63 Magazine - Issue 1

This spotlight goes out to the entire
#MorseForce organizing team. Led by
David Grizzanti and Elvin Bruno Jr., the
Alex Morse for Mayor re-election campaign
in Holyoke, Massachusetts really proved
that running a positive, data-driven, and
organizing focused program is not only
the way to win but also the way to build
and sustain a dedicated and committed
group of people who will stay engaged in
civic life long after the campaign ends.
The field program was one of the most
inclusive organizing programs I’ve ever
witnessed. There was a place and space
for all to learn, lead, and execute.
From the very beginning, the campaign
made a decision to focus most of its
field efforts engaging individuals in the
historically marginalized communities of
color. These communities have always had
the lowest voter engagement and turnout
- not because elections haven’t mattered
to them, but because they were always an
afterthought to candidates and campaigns.
The campaign decided that they weren’t
just going to go after their votes in the final
weekend before the election. They were
going to meet them where they were, engage
them in a conversation about the progress
that the city has seen under the Mayor’s
leadership, and get them involved in making
the case to their neighbors that this work
wouldn’t continue under a new direction.
This strategic move by the campaign paid
off not only in a victory but in an
election day that saw some of the highest
turnouts from these “lower wards.”
One of my favorite #MorseForce traditions
was the “slow clap”. Every time a volunteer
went above and beyond or showed up
with goodies, a member of the campaign
team would initiate a clap that got louder
and bigger as everyone in all corners of
the office joined in. It was a way to show
appreciation for their sacrifice but also
to reinforce why volunteers matter.
Congratulations, #MorseForce – on
creating a community of engaged citizens
that will last – and also on your victory!