This is Morgan, borrowing Roland's login. After reading a few "
nuts and bolts" diaries, I think this subject needs to be addressed.
Most of the advice in articles like that one is directed at the "extrovert majority." There are a lot of "people" people in politics -- those who enjoy the networking and similar stuff. Then there are those of us who aren't people-people, but who still want to do something to help take back our party and our country.
What I'd like to see is some tips for the introverts among us.
First, let me clarify. By "introverts" I don't mean people who are shy, or lacking in social skills. The
best definition I've found is: does being around groups of people energize you, or drain you?
Extroverts are energized by people, and wilt or fade when alone. ... In contrast, after an hour or two of being socially "on," we introverts need to turn off and recharge. ... This isn't antisocial. It isn't a sign of depression. It does not call for medication. For introverts, to be alone with our thoughts is as restorative as sleeping, as nourishing as eating.
I can attest to this -- even spending time with good friends, enjoying myself, I'll go home and feel exhausted.
While that's a key aspect in identifying extros and intros, where it comes into play for political stuff is how the types deal with conversation. Extroverts are better at thinking on their feet, which is important when you're talking to someone who's likely to ask you pointed questions. Introverts, who tend to think before they talk instead of thinking while they talk, can come across as uninformed, or worse.
So, what are some ways for those of us who just don't "do people" well to help that cause?
Please, don't just tell us to "get over it." That's like telling someone to "choose" not to be gay. We are what we are.
In my case, I have the added disadvantage of needing a wheelchair for anything other than very short walks (as in, next door I can do, the far end of the block is too much). Anyone who's ever tried to canvas in a wheelchair knows that the quality of sidewalks and ramps varies widely, not to mention the approach to most front doors. On the few occasions we've gone out, Roland ends up going to the doors while I update the paperwork or plan the next part of the route. He being an introvert as well, I know it's rough on him to face stranger after stranger without even the moral support of me being there.
I guess the bottom line is, we really don't like politics. We're not in this because we enjoy it, we're in it because we know that something has to be done and we can't in good conscience sit back and wait for others to do it (especially not in a county that's in the process of turning red). But we also want to do real good, not just busy-work or preaching to the choir, so advice on ways for introverts who don't enjoy "doing politics" to further the cause will be very welcome!
FTR, we are active in a local Democratic group -- founding members and current officers of a club that's among those trying to reclaim our local party from a demi-DINO elected official who seems more interested in building a dynasty than in promoting progressive causes and other local party leaders who don't seem to do much beyond having meetings and schmoozing with said politicians. I'd love to be able to suggest things our club could do that Roland and I would be able to effectively participate in, rather than "you social types go canvas while I run the email list from home" :-).