Connections

When life feels a little flat, there’s no better cure than catching up with a friend. Today, my friend Kara and I hopped on a Google Meet for a good old-fashioned chat—minus the coffee shop, but with all the stimulating conversation. Kara is newly retired, and from the sounds of it, she’s got this whole retirement thing down to a science. She’s filling her days with purpose, adventure, and—shockingly—learning to sleep in each morning. Meanwhile, I’m taking notes on how to improve my daily retirement schedule (gasp - she joined a gym). Can’t wait to catch up with Kara again next month.

Tonight, I tuned into a Zoom presentation by former Congresswoman Marie Newman (Illinois) titled Building Political Power & Movements. You know how some talks feel like they could have been an email? This wasn’t one of them. Newman delivered some solid, no-nonsense advice for anyone looking to make a difference.

One of her key takeaways? Stop assuming you know what’s on people’s minds—ask them. She pointed out that one of the biggest mistakes Democrats made in the 2024 presidential campaign was presuming that voters shared the same concerns. Instead, she recommends starting conversations with:
"Here is our shared experience. How do we work to change it?"

It’s a simple yet powerful way to connect, organize, and take action.

Newman also threw down the ultimate challenge: Run for office! Even if you don’t win, you’re pushing your opponent to answer tough questions from the community. That’s a victory in itself.

Her three rules for advocates, activists, and future office-seekers:
✅ Be fearless.
✅ Be positive.
✅ Pace yourself. (Each week, aim for three or four action items—call a rep, attend a protest, show up at a town hall. You don’t have to do it all, just keep doing something.)

And here’s the kicker—this isn’t a six-month sprint. This is a four-year (or longer) commitment. Democracy doesn’t clock out, and neither should we.

Want more from Newman? She’s got a new book out, A Life Made from Scratch, and you can check out her latest insights here: Marie Newman’s Substack.