Originally from the Bay Area in California, Rachel first came to North Carolina to attend grad school at Duke. Rachel’s husband works in cancer research, and their 2-year-old happily knocked doors with FLIP NC, pre-COVID. Rachel has focused her career on using business for social and environmental impact and currently works as an independent consultant in design research, brand strategy, startup support, sustainability, and product design.
Check out this Q&A with Rachel and then sign up to join her for an upcoming virtual phone bank – she’s a FLIP NC phone bank captain!
How did you find out about FLIP NC?
I found out about FLIP NC on Facebook in mid-2017. I had recently moved back to Durham and was eager to contribute, as I was troubled by the results of the 2016 election. Through a chat with [FLIP NC co-founders] Briana and Amy, I was convinced that I could help make a difference on state and local races, so I was on board.
How many times have you volunteered with FLIP NC?
While I haven’t tracked the number of times I’ve volunteered, what stands out to me has been the number of ways I’ve volunteered. From early brainstorming about the organization to supporting events as a volunteer to canvassing to data entry to postcard writing and now phone banking – there have been so many ways to get involved.
Rachel canvassing a couple of summers ago with Sally Scruggs and Sally’s daughter.
What has surprised you most about our voter outreach?
That this isn’t about changing minds. It’s about reminding people of their critical role in steering the direction of our country and our communities and of their ability to take a clear action on issues that matter to them.
If you've participated in other voter outreach efforts, how are FLIP NC events different?
FLIP NC is data driven, always iterating, and mindful of the experience. I appreciate that original data analysis drives FLIP’s strategy for voter outreach. After every canvassing and phone-banking session, the team gathers feedback to improve the script. And they take the volunteer experience seriously – from sharing the numbers to reinforce that what we’re doing is effective and meaningful, to gathering for drinks after canvassing (pre-COVID!). FLIP wants to make this a meaningful, sticky experience – and it is!
Have a funny story or touching moment to share?
I’ve loved the people who I have had an opportunity to canvass with. From someone who ran for city council (and is now running for county commissioner, LeVon Barnes!) to the FLIP NC volunteer graphic designer (and her toddler!), I’ve really enjoyed getting to know others in the FLIP NC community.
The conversations I’ve had during this time of social distancing will be memorable because they’ve given me an opportunity to really hear how people are doing at this historic time. One woman I spoke with shared how her son is deployed abroad, in the military, and sick with COVID. She was having a rough time. When it came to voting, she and her son held different political perspectives. She was looking for encouragement and validation to vote her beliefs. I was there to listen and cheer her on.
Rachel and LeVon Barnes.
What's your top tip for someone who is new to voter outreach/phone banking?
There is not one right way to do this! You can do it differently than other people, and that’s OK. Jump right in and keep tabs on what’s working and what’s not for you. And when in doubt, lean on the script.
What is really motivating you to get involved? Obviously, you want to FLIP NC, but tell us a bit about the "why."
I’m involved because I believe we have to create our future. I care about the environment, health, social justice, and education, and I don’t see my beliefs or vision for the future represented in our leadership.
How are you feeling about the 2020 election?
I feel optimistic but recognize there are some serious hurdles to overcome. I have an acronym I like to use for big, challenging situations like this – “RCO.” It stands for “Ruthlessly Cautiously Optimistic.” To me, it means I have to continually put in the hard work to make an optimistic vision a reality.
Who do you admire in politics?
I admire Jacinda Ardern, the prime minister of New Zealand, as she has shown empathetic leadership during this challenging time. I’ve really appreciated the depth of NC Sen. Jeff Jackson’s communications, particularly over the past six months. I admire Andrew Yang because he brought some bold new ideas (like Universal Basic Income) to the national stage through his candidacy.
What would you say to someone who is feeling totally dejected by our current state of politics? And how do you stay in the fight?
While times are hard and uncertain, there is so much we can do. The future is not inevitable. It is created by those who act – that’s got to be us. And if global issues or national politics feel beyond one’s capacity to change, state and local races are a more manageable scale.
Tell us about a political moment that inspired you, whether it was a personal conversation, a speech given by a president, or a recent "blue wave" moment.
The rhetorical prowess of Obama, the empathy of Jacinda Ardern, the morality and momentum of John Lewis. And while, of course, there are critiques, I am inspired by the Wall of Moms who remind us of the humanity that drives the desire to protest, vocalize concerns, and defend our rights.