Movements should be led by an organized and empowered electorate rather than relying on Congress for leadership.

“People want to see people acknowledging that every movement in history was not led by Congress. It was led from the outside. The real movement came from the organized empowered electorate.”

Rebuilding American democracy requires ordinary citizens to engage in grassroots efforts by informing others, providing support to neighbors, and participating in local political processes.

“that's how we rebuild democracy from the bottom up which is exactly how it's going to have to be done.”

She argues that grassroots organizers must think strategically to win elections rather than relying on an assumption that a good political environment leads to automatic victories.

“I think that a lot of people have a assumption that a good environment for Democrats will automatically translate into wins across the country and up and down ballot that it's like, oh, people are so mad. Gas is doubling. Inflation is up 75% since Biden left. people are going to be furious in Novemb”

Blakeley attributes the recent primary election victories to the effective and hardworking efforts of grassroots canvassers.

“they actually do the work. like they actually are out there showing up doing the work actually doing a lot of things that a lot of people who sit on the sidelines and complain all the time don't actually do.”

Effective organizing requires building authentic relationships and connecting personal values to the issues being discussed.

“it really does start with just building a relationship”

Successful grassroots organizing requires building trust and personal relationships with workers over a long period rather than relying on rapid media attention.

“it's a marathon it's not a sprint you know you just got to be out there you got to be ready for when that worker's ready to come to you it's not always about talking about unionizing right away too you know sometimes you just try to connect with people on a personal level”

Effective political influence starts with building strong interpersonal relationships within one's own local community before attempting to influence state or federal policy.

“building up a real relationship starting from the ground up where maybe it's not I want to end gun violence, but I want to pass an ordinance in my city recognizing gun violence awareness month. And you can do that.”

The success of New York DSA lies in its culture of grassroots democracy and long-term organizational capacity rather than just simple campaigning.

“the democratic socialist movement in New York City and with DSA in particular like like like I see it as a culture. It's not just a strategy or something you would sort of develop like like quickly over a few months. The ESA has built a culture a culture of grassroots democracy”