Ali lives in Raleigh with her husband and their assortment of houseplants. In her day job, she supports independent primary care physicians across North Carolina with behind-the-scenes health care data analytics and reporting. She came across FLIP NC online, when she was looking to get involved after moving to Raleigh in 2018. Since then, she has volunteered at numerous FLIP NC canvasses and has been lit dropping regularly since this year’s campaign launched.
Check out this Q&A with Ali, and then sign up to join her at an upcoming FLIP NC event!
What surprised you most about our voter outreach?
Ali (right) with fellow canvasser Lopa Patel
FLIP NC has a unique approach, and I was impressed with how targeted the outreach campaigns are. The team focuses on specific state-level races or certain districts where they've identified the greatest opportunity for impact.
Have a funny story or touching moment to share?
I always get warm fuzzies when people I canvass say, "Thank you for doing this!"
What's your top canvassing tip?
The first door is always the hardest, but once you jump in and get past those first awkward conversations, it can be really gratifying. I also think many people are glad to meet someone who feels the same way they do and happy you took the time to stop by.
If you've participated in other voter outreach efforts, how are FLIP NC's different?
FLIP NC prepares and provides a lot of great materials for volunteers so that we're always well-equipped every time we go out. Materials include scripts, videos, and live demos, and sometimes the candidates are at the starting point to speak to volunteers, which has been great. Hearing directly from the candidates definitely raises the excitement level!
The team is also very well-organized, data-driven, and always looking for feedback. I love that FLIP NC follows up with results, such as the number of doors knocked, election impact, etc.
What's your top tip for someone who is new to voter outreach?
Just do it! There's a role for everyone, and getting out with fellow volunteers and talking to voters is a total mood booster.
What is really motivating you to get involved?
Ali (4th from left) with the Wendell canvass crew
The post-canvass pizza is a big motivator for me! I don't want to have any regrets after election night 2024 – at least I will know I took a stand.
How are you feeling about the 2024 election?
It depends on the day! Hopeful, resigned, energized, anxious … and sometimes I just have to step away for a bit.
Other than politics, what’s a passion of yours?
Bicycling! Raleigh is a great place to cycle year-round. The greenways are a gift, and it always amazes me how peaceful I feel after a bike ride through Umstead State Park.
Who do you admire in politics? Why?
NC Representative Julie von Haefen. Her e-newsletters are really informative and help me understand what's happening at the state level with some of the biggest issues I care about. I also like that she spends time with young people through substitute teaching and by participating in events such as the local Girl Scouts' and League of Women Voters' Voter Girl Project.
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?
It is definitely hard to stay positive since it feels like most of what's happening these days is beyond our control. Volunteering with groups like FLIP NC helps me feel like I have control over something, though, and I really appreciate the sense of community and support the FLIP NC team and volunteers provide.
