Issue #188: the one thing you have to do this fall 🍁

Hi ,

Each week, we talk about three things around here: how to unwind, take care, and make friends. But the reason we rest has never been clearer: it's so that we have the energy to stand up, take action, and support each other when the time comes.

This past Tuesday was National Voter Registration Day — a pressing reminder in a week that also included grieving Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the Breonna Taylor verdict. While an election cannot solve everything, it does provide us with a path, a voice, and a vote in a year when we so critically need those things. If, among all this, you've found yourself wondering how you can make the greatest impact during this election season, here are some tips to keep in mind over the next 39 days: 

1. Make sure you're registered to vote. 🗳
All of a sudden everyone we know is moving. Maybe you moved this year too? These things affect your voter registration so no better time than now to check. 

This will take you 20 seconds. Also, here's a list of voter registration deadlines by state and a calendar of key dates you should bookmark.

2. Step outside your social circles. 📞
Every single person has influence over the people in their lives. If you're having conversations in your close circle of friends or on social media, keep having them. But take stock: Who isn't on these channels? Where are they? How can you best reach them? If you're looking to push the needle among those who may not be in your immediate circles, you can certainly do that. 

Make calls. Send texts. Write postcards. Volunteer with organizations like When We All Vote. Adopt a key swing state. You can often find ways to help through candidate websites. 

3. Make a voting plan — and help others make one too. 📝
Here's how to make a voting plan — the most important steps are to: 

• Make sure you're registered to vote (today!)
• Request an absentee ballot if you need one this year. Take note of any mail-in deadlines. 
• Make sure you know where your polling location is if you're voting in-person 

Bonus points if you volunteer to work the polls (if it's safe for you to do so!). 

4. Look down-ballot. 👀
We have a hugely important presidential election this year, but also up for election are local positions, attorneys general, and senators who can potentially have an even bigger impact on your day-to-day life. 

Block off time on your calendar this week to do independent research. OR if you have a group of trusted and civically engaged friends, divide and conquer researching local races and candidates and then have everyone come together to present their research during a Zoom gathering or in a joint doc. 

5. Rest as needed. But don't stop. 😴
A friend recently said, "For the first time in my adult life, I remembered to take the day after Election Day off." And that is an incredibly valid thought! Now is the time to plan your rest and intentionally pencil it in if you have the option to do so. Allocating times when you'll rest will keep you focused and motivated in the weeks to come. 

6. Take time to organize and help in other ways too. 💪
The election is coming sooner that we think, and it's on each of us to not only get ourselves to the polls — but also to help get others there too.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that voting is just the surface of civic engagement and community care. Here are some other ways you can provide additional help right now: 

• Here's how you can help on the ground in Louisville
• Donate to your local mutual aid network 
• March for Black lives in your area 
• Keep contacting your representatives to share your viewpoints on issues that matter to you 

See you at the polls, 
The GNI Team