I love these! And as you so accurately point out we’re already spending stupid amounts of money on stupid ideas. Why not experiment on others?
I also think that Dems need to start saying out loud that “Government is good”. There’s a constant drumbeat about how terrible it is, and talking about details doesn’t penetrate. Say the words, then back it up with examples
The infrastructure for the level of community services you suggest already exists - elementary schools! Most of them are within walking distance of the communities they serve. Daycare, Adult Ed, physical and mental health pros, parenting classes - just a few things that I could come up with off the top that would improve the lives of those in that community. Naturally, each community could decide for themselves what their community needs but certain things, like daycare, would be universal.
I'm really intrigued to hear more about the small scale community building by offering services. The part I'm trying to imagine is how to implement that on a local level, and it sounds like "run for local offices" 😅
I love the indoor playground idea so much. When you travel around Europe, you find more of these kinds of intergenerational public spaces - one of my favorite memories from a semester in Spain was discovering an outdoor tapas bar with an adjacent playground so you could sip a beer while your kid went nuts on the play structure. Young parents got to relax and socialize with each other while the kids played. There are similar set-ups in Sweden. I think our zoning laws get in the way- I'm not sure of the codes that would apply to setting up an outdoor restaurant, especially one with alcohol, in a public playground space - but I am convinced that whichever party creates these spaces will win landslides. During the pandemic we opened up playgrounds last in California, way behind bars and gyms, a fact that still rankles me and I think cost the Dems a lot of goodwill.
I just read this post and ones by Third Way and Mitch Landreau's group (i.e., Working Class Weekly). I have a few points to add:
1) The Democratic Party's messaging is laser focused on "Working Families" - I assume because some consultant said that would help get suburban Republican voters. But as a 71 year old, single, childless female, I would point out that "Mark & Priscilla Zuckerburg" are a "working family" but I am not. Nor are the droves of single male voters who voted for Trump. Ditch the phrase! It EXCLUDES everyone who is not married, a parent, and/or employed (which includes many people who are unemployed, disabled & can't get work, and/or are retired).
Amanda, this post is entirely focused from the perspective of a 35 - 40 year old parent with children. Nothing you talked about appealed to the problems that I have ...
4) See too Cerullo, Megan, “Money Watch: Are You "Functionally Unemployed"? Here's What the Unemployment Rate Doesn't Show,” CBS News (May 27, 2025). This is a HUGE problem that the Democrats rarely if ever discuss.
Having read more articles than I care to remember about the Democratic Party’s struggles to develop a new image and/or framework for governance, I decided to offer up my advice to help focus the discussion. As a disgruntled voter with the benefit of more than 50 years of participation in the political process, I’d suggest “Partnership for America’s Future” as an organizing theme for the Democrats (or any other party looking for one). Here how I’d pitch that to the American people.
Partnership for America’s Future
Government isn't Them. Or some scary Deep State set out to destroy our way of life. It is US. It is US working together to make life better for us individually and collectively. Core building blocks of that effort are:
An Educational System Second to None
Jobs to Build a Life On
Justice and Respect for All
Communities to Feel Safe In
A Helping Hand in Times of Need
Preservation of Our Constitutional Freedoms & the Rule of Law
An Economic System That Fosters Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Jobs for All
Stewardship of Our Precious Natural Resources
Global Leadership to Promote Peace and Prosperity
We still believe in the power of the American Dream and know that you do too. Let’s work together to make certain that dream becomes a reality for each and every one of us.
P.S. I've been sharing this across platforms - I've gotten positive response from all corners, even a male friend who is the typical MAGA voter.
I'm putting my 45+ years of public policy expertise - federal/state/local - and my election administration expertise (10 years working in the industry) to work. I'm building out a world class resource center for candidates, activists, and voters alike. Here's what I've done thus far.
