Mike and his son Joaquin live in Cary. Mike is a preschool director/owner, and Joaquin is a junior at Enloe Magnet High School. Mike was active in local and national political campaigns in college and previously taught high school civics. They have enjoyed discussing politics since Joaquin was very young, and they decided this election would be a great opportunity for them to put that love for politics into action. Joaquin has canvassed three times with FLIP NC, and Mike has canvassed twice.
How did you find out about FLIP NC?
Mike: My wife and her sister volunteered for FLIP NC in 2018. Joaquin joined them for an event, and they all spoke highly of the experience. Gerrymandering and protecting democracy are top issues for me, so I was excited when I saw that FLIP NC was focusing on the courts this cycle, and that motivated us to sign up.
What has surprised you most about our voter outreach?
Mike: How quickly you can form a connection with a person. Just by taking time to engage someone and listen to them, you will usually find things you have in common and can relate to.
Joaquin: I didn’t really know what to expect, but I have enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
Have a funny story or touching moment to share? A conversation with a voter that stands out?
At one of the first doors we knocked on, a small dog escaped as soon as her owner opened the door. We felt terrible, but the woman was so kind and continued to talk to us about the election. After we finished, she yelled out to her neighbors to begin searching for her dog, and we all called out for him together. The dog eventually made his way home, and we were able to meet more neighbors!
What's your top canvassing tip?
Mike: The script is helpful, but don’t become so focused on it that you miss out on the opportunity to listen and get to know the voter as a person. People are often willing to share their ideas and concerns when they feel they are being heard, and that is when great conversations can begin to happen.
Joaquin: Don’t get discouraged when people don’t open the doors. Even if you only connect with a smaller number of voters, it can make a big difference.
If you've participated in other voter outreach efforts, how are FLIP NC's different?
Mike: FLIP NC is the most organized group I have volunteered with. The communication is great, and they are always looking for feedback on how to improve. It is also the most fun with the happy hour debriefs and the camaraderie they have built.
What's your top tip for someone who is new to voter outreach?
Mike: Don’t feel like you have to be an expert on every issue. Energy and passion will go a lot further than being able to cite lots of facts and statistics!
What is really motivating you to get involved? Obviously, you want to FLIP NC, but tell us a bit about the "why."
Joaquin: Young people typically are not as involved in campaigns, even though we have the most at stake. What happens in this election will have a large impact on my generation, and it is better for us to take action now rather than wait until it is too late.
How are you feeling about the 2024 election?
Mike: I was not as excited about 2024, compared to past elections. I didn’t like that feeling and decided getting involved was the best way to change that. Since I started volunteering, I am starting to feel hopeful again!
Joaquin: I am cautiously optimistic. I think we can win again, but it is going to take all of us to do our part to contribute to it.
Other than politics, what’s a passion of yours?
Mike: I am an avid runner. I enjoy the outdoors and spend many weekend mornings at Umstead Park and the American Tobacco Trail.
Joaquin: I have a passion for math and hope to study it in college. I also like taking road trips and traveling to new places.
Who do you admire in politics? Why?
Mike: My appreciation for Nancy Pelosi has continued to grow over the years. We see today how hard the job of the Speaker of the U.S. House has become, and it makes it even more impressive how she was able to keep a diverse caucus unified to pass significant legislation. As Speaker, she was willing to put her majority and her own speakership on the line to do what was right.
Joaquin: President Obama is the first president I remember. My parents dressed me in an Obama onesie when I was a baby. I have a poster of President Obama above my bed with the words “Yes We Can.” I find it inspiring to see every day.
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?
Mike: I would agree with their frustration, but the solution is not to disengage. We deserve better leadership, and those who are not representing their constituents well should be held accountable. Staying home only empowers those politicians more. A little bit of collective effort can go a long way to bringing change, especially in a hotly contested state like North Carolina.
Joaquin: It is important to remember that the presidential and governor’s races are not the only ones on the ballot. There are people running at every level of government, and, even if you aren’t excited about the people at the top of the ticket, there are lots of great candidates lower on the ballot. One example is Justice [Allison] Riggs, who I was excited to meet at FLIP NC events, and I hope to help her defend her seat on the North Carolina Supreme Court this fall!