Why I Do The Work

By Chris M. - October 28, 2022

Chapter member Chris M.

I have a pretty demanding full-time job during the week, so weekends are always really important “me time.”

As I sign up for weekend shifts during the “season,” I always heave a big mental sigh over giving up what little time I have to run errands, practice yoga, or read a good book.

And yes, it’s pretty demoralizing to get 10 voicemails in a row, or to get hung up on (especially after I’ve told them who I am and why I’m calling), but it always feels good to know I’m taking action, and sometimes I have a really magical day, like the one I had last weekend calling Wisconsin.

My usual call count is 50-60, but last Sunday, I barely made it to 40. The reason? I was actually spending time with people helping them vote – finding their early voting sites, walking them through the new Wisconsin rules, giving them information when the ballot they’d requested hadn’t yet arrived.

It was exhilarating to know that I was helping Democrats vote – I was literally saving democracy.

That’s why I show up every weekend to do the work!