Lowering the bar: an addendum

One quick thing, for democracy's sake.

Hi again!

A couple days ago I wrote to you about not letting perfectionism get in the way of doing something that’s good. We’re now less than a week out from election day, and the prospect of Trump returning to the White House is terrifying. If you agree that would be devastating, I encourage you to do something—anything!—to help steer the result in this nauseatingly close election.

The thing I did today was call North Carolina voters to see if and how they’re planning to vote—and talk with them about the issues if they were undecided and open to a conversation. I don’t feel particularly qualified to do such a thing but it was very easy.

I signed up for a two-hour window that suited me (note: these are listed in eastern time), appeared for a 30-minute Zoom run-down of how the calling works, and then ignored a deadline, some laundry, and my children and got to work. You can do this on your phone, computer, or tablet. Many people hung up on me but a few people didn’t. Some were grateful for a link telling them where to find their nearest early voting location. One wanted to talk for longer than I speak with my own family members, and I’m honestly still not sure how he’ll vote. But I think I may have started to get through, and that was the best I could do.

If you have a couple hours (or even one), an internet connection, and can read a script, you too can do this! I know that many of you would be great at it. Here are lots of events—virtual and real-life—to sign up for in this final week before election day. And if the very most you can muster is simply to vote, please just make sure you do that.

Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Do what you can, and do it ASAP. (And then if you can, do it again.) We’re not helpless here!

I’m no expert but I’m happy to help with any questions you might have. When I posted earlier about this, a dear friend’s mom who’s already been at this for weeks messaged me: “Wishing you resilience as you engage and know that though it’s sometimes hard work, it’s such good work.”

Let’s do this, and have a good day!

Jenni