Why I’m including “democracy Deeds” in my newsletter this fall
Starting on August 9th, 2024, I began the practice of including “Democracy Deeds” in my Friday email newsletter. I shared, “As you might know, I live in the US and we have a consequential election in 88 days. There's a lot at stake, and while I certainly will lose subscribers for mentioning how important this political election is, the reality is that lives are at stake. Unsubscribes are a small price to pay for playing a positive role in this important moment in history. So I'll be including bite-sized and actionable tips for how to get involved in our election if you're in the US in this newsletter in the coming weeks. You'll still get five Friday tips as always, plus a bonus democracy deed to give you some ideas on how to help.” The next couple of steps were inviting people to sign up to send postcards with TurnoutPAC and MomsRising, and in future weeks I’ll be sharing tips like how to check your voter registration, how to make donations to the Harris/Walz presidential campaign, and how to get involved with Dads for Kamala.
I anticipated that it would upset people that I did this. I anticipated unsubscribes. Those things turned out to be true. And I got a lot of honest questions about why I was using my platform in this way. I got a lot of questions about why I was not including ways for Republicans to get involved. And yes, plenty of unsubscribes.
But so many folks asked genuine, respectful questions about my choice to do this, and so I thought I’d capture my answers to their questions in a blog post that I could share more broadly. So here are some answers to questions I’ve gotten:
My only question is do you have some for the Republicans? And I am ok with you being a Democratic, I do not believe that is a reason to argue or unfriend a person. I respect your choice. I definitely am happy to share some steps for getting involved as a conservative or a Republican. I grew up in a family with two parents serving in the military and spent much of my childhood and my college years in a deep red state (Alabama). I count many conservatives as friends, and most everyone in my family of origin is quite conservative. I think democracy needs disagreement to function well. I won’t be sharing links to get involved in electing Republicans who are taking dangerous action to dismantle our democracy itself, but I am grateful for the courageous conservatives at the Republicans for the Rule of Law and Republicans for Voting Rights.
I am so surprised that you have decided to take a political stance. Why not JUST encourage people to vote? I hear you, and one of the things I love about living in America is that we are allowed to share our perspective and try to encourage our fellow Americans to work together for the country we want to build. I care deeply about building a country that takes care of its people, and I don’t think all candidates share that priority. I am proud to use my platform to share that I think Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are going to be more likely to create a country that thrives than their opponents, and I hope people will vote for them.
I think it unfair to promote one political party over another. There are enough divisive political posts on social media. I come to you for a respite. I'm unsubscribing. I don’t think it’s unfair to promote one’s ideas that are in opposition to someone else’s ideas. That’s actually one of the best parts of America - we can speak our minds! More on the “respite” piece below - because I understand that perspective, and I also have a different way of thinking about that discomfort.
In a world that is so politicized, polarized, and divided….your email was something that I looked forward to reading, and now it's tainted by the political scene as well. I know how you feel on this! Politics is exhausting. It’s stressful. Getting so many responses today with people disappointed in my encouragement to get involved in this campaign has been really uncomfortable - I can feel the stress hormones flowing through my veins as I type this. But I know that what’s harder than being stressed by politics is worrying that your marriage and family is not safe because some think that a woman shouldn’t be able to marry another woman. What’s harder than being stressed about politics is being denied healthcare because of a pre-existing condition and facing down an early death. What’s harder than being stressed about politics is having to flee with your babies when war erupts in your neighborhood. I grew up poor with a single mom and I know the deep stress of how economic policy impacts children and families. Politics is an option for those of us for whom the status quo is working OK. It’s not an option for so many - it’s literal life or death. I’m worried about the damage another Trump presidency would do for my future and my children’s futures. And the reality is that we are going to be much less impacted than others because of our racial and socioeconomic privilege among other privileges. Political apathy is a privilege. I can choose or not choose to get involved - but I’m choosing to be uncomfortable because it’s frankly the right thing to do.
I feel like you have lost sight of your mission, and created a divide amongst women. My mission is to create the conditions for more people to have joy and ease in their lives. I am so proud to have built a community of over 10,000 people who like to get my tips and suggestions to help that be true in their work and personal lives. But politics impacts that mission, too - joy and ease is not as easily accessible for everyone as it is for others. It should be easier for people to find time to rest and to get to enjoy their family without oppression. We should have to worry less about misinformation and fear-mongering in our news. So I plan to play my part to help that be true - both by continuing to share tips for home and work life and by letting folks know that they can get involved in making our country better politically, too. Tim Walz said, “You don't win elections to bank political capital—you win elections to burn political capital and improve lives,” I’m not building an audience to benefit myself - I’m doing it because I want to make the world a better place. And if I have to lose some of my audience to do that, it’s a tiny price to pay.
I found it interesting that you included "politics" in this issue. I decided before I clicked through that whichever side you supported I would respect that choice and continue to read your emails. Luckily, I was relieved that we're on the same side! I’m so glad you’re here - and you’d be welcome in my space even if we disagreed. Like I mentioned above, I think disagreement is good for democracy. And I also think that this particular election has more at stake than normal. The rule of law, checks and balances on executive power, and other keys to democracy are pretty clearly on the ballot in addition to policy positions. I’m working hard to put principles over party and I invite others who disagree with my on policy but agree about protecting democracy from an authoritarian leader to speak up in particular this election.
Thank you for using your platform to speak up! I signed up through both your links to write postcards…you rock! Glad you’re here too - and thank you for taking action! Democracy isn’t saved by heroes or big figures. We all have something to do and contribute. And it’s so dang rewarding, too.
Got ideas for how my community can get involved in politics this year? I hope you’ll send them my way!
About The Author
Jessica Eastman Stewart is a consultant, workshop facilitator, and podcast guest expert. She teaches busy professionals how to get more organized at home and at work so they can stop feeling worn out and start living a Joyfully Managed Life! Thousands of readers drop everything when her weekly newsletter, The Friday Five, arrives in their inbox. Every Friday, you’ll get FIVE amazing tips to help life feel INSTANTLY more joyful and easy!