~~~~~
Although millions of people are absorbed with protesting the actions of the Trump Administration, it’s equally important to launch an intensive planning effort for the 2025 and 2026 elections NOW! The strategy for these federal, state, and local contests must include achievement of the following objectives:
Every incumbent (Democratic and Republican) must have primary election challengers;
No candidate should run unopposed in the General Election;
Each and every voter – if he/she doesn’t run for office – MUST do everything he/she can to ensure robust competition. That means recruiting candidates, supporting their campaigns (financially & with sweat equity), and establishing a city/county/multi-county/state framework to support that work (if necessary);
High level attention must be paid to ballot issues in the states that allow initiative and referendum;
Recruitment of a diverse pool of candidates (e.g., young adults and female candidates in particular) is imperative; and
A commitment must be made to not only advocate for candidates, but also to fight the waves of disinformation, misinformation, and lies that are destroying our system of governance.
For those willing to step up to the challenge to run for office and/or to recruit candidates, Information Bank is being loaded with content to assist in that effort. Current content is as follows with an index of posted and forthcoming articles available as well (see “Facts, Figures, Lists” tab).
RESOURCES
A. Resources for Candidates and/or Potential Candidates (See Governing Tab)
1. Advice for Candidates: Communications 1
2. Advice for Candidates: Communications 2
3. Advice for Candidates: Determine Your Policy Positions 1
4. Advice for Candidates: Determine Your Policy Positions 2
5. Advice for Candidates: From a Winning One
6. Advice for Candidates: General Advice 1
7. Advice for Candidates: General Advice 2
8. Advice for Candidates: Recommended Reading
9. Advice for Candidates: Speeches 1
10. Advice for Candidates: Speeches 2
11. Advice for Democratic Party Leaders: Part 1
12. Advice for Democratic Party Leaders: Part 2
B. Resources for Activists, Campaign Staff, Candidates, and Voters (See Governing & Issue Insight Tabs)
1. Issue Insights: DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) Alternatives
2. Issue Insights: Kilmar Abrego Garcia
3. Issue Insights: Crime Rate
4. Issue Insights: Domestic Violence Deaths
5. Issue Insights: Economic Mobility
6. Issue Insights: FDR’s Proposed Second Bill of Rights
7. Issue Insights: Federal Debt Reduction
8. Issue Insights: Federal Disaster Assistance to State & Local Governments
7. Index to Information Bank (including posted & forthcoming articles)
8. Local Election Officials (Links to All States)
9. Local Governments in the United States, 1942 – 2022
10. State Attorneys General (detailed biographical & electoral information)
11. State Chief Election Administrators
12. State Supreme Court Justices (expanded information forthcoming)
13. The Federal Workforce
14. United States Senate Democrats (detailed contact information)
15. United States Senate Republicans (detailed contact information)
16. Who’s In Charge? Political Party Control of the Federal Government (January 1995 to Present)
All content is free for a 10-day period with key articles (e.g., election schedules) removed from the paywall. To enhance utility of the material, a PDF version is included with each post, which you are free to download and share.
This was interesting. I have spent 40 years in the social justice trenches. I assure, that until the DEMs recognize their MISOGYNY problem, nothing will change them. I finally became unaffiliated, stopped donating, and starting what I believe without wavering --akin to your point. This quote,
"Democracy is MICRO-LOCAL: won and held in the trenches. m. lee adamz"
We sing it to the tune of "Mulberry Bush" to imprint it.
1. For example, I have piloted a local sewing class. It will evolve into a "Sew, Cuz' they Grow" class. Experienced sewers teach families of young kids how to repair, reuse, resize kids clothes. (Skills transfer reduces consumerism. Mother earth is suffocating from cheap, fast fashion textiles in landfills.) The program WILL provide kids activities so the parents can attend AND concentrate. I hope it will replicate throughout my county then beyond.
2. I am encouraging people to grow food not lawns. Trade, gift, barder. Screw with cheedo peedo's grift by not spending in the "consumer" economy.
