Claire lives in Durham with her partner, John, and their two cats, Kevin and Betty. From UNC, she earned her bachelor’s degree and a master’s in public health (MPH) degree and has stayed ever since. She is now a fundraiser for the UNC School of Medicine, teaches Barre3, and serves on the board of Girls on the Run of the Triangle. She was introduced to FLIP NC by a friend in early 2020.
Check out this Q&A with Claire, and then sign up to join her at an upcoming FLIP NC event!
How many times have you volunteered with FLIP NC?
Claire (right) volunteering with FLIP NC in early 2020
I have now canvassed three times, helped once with a phone bank, and drop lit weekly with a small group of FLIP NC volunteers that live near me in Durham.
What surprised you most about our voter outreach?
I love how intentional and data-driven the FLIP NC strategy is. Knowing the effort that has been put into testing the materials and selecting the people we speak with gives me confidence that the time and effort I’m giving is valued and makes a difference.
What's your top tip for someone who is new to voter outreach?
Don’t get me wrong – I consistently get nervous right before I walk up to someone’s door. It is intimidating! But the more you do it, the more positive experiences you’ll have with voters, and that helps soothe some of the nerves. Also, FLIP NC does a great job honoring your comfort level and often has several experienced canvassers there who are willing to pair up with newbies.
Claire (second from right) and fellow volunteers at our July Durham canvass talking with Judge Thompson (right)
How are you feeling about the 2024 election? Optimistic?
Cautiously optimistic. It has been an exciting and inspiring few weeks since Biden stepped down and endorsed Harris. My caution comes from knowing a lot can happen between now and November – and I want to do whatever I can to help keep the momentum going!
Other than politics, what’s a passion of yours?
Last year, I began training as a fitness instructor and now teach four to five classes a week at Barre3 in Chapel Hill. I’ve always enjoyed taking classes, but never thought I could teach. Now I get to make my own classes and playlists and am always making connections with new people. It’s been so fun to learn something new and tap into other parts of my brain that I don’t use during my “day job” (which is also how I feel about canvassing). Come take a class with me!
Claire with fellow volunteer Rob
Who do you admire in politics? Why?
Pete Buttigieg. He is such an effective communicator and seems unafraid of wading into conversations and settings that might be full of conflict. As someone who is a card-carrying “conflict-avoider,” I admire anyone who is able to remain both convicted and open in those sometimes-difficult conversations.