? Don’t worry! We’re hosting it again on September 18 too.

Phone Banking for Political Campaigns
Tuesday, September 12 at 1pm ET

Start with a fundamental campaign skill: talking on the phone with voters and supporters. Phone banking continues to be one of the best outreach methods in the world of field strategies.

Even if you have reservations about this process, Tuesday’s trainer will walk you through the industry’s best practices that have helped successful phone banks across the country. Definitely don’t miss out on this one if you’re looking for an effective field tactic.

How to Use Peer-to-Peer Texting for Political Campaigns
Wednesday, September 13 at 1pm ET

Texting is the number one method of communication in the U.S. For campaigns, that means yet another channel of communication to reach potential voters, volunteers, and other supporters.

This training will provide a basic overview of text banking, which is when volunteers and candidates text voters. More specifically, the pros and cons of a peer-to-peer program will be discussed so that you can make the best decision for your specific race, campaign, or organization.

Door-to-Door Canvassing for Political Campaigns
Thursday, September 14 at 1pm ET

Beyond digital tools at your disposal, meeting with folks face-to-face is one of the most personal methods of field outreach for a campaign or local party.

Thursday’s training will review the best ways to go about door-knocking. Plus, glean insights from an expert trainer about writing a script to better guide and structure your conversations with voters.

NDTC Expert Q&A: Hispanic Democrats Working Towards Change
Tuesday, September 26 at 1pm ET

September isn’t just about field strategies. It’s also Hispanic Heritage Month! We’re celebrating by bringing together a panel of Hispanic and Latino Democrats to discuss their own experiences in ushering change in their communities.

This interactive panel is an opportunity to engage with fellow Democrats about the challenges and triumphs of increasing Latino and Hispanic representation in office and beyond. Learn from people’s lived experiences and bring your questions!

And it doesn’t stop there! You can always visit the Online Academy’s Course Catalog, set up a free account, and keep track of your progress while taking advantage of our extensive course offerings.

Fall Picnic I

September 8, 2023

Let’s have a potluck picnic. Bring a dish to share. We’ll provide serving and eating utensils and a limited variety of beverages. We’ll have a firepit and patio heaters in case it gets cool and misters and a fan if it’s hot.

6pm, Friday, September 8
Warmrock Ranch
4501 W Lattin Rd · West Richland, WA

Thanks!– carl

BADGER FORUM  |  September 7, Noon
Suicide Awareness Month

BADGER FORUM: Suicide–There is HOPE

Hey there – Welcome to the first edition of our Build Blue Digest! This is your weekly, central source for all things Build Blue Week. Every Wednesday, look forward to hearing about new speakers, campaign insights, and resources to get you prepared for the various events taking place throughout the week.

So what is Build Blue Week?

Build Blue Week brings together a diverse and representative lineup of elected officials, top campaign experts, and leaders of Democratic organizations to provide tools and insight to further Democratic values in your community.

Learn more about the events, coming to you October 2nd through 5th.

Welcome to the State of Campaigns section! Here, we will take a deep dive into the broader context for our Build Blue Week events and topics.

You might be wondering why we decided to theme our events around the idea of Down Ballot Up Ticket, especially considering the U.S. trails many other countries in terms of turnout in elections that are not Presidential ones.

We believe that the state, local, and municipal races are some of the most critical, but overlooked elections. Heading into 2024, that energy has already started to ramp up. For example, the spotlight on school districts and libraries that have become victims of Republican censorship efforts are showing how important local elected leaders are.

It’s not only that local elections matter (that might seem obvious enough), but they truly boost candidates at the top of the ticket. This will be instrumental in the re-election of President Biden. Analysts call this the “reverse coattails effect”, where gains are reflected up-ballot when investments are made into down-ballot races. These gains may go even further for Democrats as reflected by recent statewide victories in enshrining abortion protections.

This is all to say that investment – whether it’s money or time – into local races are going to be key for those national victories we’re all rooting for.

Relevant Resources will be your hub for learning guides to supplement the week’s events! Learning guides include guiding questions, links to other relevant coursework, and more.

This week, we’re delivering the learning guide for Monday’s kick-off panel event: Down Ballot, Up Ticket: How Democrats Win in 2024.

This guide features guiding questions to help frame the discussion. Consider your immediate community; what issues or elected offices could be better addressed? How does your community typically vote, and have there been any significant changes since 2020?

In the Sponsor Corner, learn more about our biggest, bluest supporters and the work they’re doing to strengthen Democratic progress across the country.

This week, we’re thrilled to highlight the amazing platform ActBlue! Since launching in 2004, ActBlue has led the charge in the meteoric rise of online, small-dollar fundraising for progressive campaigns and causes. The largest web platform for digital fundraising, ActBlue supports progressive initiatives across the country. We are so grateful for their support!

Calling Wisconsin-based Democrats! 

Next weekend, NDTC is partnering with a host of stellar organizations to bring you a full-day, in-person training focused on empowering BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ candidates to run in 2024.

This jam-packed day of training includes seminars on campaign basics, messaging, fundraising, and more. Learn more and join us in Milwaukee next Saturday, September 9:

Running in a Red District
Thursday, September 7 at 1pm ET

Where are Democrats needed the most? In conservative, red areas!

There are unique challenges and considerations if and when you make the decision to run for office in a red district. But we’ve got the strategies to maximize your impact! Join an expert trainer as they walk you through the principles of relational organizing, voter targeting, and more!

Field Tactics 101
Friday, September 8 at 1pm ET

Have you ever thought to yourself, “it would be nice if NDTC could give me all the best field tools in one training.” Oh, you haven’t? Well regardless, Friday’s training is your one-stop-shop for tactics in the field. From text banking to hosting events, the principles of effective field outreach will be covered while evaluating the pros and cons of each tactic.

Can’t make this one? Don’t worry! We’re hosting it again on September 18 too.

Phone Banking for Political Campaigns
Tuesday, September 12 at 1pm ET

Start with a fundamental campaign skill: talking on the phone with voters and supporters. Phone banking continues to be one of the best outreach methods in the world of field strategies.

Even if you have reservations about this process, Tuesday’s trainer will walk you through the industry’s best practices that have helped successful phone banks across the country. Definitely don’t miss out on this one if you’re looking for an effective field tactic.

Door-to-Door Canvassing for Political Campaigns
Thursday, September 14 at 1pm ET

After learning to phone bank, door knocking can be the next field tactic you knock out of the park. Reaching out to voters face-to-face can truly build empathy, support, and get voters to the polls come Election Day.

Navigating a post-lockdown field strategy has unique challenges and opportunities. Consider the cost-benefit analysis of door knocking as a tactic and how to best script your in-person conversations with potential supporters.

And it doesn’t stop there! You can always visit the Online Academy’s Course Catalog, set up a free account, and keep track of your progress while taking advantage of our extensive course offerings.

The countdown has begun!! 5 more days until Celebration of Community, Diversity and Culture 2023!

As we gear up for this weekend we will be highlighting vendors, entertainers, and other amazing things that will be happening at our event this year! Did you know this year marks our 3rd CDCC? What is you favorite memory from previous years? Go to our Facebook event and tell us about it in the comments!