Anyway, fwiw, I wanted to throw out some ideas in case it helps anyone. :)

bsky.app/profile/heat...

Are you a voter with access to event space? Let the grassroots candidates know! Give them ideas for fun/free events, especially if you have access to resources they can use.

In the case of a primary, help every grassroots candidates in some way if you want to keep things equal.

It’s in our best interest to help grassroots candidates by thinking outside the box, too.

Can’t donate money? Then volunteer your time/labor/talents. Help raise candidates' visibility via social media/talking to fellow voters. Attend every virtual event you can.

Voters who say they want big money out of politics need to walk the walk.

Small dollar donations usually translate to votes for candidates, so voters will get the ROI directly.

Big money donations are basically marching orders that pressure elected officials to override the will of constituents.

Community Foundation lists volunteer opportunities and groups can sign up to volunteer for various organizations in one's area.

www.cfengage.org/search
www.cfengage.org/group_volunt...

Salaam Bhatti volunteered at a food kitchen. What if grassroots candidates like him invited voters to join them at places that host group volunteering?

youtube.com/shorts/uQQ0s...

Grassroot candidate events could give back to the community in some way, such as when Ericka Kopp invited her town hall attendees to bring food items to help their neighbors or Tim Cywinski’s disability roundtable.

bsky.app/profile/vote...

Low-cost hobby-related events would be fun, e.g., w/ themes of movies/books/art/music. Many people knit/do crafts, make models, play Pokemon card games/Dungeons & Dragons, etc. Do hobby events potluck style.

Folks love the cornhole game! (perfect for indoors or outdoors).

Thinking creatively can open up possibilities. More voters might attend a candidate Q&A that offers fun activities. Low-cost/free activities exist—you just have to know where to look. Virtual events are budget friendly (think: webinars based on area of expertise). Weather permitting, nature is free.

Raising one’s visibility is difficult on a tight budget, so creative/non-traditional campaigning strategies are a must.

If you’re in a primary, join forces w/ other grassroots candidates if that’s what it takes. Strength in numbers.

In the 2026 #VA-01 Democratic primary race, we have four known candidates who won’t take big money: Salaam Bhatti, Ericka Kopp, Tim Cywinski, and Lisa Vedernikova Khanna.

That means they can’t be bought, but it also means they need more help from folks who don’t want big money in politics.

Here’s an example of a twist on the usual campaigning:

Attendees brought a menstrual product to one of Kat Abughazaleh’s campaign events, which she donated to Chicago’s Period Collective. Her events are also accessible for every income level.

youtube.com/shorts/-9Fns...

Fun doesn’t mean you don’t take politics seriously.

That said, what’s the opposite of a fun event? A boring one.

Even folks eager to meet candidates need some spice!

There’s no rule that states candidates can’t be associated with fun or even just something more interesting than the status quo.

I’d wager that creative campaigning and making politics fun has been undervalued and underutilized by the Democratic Party.

Fun events give voters more things to vote *for* rather than against. Grassroot candidates have more freedom to be innovative. They have the element of surprise.

And when I say creative, I mean think way outside the box. Let your creativity run wild.

Grassroots candidates outside the establishment have nothing to lose.

Get visual. Be inventive. Get weird. Do cosplay!

youtube.com/shorts/xGKF1...

Rob Wittman is morally bankrupt. He will never speak for what is right. He only does what Republican leadership & his wealthy donors want him to do because he thinks that’s in his personal electoral interest. Problem for Rob is that #VA01 has had enough & we will VOTE (or redistrict) HIM OUT!