3. I have a pro-democracy, power woman dinner that now includes men and the next generation of pro-democracy fighters.
4. I have proposed the development of secular CONSTITUTIONAL/CIVIC Saturday classes for adults and children. I have advised that people start with outdoor picnic, FAMILY, We Read Banned Books. In other words, GIVE PEOPLE a GO TO. They find other pro-democracy people.
Now let me be clear, my county though "BLUE" & "progressive" is a good, old, white boy club. The old, DEM woman who consider themselves "politicly engaged & feminists"... I call boomer DEM karens. They treat democracy like book club. They are not much older than me, but they are privileged and retired. We are a universe apart.
I am done waiting for this county's DEMs to wake the ef up. I have watched them sabotage the campaigns of women and POC. I am done with democrat party.
I am starting a satirical... sure... podcast that is my version of what school house rock for adults (school house would cringe ... cuz adult satire) would be today since most "voters" do not even know what mid-terms are. (OMFG)
Ken Martin's DNC STUNT on Kenyatta and Hogg was THE END for me. In my world, the Pro-Democracy party emerges. Messy, diverse, with the message from the 80' thousand foot perspective:
The PRO-DEMOCRACY PARTY, now emerging:
1. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS for ALL AMERICANS and people in this country.
2. Mind your own holes, keep your god in your own pants. (m. lee adamz)
3. DO NO HARM.
4. Our success as a nation is measure by the living conditions of the least able among us.
"Voters don’t vote for ideas — they vote for people."
Is this still true? It feels like many swing voters are gravitating towards (or away from) the MAGA brand, irrespective of the candidate.
Definitely agree that we need to invest in on-the-ground coalition building -- my question is whether in-person coalitions will be hampered without a strong push to make the brand cool again from the institutional center (the DNC).
Perhaps the brand becomes cool when we elevate more of those young leaders.
I think it is still true. While there is a higher base level of polarization, people *come out to vote* for specific candidates. Those of us on either side who are pretty much straight-ticket and vote in each election probably cancel each other out.
I love these! And as you so accurately point out we’re already spending stupid amounts of money on stupid ideas. Why not experiment on others?
I also think that Dems need to start saying out loud that “Government is good”. There’s a constant drumbeat about how terrible it is, and talking about details doesn’t penetrate. Say the words, then back it up with examples
The infrastructure for the level of community services you suggest already exists - elementary schools! Most of them are within walking distance of the communities they serve. Daycare, Adult Ed, physical and mental health pros, parenting classes - just a few things that I could come up with off the top that would improve the lives of those in that community. Naturally, each community could decide for themselves what their community needs but certain things, like daycare, would be universal.
YES to everything here. We ALL need to exercise our creativity and find more and more of these big ideas! Kudos.
I'm really intrigued to hear more about the small scale community building by offering services. The part I'm trying to imagine is how to implement that on a local level, and it sounds like "run for local offices" 😅
I agree with every damn thing you wrote! Thank you I needed to see that someone else actually have real thoughts about real change!
I love the indoor playground idea so much. When you travel around Europe, you find more of these kinds of intergenerational public spaces - one of my favorite memories from a semester in Spain was discovering an outdoor tapas bar with an adjacent playground so you could sip a beer while your kid went nuts on the play structure. Young parents got to relax and socialize with each other while the kids played. There are similar set-ups in Sweden. I think our zoning laws get in the way- I'm not sure of the codes that would apply to setting up an outdoor restaurant, especially one with alcohol, in a public playground space - but I am convinced that whichever party creates these spaces will win landslides. During the pandemic we opened up playgrounds last in California, way behind bars and gyms, a fact that still rankles me and I think cost the Dems a lot of goodwill.
Smart, very smart. Your diagnosis is spot on.
