How to Take Action After the First Presidential Debate

With the first presidential debate happening tonight, it is time for conservative activists and leaders to organize and mobilize for 2016. An election critical to the direction of our country will be determined in 16 months but the first votes will be cast in less than six months.

I encourage you to think about what you can do now to make an impact. Here are my top five suggestions:

1. Learn to tell your story about how you became a conservative

Conservatives need to do a better job of telling our stories. Stories help others see what we have in common and help us relate with the people around us. Candidates should not be the only people telling stories. Every conservative has a story to tell and can look for opportunities to change hearts and minds. Practice your story and tell it to those with whom you have influence. Also consider telling your story through a letter to the editor in your local paper. It makes a difference.

2. Be purposeful in what you share on social media

88 percent of social media users in the U.S. are registered voters. The people you are friends with on Facebook, who follow you on Twitter, and those you are connected with on other platforms can be influenced by you. Pay attention to what your friends are discussing and take notes. When you see an article on that same topic, Tweet it at them or tag them in a post on Facebook. Anything you share on social media can be geared towards engaging people in political conversations that matter. At American Majority, we have created the hashtag #win2016 to help conservatives organize online.  We encourage you to use it during the debates and beyond.

3. Talk to your friends and neighbors about the important issues

Focus on your friends with whom you can have a respectful dialogue. You can change hearts and minds by having in-person conversations about what you care about. Use current events to spark conversations and make sure you listen to their perspective. Do your homework on the issue and be prepared to back up what you say with facts.

4. Host an American Majority Activist or Campaign Training in your area

Now is the time to get organized. We don’t have the luxury of simply waiting until next Labor Day to do something. An American Majority Activist Training can help equip activists in your area, provide valuable support for campaigns, hold elected officials accountable, and better communicate conservative values. An American Majority Campaign Training teaches how to win elections and will equip volunteers, campaign staff, and potential candidates with winning techniques. Request a training here.

5. Be creative

Conservatives need to think outside the box and be creative. You can draw attention to your candidate or an important issue by using an innovative approach. Learn to use images and video to tell your story. Reporters are always looking for new things to cover and if you can do something different to highlight your cause, you may get earned media.

Conservatives, now is the time to start organizing. Use tonight’s debate as a catalyst to make a difference. The Left has already been organizing for months. If we use the next several months wisely, we will put conservatives in a position to win locally and nationally in 2016.