By Melita Easters
Georgia WIN List Executive Director and Founding Chair
While contemplating new year’s resolutions for 2026, please consider adapting portions of these seven suggestions for moving towards greater involvement in the new year. Together, we will protect and preserve Democracy for future generations.
1. Be INFORMED
Make it part of your daily routine to check reliable news sources even when the news you read is difficult to process. It is tempting to shut out unpleasant headlines, but, “Democracy Dies in Darkness, as the masthead of The Washington Post says.
The Trump administration wants the rest of us to turn a blind eye to what they are continuing to do to ignore the rule of law and subvert the Constitution. We can’t look away!
Consider purchasing subscriptions to legitimate news organizations, including some of Georgia’s well-respected community journalism platforms. Quality journalism needs and deserves paid subscribers to compete with the sometimes more “interesting and readable” but entirely fictitious “fake news” produced with huge cash infusions from authoritarian regimes in other parts of the world.
Consumer advocate Ralph Nader once said, “Nothing can stop the power of an informed citizenry when it is empowered, organized, and motivated.” Regrettably, the current divisive and toxic political environment which seems to be effectively ripping our nation to shreds arises from an “ill-informed citizenry” – people who believe the “fake news” produced by our nation’s enemies and propped up by an army of bots.
A resolution to be responsible for the accuracy of what you post or share on social media and for properly vetting the “facts” you use for forming an opinion is now more difficult due to technological advances. The artificial intelligence technology used to produce fake videos is now more sophisticated and more widely available. Already, campaigns and independent groups funded by dark money in Georgia have demonstrated they are willing to utilize this technology for political ads and other nefarious purposes. Please be especially sure any videos you share are from trusted sources.
In a particularly polarized political environment, it is important for Democrats to communicate with swing and persuadable voters in a respectful and articulate fashion about why the 2026 slate of Democratic candidates is a smarter choice. Being well-informed allows you to talk calmly about your Democratic values and offers the best opportunity for persuading other voters. Personal conversations among friends and acquaintances are far more persuasive than television ads, direct mail, or phone calls from strangers.
2. Be a RESPECTFUL ADVOCATE
Advocacy requires lifting your voice to promote the causes you hold dear. Effective advocacy does not require special training.
Advocates hold elected officials accountable! Place your elected representatives at the national, state and local level on a “favorites” list for your devices. Make your opinions known on proposed legislation and policies with phone calls and clearly worded, carefully thought-out letters and e-mails.
If you are fortunate enough to be represented by legislators or a member of congress who consistently vote your values, please reach out to express your appreciation. In these divided times, letters and phone calls demonstrating appreciation and support help off-set the avalanche of mean, hateful, and sometimes even threatening messages sent by those on the other side. Elected officials from both parties often mention the current toxic political environment in legislative or Congressional retirement messages.
When your elected representatives take positions contrary to your beliefs and values, call their offices to make your voice heard in a respectful fashion. Staffers for elected officials keep daily report tallies for calls received and opinions expressed. It takes only a minute to make sure your opinions are represented in those numbers. Please remember staffers answering the phones are doing their jobs and deserve to be treated with respect!
When possible, visit the Capitol for hearings or press conferences on state issues important to you. Or, attend meetings of your city, county or school board to make your voice heard. “Suiting up and showing up” is the next step beyond a phone call or letter. Being among the concerned citizens during public hearings can be the first step towards a later decision to seek elected office. Attending public hearings is a great way to practice the diplomatic art of disagreeing on issues without being personally disagreeable.
Consider becoming a public face for issues you care about by writing a letter to the editor or guest column for your local newspaper. Check the guidelines for submission and follow them to give your efforts a greater chance for being printed without substantial edits. If your letter or op-ed is not published by the outlet you submit it to, “publish” it yourself as a post on personal social media platforms!
3. Be a CAMPAIGN VOLUNTEER
It takes the proverbial “village” to run a campaign. Our WIN List endorsed women candidates work hard to win elected office. Candidates need the support of a volunteer “village” to help them knock on doors, make phone calls, address/stamp letters or post cards, and plan fundraisers. Canvassing teams who are willing to knock on carefully vetted doors are especially appreciated. As election day nears, campaigns also need volunteers who will drive voters to the polls for early voting or election day.