I just read this post and ones by Third Way and Mitch Landreau's group (i.e., Working Class Weekly). I have a few points to add:
1) The Democratic Party's messaging is laser focused on "Working Families" - I assume because some consultant said that would help get suburban Republican voters. But as a 71 year old, single, childless female, I would point out that "Mark & Priscilla Zuckerburg" are a "working family" but I am not. Nor are the droves of single male voters who voted for Trump. Ditch the phrase! It EXCLUDES everyone who is not married, a parent, and/or employed (which includes many people who are unemployed, disabled & can't get work, and/or are retired).
Amanda, this post is entirely focused from the perspective of a 35 - 40 year old parent with children. Nothing you talked about appealed to the problems that I have ...
2) If you want to get news to the public, look at what I'm doing with my "News to Know" posts, https://sharonlawrence.substack.com/p/climate-environment-and-emergency-e4d.
3) Democrats need to look at the Ludwig True Rate of Unemployment, https://www.lisep.org/tru.
4) See too Cerullo, Megan, “Money Watch: Are You "Functionally Unemployed"? Here's What the Unemployment Rate Doesn't Show,” CBS News (May 27, 2025). This is a HUGE problem that the Democrats rarely if ever discuss.
Having read more articles than I care to remember about the Democratic Party’s struggles to develop a new image and/or framework for governance, I decided to offer up my advice to help focus the discussion. As a disgruntled voter with the benefit of more than 50 years of participation in the political process, I’d suggest “Partnership for America’s Future” as an organizing theme for the Democrats (or any other party looking for one). Here how I’d pitch that to the American people.
Partnership for America’s Future
Government isn't Them. Or some scary Deep State set out to destroy our way of life. It is US. It is US working together to make life better for us individually and collectively. Core building blocks of that effort are:
An Educational System Second to None
Jobs to Build a Life On
Justice and Respect for All
Communities to Feel Safe In
A Helping Hand in Times of Need
Preservation of Our Constitutional Freedoms & the Rule of Law
An Economic System That Fosters Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Jobs for All
Stewardship of Our Precious Natural Resources
Global Leadership to Promote Peace and Prosperity
We still believe in the power of the American Dream and know that you do too. Let’s work together to make certain that dream becomes a reality for each and every one of us.
P.S. I've been sharing this across platforms - I've gotten positive response from all corners, even a male friend who is the typical MAGA voter.
I am all over this. See what I'm doing, https://sharonlawrence.substack.com/p/governing-put-pedal-to-the-metal.
I'm putting my 45+ years of public policy expertise - federal/state/local - and my election administration expertise (10 years working in the industry) to work. I'm building out a world class resource center for candidates, activists, and voters alike. Here's what I've done thus far.
~~~~~
Although millions of people are absorbed with protesting the actions of the Trump Administration, it’s equally important to launch an intensive planning effort for the 2025 and 2026 elections NOW! The strategy for these federal, state, and local contests must include achievement of the following objectives:
Every incumbent (Democratic and Republican) must have primary election challengers;
No candidate should run unopposed in the General Election;
Each and every voter – if he/she doesn’t run for office – MUST do everything he/she can to ensure robust competition. That means recruiting candidates, supporting their campaigns (financially & with sweat equity), and establishing a city/county/multi-county/state framework to support that work (if necessary);
High level attention must be paid to ballot issues in the states that allow initiative and referendum;
Recruitment of a diverse pool of candidates (e.g., young adults and female candidates in particular) is imperative; and
A commitment must be made to not only advocate for candidates, but also to fight the waves of disinformation, misinformation, and lies that are destroying our system of governance.
For those willing to step up to the challenge to run for office and/or to recruit candidates, Information Bank is being loaded with content to assist in that effort. Current content is as follows with an index of posted and forthcoming articles available as well (see “Facts, Figures, Lists” tab).
