Knocking on doors in my run for Oregon Senate District 26’s toss-up race, I meet many people disengaged from politics, despite the many ways elected officials’ decisions impact our lives.
As an educator and life-long learner, I understand sometimes we need a clear, manageable goal to begin a new habit. Thus was born the “Triple-2 Pledge.“
This framework gives YOU the choice over how you engage, on what topics – making room for the issues you care about – and you may discover others as you go!
All we ask is that you cultivate curiosity, humility, and courage as you learn complex ideas and get (more) involved.
We need you! This kind of engagement feels good.
Wishing you the joy, sense of meaning, and inspiration that I (and so many others) have gained from slowly increasing our engagement with political information and activities.
– Raz Mason
How to Triple-2:
Sign up here:
We won’t know what you do, but will feel encouraged to know you’ve taken up the challenge, and will send good vibes.
Spreadsheet for tracking weekly actions:
Do File/Make a Copy to create your own.
Read at least 2 in-depth news articles or book chapters per week
I learn much from the SmartNews app (also available on desktop). Strongly recommended: Reading articles across the political spectrum to understand how the “other side” is framing an issue (developing a response that addresses their frame, as well as communicating your frame/values). Look for articles that show solid journalistic investigation. Some of my favorite news sources: The Intercept (“in-depth investigations and unflinching analysis”) and Robert Reich’s Substack on economic justice.
Social media: Make at least 2 political or issue posts (or reposts personalized with your comment)
By sharing on social media, you will help friends learn and become more engaged. They’ll take seriously the issues you share because of their care for you.
Over time you may develop a network of wise, engaged political activists, thought-leaders, and elected officials – who will alert you to important ideas and actions.
At least 2 hours of action each week
Recommended: Track your time on a phone app.
Meetings – political– For example, your county’s Democratic committee meeting (many held monthly) or other political activism group (Indivisible groups highly recommended); a statewide Democratic Party Caucus (in Oregon, membership is free and open to any registered Democrat), or many others.
Meetings – governmental – City Council, Planning Commission, School Board, Soil & Water Conservation District, Port…you name it – drop in and see what people are deciding, Learning to sit through long, boring meetings is a superpower that prepares you to participate in community decision-making.
Meetings – issue-based – Act on climate change, economic justice, equity and inclusion, housing, transportation, animal welfare…you name it, there is likely a group committed to making your community or the state better. They would be glad of your involvement.
Canvassing – During election season, this is the most powerful way to increase electability of good candidates. You can go with a friend, and you may surprise yourself by loving it.
Writing campaign postcards – Handwritten postcards in support of a candidate make a much stronger impression than a generic mailing. Save democracy while watching TV.
Messaging your elected officials (and posting on social media you’ve done so) – especially if you share a statistic or compelling argument discovered during your weekly article reading, it’s powerful to let elected officials know how you expect them to represent you. Causes is a good place to learn about proposed policies – easily click a button to message your elected/s.
Advanced: Write a letter to the editor (LTE) – write a few paragraphs in support of a good candidate or share/inform about the importance of an issue. You can start by reading LTEs already published in your local paper (available free at the library).
Attending/helping plan a rally, workshop, conference, etc. – These are powerful ways to make personal connections, be informed, and improve things IRL (in real life).
Share your pledge post:
You can use Canva to add a picture of yourself to post on social media.
Please tag @razmason on Twitter and @masonfororegon on Instagram, plus #orpol #triple2 #vote #savingdemocracyfeelsgood
Share your Triple-2 activities online (#triple2) and message us to let us know how it’s going.
Your actions do make a difference. We need your engagement, thoughtfulness, and passion!
