Kamala Harris and My Lessons from Phone Banking in 2024
Moha Shah
Originally posted on LinkedIn
As an American, I feel privileged to vote. Election Day is on November 5, and many important issues are on the ballot this year. The economy, climate change, women’s rights, affordable housing, healthcare, immigration, gun safety, and other issues are on the ballot as fellow Americans cast their votes for their next president.
The 2024 election season holds a special place in my heart. As the daughter of immigrants from India, Kamala Harris’ acceptance of the Democratic Party’s nomination for President of the United States fills me with great pride. I believe Vice President Harris’ long-standing public service and stance on several critical issues will make her a great president and commander-in-chief.
Unlike past elections, I decided to become a more engaged citizen and volunteer with Indian American Impact to help get out the vote in key swing states this year such as Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. During phone banking sessions with fellow volunteers, I learned the art of cold-calling people to encourage them to vote and support Kamala Harris for President and Tim Walz for Vice President. I felt anxious about making cold calls during my first phone banking session. However, I soon developed confidence in striking up discussions with people I’d never met by being gracious and concise during my calls. I also learned several unexpected lessons while speaking with many people in swing states. Below are the top three lessons that I’ve gained from phone banking this year.
Learn to listen and embrace diversity of thought – not every person held the same views on candidates or issues as me. During each call, I’ve learned to listen more and understand other people’s perspectives better.
Learn to make people feel included – several people who answered their phones were thankful that I called to speak with them about the upcoming election. I’ve learned that outreach to voters and the larger South Asian community through these calls is starting to make these voters feel more included in the election process.
Learn to embrace rejection – not everyone wanted to speak with me. I learned not to take their reactions personally. Instead, I thanked people for their time to answer my call.
These lessons are important in many facets of life. I will continue to remember the lessons I’ve learned from phone banking this election season – always listen, embrace diversity of thought, and make people feel included – past election day. In the interim, I encourage every American to vote. The 2024 election is critical amid numerous issues on the ballot. As November 5 approaches, remember that every vote matters to ensure a more prosperous future for all Americans.
Graphic credit: Sona Nayyar Sood via Indian American Impact
Moha Shah is based in Boston and is passionate about fostering change via innovation through her work across venture capital, corporate innovation, and early-stage startups in Boston and Silicon Valley.
