2024 Rural Roadmap Toolkit from RuralVote.org
2023 validated two long-standing tenets of our philosophy, both of which defy conventional wisdom. First, traditional organizing — the hard work of neighbors speaking to neighbors and having conversations about local issues — is the most effective way to ensure long-standing progressive change. Direct voter contact is critical to winning elections, especially in rural communities often overlooked by campaigns. The two referendums in Ohio this year gave us invaluable insights into the work that needs to be done and this toolkit highlights our winning strategy for 2024.
TALK TO YOUR NEIGHBORS
While conducting our 2022 Exit Interview project in early 2023, we spoke with 50 nationwide organizers, candidates, and organizations. In addition to the lack of civic infrastructure, funding, and geographic challenges, a surprising theme emerged. HOPE.
Voting is an emotional and social act, and while the messaging dominating both political parties is fear, the conservatives are doing a great job of correlating that emotion to another powerful one: Anger. To gain ground in 2024, progressives must cultivate a message that brings hope and generates a desire to take action informed by progressive policy.