RESOURCES
A. Resources for Candidates and/or Potential Candidates (See Governing Tab)
1. Advice for Candidates: Communications 1
2. Advice for Candidates: Communications 2
3. Advice for Candidates: Determine Your Policy Positions 1
4. Advice for Candidates: Determine Your Policy Positions 2
5. Advice for Candidates: From a Winning One
6. Advice for Candidates: General Advice 1
7. Advice for Candidates: General Advice 2
8. Advice for Candidates: Recommended Reading
9. Advice for Candidates: Speeches 1
10. Advice for Candidates: Speeches 2
11. Advice for Democratic Party Leaders: Part 1
12. Advice for Democratic Party Leaders: Part 2
B. Resources for Activists, Campaign Staff, Candidates, and Voters (See Governing & Issue Insight Tabs)
1. Issue Insights: DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) Alternatives
2. Issue Insights: Kilmar Abrego Garcia
3. Issue Insights: Crime Rate
4. Issue Insights: Domestic Violence Deaths
5. Issue Insights: Economic Mobility
6. Issue Insights: FDR’s Proposed Second Bill of Rights
7. Issue Insights: Federal Debt Reduction
8. Issue Insights: Federal Disaster Assistance to State & Local Governments
9. Issue Insights: Immigration
10. Issue Insights: Landlord – Tenant
11. Issue Insights: Medicaid Expansion
12. Issue Insights: PFAs (a.k.a, Forever Chemicals)
13. Issue Insights: Political Reform, Parts 1 – 3
14. Issue Insights: Preventing Social Security Payments To and Voting By The Deceased
15. Issue Insights: Regressive State Tax Systems
16. Issue Insights: Rural Child Care Services
17. Issue Insights: Rural Economy, Parts 1 – 3
18. Issue Insights: Rural Mental Health
19. Issue Insights: Tariffs
20. Issue Insights: Untested Rape Kits
21. Issues & Answers: Suggestions for Improving the Performance of Government (ongoing series)
22. News to Know: Elections et al. (ongoing series)
23. News to Know: Climate Change, Environment & Emergency Management (ongoing series, see tab by the same name)
24. News to Know: Trump 2.0 Actions (ongoing series)
C. Guidance to Become a High Impact Voter (See Governing Tab)
1. Elections 2025 & 2025: An Action Plan For Voters, Parts 1 – 5
2. Elections 2025 & 2026: Ballot Issues (calendar & detail)
3. Elections 2025 & 2025: Congressional Elections (calendar)
4. Elections 2025 – 2027: State Legislative Elections (calendar)
5. Elections 2025 & 2026: The Race is ON! (list of major candidates for federal & state offices)
6. Elections 2025 & 2026: Voter Registration Contacts (to be updated for 2025)
7. Special Topics: Accessible Voting Equipment
8. Special Topics: Alternative News Sources
9. Special Topics: Be On the Alert for Election Related Scams
10. Special Topics: Be Prepared for Special Elections
11. Special Topics: Bilingual Voting Materials & Translation Assistance
12. Special Topics: Candidate Forums (general)
13. Special Topics: Candidate Forums (judges & prosecutors)
14. Special Topics: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Voting
15. Special Topics: Communicating with Government Officials
16. Special Topics: How to Make Certain Your Vote Counts (Voting Tips 1 – 50)
17. Special Topics: May People with Autism Vote?
18. Special Topics: May People with Dementia Vote?
19. Special Topics: Rethinking Voter Education
20. Special Topics: Updating Your Signature on File with the Elections Office
21. Special Topics: What Are Provisional Ballots? Why Are They Important?
22. State Guide – Kentucky Votes 2024 (to be updated for 2025 & 2026)
23. State Guide – Texas Votes 2024 (to be updated for 2025 & 2026)
24. State Guide – New Jersey (to be added)
25. State Guide – Virginia (to be added)
D. Combatting Disinformation, Misinformation, and Deliberate Lies (See Governing Tab)
1. Behind the Scenes of Election Administration #1 (multiple topics)
2. Behind the Scenes of Election Administration #2 (voting equipment security)
E. Facts, Figures & Lists (See Facts, Figures & Lists Tab)
1. Animal Welfare Advocacy Groups
2. Budget, Economic & Tax Facts, Parts 1 – 4
3. Calendar of Federal, State, and Local Government Activity (2025 – 2026)
4. Election Administrators, Experts, Professional Organizations, and Recommended Reading
5. Government Acronym Guide
6. Governors (detailed biographical & electoral information)
