Politics. It’s like life.
We humans dig other humans. It’s hardwired. People like being around other people. How else would you explain baseball stadiums, or coffee shops, or Tupperware parties? This is what I love about Traction: the constant opportunity to get out and be around other good folks. I just can’t get enough of you people.
Traction throws a great party, and we’re throwing one for Halloween. [Cue the organ music…] Even better, we’ll get the party started by doing something fun AND effective together.
What: Trick or Vote
When: Wed, Oct 31st — 6pm
Where: Bull McCabe’s Irish Pub (427 W. Main St. in downtown Durham)
RSVP: trickorvote@getTraction.org
We’ll go out into the community to meet, greet and sweet-talk folks into going to the polls and voting in this year’s municipal election. That’s right, on Halloween you can have fascinating conversations while dressed as a [INSERT ONE: hanging chad, superhero, big ole pumpkin, your idea here].
Then it’s back to Bull McCabe’s for the raucous party. We’ve got prizes for best costumes and for the person who brings the biggest crew — I think we’re talking cash money…
Trick or Vote is gonna be a good time and effective too. Unlike a lot of us, I do politics for a living. What I’m about to tell you has been scientifically researched, vetted by folks with pocket protectors and taped-up glasses. It’s kid-tested and mother-approved. Here it is:
THE SINGLE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO GET PEOPLE TO CARE ABOUT AN ISSUE IS BY TALKING WITH THEM FACE TO FACE.
We like contact with real people. All of the slick mailers, fancy TV ads, and automated robo-calls don’t hold a candle to a good old fashioned tête-à-tête. Of course, you don’t need to be Dale Carnegie or have a social science PhD to know this.
Experience it for yourself next Wed. RSVP to trickorvote@getTraction.org and by the witching hour, you’ll have met some interesting folks, done something rewarding and maybe even scored a piece of candy or two. I hope to see you there.
Damon Circosta
Public Policy Nerd, soon to be Dad, Tractivist
*Trick or Vote comes from our friends at the Bus Project (like Traction but in Portland, OR).