Sarah lives in downtown Raleigh, within walking distance to as many coffee shops and baked goods as she can consume. She works as a content strategist for an industrial automation company.
Check out this Q&A with Sarah, and then sign up to join her at an upcoming canvass!
How did you find out about FLIP NC?
One Sunday morning, I was feeling particularly sad and helpless about the state of North Carolina and the entire country. Mid-doom scroll on Instagram, I came across a post about FLIP NC’s 2024 kickoff party in Durham that was happening that night. I am so glad I attended. It was cool to hear our local politicians talk about the importance of the courts. I was surrounded by people who are equally as upset about what’s happening in our state and want to do something about it. After listening to FLIP’s research-backed strategy and talking with other FLIPsters, I felt hopeful again.
How many times have you volunteered with FLIP NC?
Volunteers Sarah (left) and Marilyn canvassing in Durham
I’ve canvassed with FLIP NC twice. I was so anxious to go up to people’s doors, so this was out of my comfort zone. But the rights of North Carolinians are in such a precarious state right now that I think more of us need to get a little uncomfortable – within community and using a research-backed strategy – and take more tangible action to elect leaders who actually represent the needs and wants of their constituents.
What surprised you most about our voter outreach?
That some people actually want to have conversations about what’s happening in our state and country! Even the ones who say they’re disengaged or hopeless about politics, once they hear what FLIP NC is doing, they become a little more talkative about issues that are important to them.
Have a funny story or touching moment to share? A conversation with a voter that stands out?
It’s an honor to talk to people who have lived in Durham for decades and have seen the city and North Carolina as a whole change so much. I talked to one woman (and a few doors later, her cousin!) who came from a family who has fought for voter rights for years. She was driving people to the polls as a teenager because her family was so passionate about ensuring people could vote. I love being a small part of a longstanding community that is continuing this work today.
What's your top canvassing tip?
Volunteers Sarah (right) and Marilyn talk with a voter in Durham
Try to not care about feeling awkward. Knocking on people’s doors, having people outside see you going up to houses, fumbling your words a bit – these are all things that gave me anxiety, before canvassing and even during the process. But remember, protecting our rights – the rights of North Carolinians – is way more important than those feelings of awkwardness. If we want to flip the courts, we have to be willing to potentially feel a little awkward. And the great news is – FLIP NC is such a kind community that provides you with a ton of encouragement and resources. Any awkwardness is fleeting.
What's your advice for someone who is new to voter outreach?
Just show up. You will be paired with an experienced canvasser who can take the lead on talking with people. You can talk as much or as little as you feel comfortable. In my opinion, two friendly/non-pushy people going up to a house is more approachable/less weird for the resident and adds legitimacy to FLIP NC. So just showing up is the best thing to do for someone new to voter outreach.
What is really motivating you to get involved?
The precarious state of North Carolina motivates me to get involved. No longer can I be a somewhat passive voter. The rights of North Carolinians are in danger, and I feel like I need to do my part – by joining the efforts of others who are fighting to protect them.
Who do you admire in politics?
Check out Supreme Court Justice Allison Riggs! She puts in a lot of on-the-ground work to meet and talk to North Carolinians and stand up for our rights in the courts. She’s the real deal.
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?
Such a good question. I would say that being in community and taking action towards the state/world you want to see are two ways to feel better about the current state of politics. After canvassing, I always feel calmer, a little more hopeful, and sustained to stay in the fight because I was around actual people who also want to see a better North Carolina. That’s exactly what FLIP NC provides – a kind community of people who share your feelings/values and provide research-backed ways to take action.