7. Index to Information Bank (including posted & forthcoming articles)
8. Local Election Officials (Links to All States)
9. Local Governments in the United States, 1942 – 2022
10. State Attorneys General (detailed biographical & electoral information)
11. State Chief Election Administrators
12. State Supreme Court Justices (expanded information forthcoming)
13. The Federal Workforce
14. United States Senate Democrats (detailed contact information)
15. United States Senate Republicans (detailed contact information)
16. Who’s In Charge? Political Party Control of the Federal Government (January 1995 to Present)
All content is free for a 10-day period with key articles (e.g., election schedules) removed from the paywall. To enhance utility of the material, a PDF version is included with each post, which you are free to download and share.
This was interesting. I have spent 40 years in the social justice trenches. I assure, that until the DEMs recognize their MISOGYNY problem, nothing will change them. I finally became unaffiliated, stopped donating, and starting what I believe without wavering --akin to your point. This quote,
"Democracy is MICRO-LOCAL: won and held in the trenches. m. lee adamz"
We sing it to the tune of "Mulberry Bush" to imprint it.
1. For example, I have piloted a local sewing class. It will evolve into a "Sew, Cuz' they Grow" class. Experienced sewers teach families of young kids how to repair, reuse, resize kids clothes. (Skills transfer reduces consumerism. Mother earth is suffocating from cheap, fast fashion textiles in landfills.) The program WILL provide kids activities so the parents can attend AND concentrate. I hope it will replicate throughout my county then beyond.
2. I am encouraging people to grow food not lawns. Trade, gift, barder. Screw with cheedo peedo's grift by not spending in the "consumer" economy.
3. I have a pro-democracy, power woman dinner that now includes men and the next generation of pro-democracy fighters.
4. I have proposed the development of secular CONSTITUTIONAL/CIVIC Saturday classes for adults and children. I have advised that people start with outdoor picnic, FAMILY, We Read Banned Books. In other words, GIVE PEOPLE a GO TO. They find other pro-democracy people.
Now let me be clear, my county though "BLUE" & "progressive" is a good, old, white boy club. The old, DEM woman who consider themselves "politicly engaged & feminists"... I call boomer DEM karens. They treat democracy like book club. They are not much older than me, but they are privileged and retired. We are a universe apart.
I am done waiting for this county's DEMs to wake the ef up. I have watched them sabotage the campaigns of women and POC. I am done with democrat party.
I am starting a satirical... sure... podcast that is my version of what school house rock for adults (school house would cringe ... cuz adult satire) would be today since most "voters" do not even know what mid-terms are. (OMFG)
Ken Martin's DNC STUNT on Kenyatta and Hogg was THE END for me. In my world, the Pro-Democracy party emerges. Messy, diverse, with the message from the 80' thousand foot perspective:
The PRO-DEMOCRACY PARTY, now emerging:
1. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS for ALL AMERICANS and people in this country.
2. Mind your own holes, keep your god in your own pants. (m. lee adamz)
3. DO NO HARM.
4. Our success as a nation is measure by the living conditions of the least able among us.
THIS. IS. SIMPLE.
"Voters don’t vote for ideas — they vote for people."
Is this still true? It feels like many swing voters are gravitating towards (or away from) the MAGA brand, irrespective of the candidate.
Definitely agree that we need to invest in on-the-ground coalition building -- my question is whether in-person coalitions will be hampered without a strong push to make the brand cool again from the institutional center (the DNC).
Perhaps the brand becomes cool when we elevate more of those young leaders.
I think it is still true. While there is a higher base level of polarization, people *come out to vote* for specific candidates. Those of us on either side who are pretty much straight-ticket and vote in each election probably cancel each other out.