Defending Democracy in 2024
Heather Cook
Principal PM Manager, Microsoft | Community Connector | Award-Winning Marketer | Speaker | Storyteller | Podcaster | Voice Artist | Founder - Creative Maven
Welcome to Maven Musings! I'm thrilled to connect with you. Biweekly, we’ll discuss Global inclusivity, technology, women’s empowerment, and healthy workplace culture through my unique and joyful lens. Join me on a journey of inspiration, positivity, and creativity.
Democracy isn’t a given; it’s something we actively create and defend every single day. It's the decisions we make, the conversations we have, and the actions we take that shape our future. As we approach the next presidential election, the stakes couldn't be higher. Every interaction we have is an opportunity to reinforce the values that keep our democracy alive. Democracy is on the ballot, and it’s up to us to protect it.
So, what can you do? How can you contribute your time, your resources, and your talent to this cause? Here's how:
Voter Registration
Start with the basics: make sure you, your family, and everyone in your circle are registered to vote. Ask them directly—don’t assume anything. Share this link: IWillVote to check your registration status. Have your driver’s license or ID ready to speed up the process. Take a screenshot of your verification and save it in your phone's favorites, so you’re ready for Election Day. Then, help others in your community do the same. Voting is our most powerful tool—your vote is your voice.
For a deeper dive into voting information, visit Vote.gov. And don't forget to tell people who you're voting for and why. Personal stories resonate—use yours to inspire others.
Get a personalized link to help register voters here: When We All Vote.
Get Involved: Share, Talk, and Act
Engagement doesn’t stop at voting. Join the campaign for Kamala Harris by participating in Women Wednesdays for Harris. Each week, you’ll get actionable steps to organize and win this election. RSVP here: Women Wednesdays for Harris.
Sign up to be a poll worker (I am!). It's a nonpartisan, sometimes paid position that’s a fantastic way to support our democracy. Plus, it’s fun to help people on Election Day. Learn more here: Power to the Polls.
Make the Call: Phone Banking
Phone banking is another crucial way to contribute.
You can find volunteer opportunities and phone bank links here: Team Harris Mobilize
Learn and Take Action
Want to canvas, write postcards, or phone bank? The Democratic National Committee has a wealth of resources to get you started. Explore volunteer opportunities here: Democratic National Committee on Mobilize.
Winning swing states like Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin is critical.
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Write Postcards
Handwritten postcards can make a big difference in voter turnout. Join efforts like MomsRising, Vote Forward, and Postcards to Voters to send personal messages that encourage people to vote. Here are the links to get started:
Stay Inspired and Educated
Stay engaged and informed by watching powerful discussions and calls to action. Here are a few to check out:
Learn about Project 2025 and Agenda 47 through these resources:
Finally, stay informed with daily Substack newsletters from trusted voices in the community:
Our vote is our voice and coming together as a people and a nation is so important.
All of these actions, discussions, and more can be done with respect, passion and joy, which is what civil discourse should be about.
I am more joyous than I have been in a long time. I loved watching the Olympics where opposing teams came together and our Team USA inspired us all.
I love this country, my neighbors, my community and I love feeling more hope. I also understand the assignment of supporting Vice President Kamala Harris becoming our next President of the United States. #LFG
Empathy makes us human. Action makes us (joyful) warriors.
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CEO - Davos in the Desert
3moDavos in the Desert is running a one-day virtual conference on Defending Democracy. https://davosinthedesert.us/defending-democracy
Microsoft MVP | Peer group leader | Thought leader, speaker, author, consultant, trainer, advisor | founding President of the National Society of IT Service Providers | Giver to the community |
4moComprehensive. I will share
Microsoft MVP | Strategist, Governance & Change Enabler at Avanade | Driving Business Transformation International Speaker | Blogger | Community Member | Microsoft Copilot Studio MVP
4moLove this! ❤️
Vice President - Senior Collaboration Product Manager at U.S. Bank
4moHeather - Thank you for being the leader you always are and sharing this critical information.
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4moThis is a very Interesting event Heather Cook thanks for sharing this Democracy isn’t a given; it’s something we actively create and defend every single day. It's the decisions we make, the conversations we have, and the actions we take that shape our future. As we approach the next presidential election, the stakes couldn't be higher. Every interaction we have is an opportunity to reinforce the values that keep our democracy alive. Democracy is on the ballot, and it’s up to us to protect it.