What Difference Can One Person Make?

In times of political turmoil, it’s easy to ask what our favorite party is doing to win elections or control the narrative. But too often, after a win, the volunteers disappear, thinking their job is done.

I know this because I’ve done it.
I phone banked for Barack Obama’s campaign, felt proud when he won, and then faded back into my daily life.

Years later, during Biden’s and then Harris’s campaigns, I got involved again. This time, I saw people writing postcards and letters to the editor. I wondered: Does that even help? I thought we needed “more effective” communication.

But here’s what I’ve come to understand:
One person can make a difference—just not by doing nothing.

When we each contribute—no matter how small—it adds up. The Democratic Party needs people like you and me to keep showing up, not just during presidential years, but in every election.

Let’s look at the numbers:

• 🏠 Face-to-face canvassing raises voter turnout by 2.5–4.3 percentage points—the most effective method we have.
• ✉️ Postcards, especially handwritten ones, boost voter registration by about 1%, and turnout by 0.9% for young or first-time voters.
• 📲 Peer-to-peer texting apps like Outvote can lift turnout by up to 8 percentage points when the message comes from someone the voter knows.
• 🌐 Social media influencers have increased turnout among new voters by 1.6–2.6 percentage points.

And while we don’t have hard numbers for letters to the editor, local newspapers can reach thousands—sometimes tens of thousands—of people. A thoughtful letter can show readers that Democrats are active, reasonable, and care about the community.

So what difference can you make?

A lot, if you choose to do something.

Whether it’s knocking doors, making calls, writing a letter, or just talking to neighbors, every action matters.

It’s not about perfection, it’s about participation.
And when we all pitch in, we win!

Author: Kristen G.