Utilizing modern technology, a volunteer can place phone calls for a candidate without ever leaving the comfort of home. Making calls is easy and requires no additional special equipment. The campaign will provide you with a script and instructions.
Many currently elected women in Georgia volunteered in the campaigns of other candidates long before they placed their own names on a ballot. Campaigning for someone else is a great way to determine whether you wish to run for office yourself in the future.
4. Be an OPINION LEADER
Be the person in your circle of friends who knows what is going on and shares that knowledge with others. Start by sharing this blog post and information about Georgia’s WIN List. Consider organizing a house party to discuss important issues – WIN List speakers are happy to talk with your group. We are currently booking house parties and speaking engagements for early 2026. Contact us if you want more information about hosting a house party or booking Executive Director Melita Easters or a board member to speak before a large group or civic club.
Develop your leadership skills by applying to the WIN Leadership Academy or leadership development programs offered in your community. Applications for the 2026 WIN Leadership Academy are now open. Get more information or apply here.
If you are not yet ready for a leadership role, find a public servant you can offer volunteer assistance to. The most successful WIN List endorsed women have a supportive sisterhood of women who encouraged them to run, continue to help them WIN re-election and serve as a sounding board for important issues.
5. Be a PUBLIC SERVANT
Not all public service requires running for elected office. Consider service on an appointed board or commission at the local, county, or regional level.
Appointed boards provide oversight to local hospitals, libraries, industrial parks and other quasi-public functions. Each county has a local board of elections to supervise the selection of polling places and the certification of election results. Many counties and cities have local zoning boards or commissions which conduct hearings and make recommendations about new development proposals and requests for exemptions from existing zoning ordinances.
Official names of these entities vary, but appointments to these board/commission/authority positions are usually made by locally elected officials. Ask the city or county clerk to determine if there is a list of the available positions in your community – if not, volunteer to help create such a list. With list in hand, attend a few public meetings of the group which you think might be a fit for your talents. It is always best to be sure this is a service opportunity you would enjoy before asking to be considered for the next vacancy.
Service on appointed board and commissions demonstrates your willingness to serve the community and is a great way to become involved while also learning more. These appointed positions often serve as a stepping-stone to future campaigns for elected offices as demonstrated by the resumes of many currently serving elected officials.
6. Be CONNECTED
Follow your local elected officials and like-minded groups on social media and sign up to receive their newsletters. Attend community/neighborhood meetings, WIN List events, political party meetings and gatherings hosted by progressive groups to connect with others who share your values.
Joining others who also want to make a difference empowers the group and new recruits always bring hope to progressive causes. Following groups on social media and staying connected will lead you to opportunities for action and advocacy. Sign up for our e-blasts here. Follow Georgia WIN List on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
7. Be a DONOR
Last, but not the least, Georgia’s WIN List, and all progressive groups for that matter, depend upon generous donors to fund their efforts.
WIN List can’t train future leaders and recruit candidates without your support and gifts in any amount are appreciated! Setting up a monthly gift which is automatically charged to debit or credit cards helps the WIN List board establish a budget. Consider donating monthly what you might otherwise spend on one evening out or make a WIN List gift rather than purchasing yet another white blouse or pair of black shoes. Electronic payments and monthly pledges are accepted via our website.
Georgia WIN List is extremely grateful for the support of donors who have believed in our mission to Change the Face of Power in Georgia for the past 25 years.
Lead Follow or Get Out of the Way!
“Lead, follow or get out of the way,” is a commonly used phrase attributed to many including General George S. Patton. The sentiment is particularly applicable today. Will you be a leader in these critical times?
A failure to take action in 2026 demonstrates you are willing to watch Republicans continue to hold power under Georgia’s Gold Dome. There is FAR too much at stake now to merely “get out of the way” and let others do the difficult work.
Building on the momentum of recent Democratic FLIPS from red to blue creates a rising BLUE tide in Georgia. This blue wave lifts up candidates who have pledged to protect democracy, restore reproductive freedom, and continue the fight for justice and equality as outlined in the Declaration of Independence two and a half centuries ago.
Each of us must do our part! What are you willing to do?
P.S. – Take your first step towards becoming an opinion leader by sharing this blog post with friends via e-mail or on your favorite social media platform!
