John,

I have been on the ground here in Cleveland for the past 2 weeks supporting Nina Turner’s campaign in the lead up to the election. Yesterday we had a great experience while our CEO, Yvette Simpson, was out knocking doors with Nina Turner that exemplifies why DFA’s strategy of grassroots organizing works, and I wanted to share this story, along with some photos from the trail with you.

While canvassing a neighborhood in Shaker Heights we came upon a home that had both a Nina Turner yard sign and a Shontel Brown sign. Curious as to why a single family home would have both signs a couple of us approached the owner of the house who was already outside speaking with canvassers from a local city council race.

I said to him, I’ve got to know! Why both signs? The owner explained a classic split household situation. He supports Shontel while his wife supports Nina. We asked him why he supported Shontel and he said because she knocked on his door and asked for his vote. We said, Nina is right next door, would you like to meet her? Nina and Yvette see us talking and they come over to introduce themselves. We tell them the story and we all laughed together about how he should always listen to his wife.

After a great conversation with Nina and Yvette, I asked him who he was leaning towards now and he said he was going to vote for Nina and he took out the Shontel yard sign and put it in the trash! It was clear to him after his conversation with Nina and Yvette that Nina is committed to justice - economic, racial, social, health care, and environmental justice - for all of us and is exactly what Ohio’s 11th district needs.

This is a great example of why the grassroots organizing that we do here at DFA works.

Far too many candidates think they can win if they spend their time and donor’s money on social media or TV. But we know that doesn't get you votes.

What gets you votes is real conversations and relationships built between volunteers and voters.

That is why we travel to support races like Nina’s on the ground. That is why we invest your contributions to DFA wisely and put it towards grassroots organizing, spreading every dollar as far as it will go.

This is just one example of thousands that illustrate how important our work is. We currently have 34 candidates that we are supporting with people power and small-dollar donations from people like you.

Fund this crucial work now!! With Nina's election today and more critical elections this fall and in 2022, can you help support this work and donate what you can to DFA today?

We spread every dollar you give us as far as it will go towards people-powered movements and grassroots organizing.

If you are unable to donate please consider knocking doors for a candidate in your area or making phone calls or sending texts for them.

Thank you for all of your support! Stay tuned for more updates from the trail soon!

— Nelson

Nelson Pierce
Grassroots Powerbuilder
Democracy for America