My first canvassing experience was with a group of SURJ NYC members for Zohran Mamdani’s primary campaign in June. Although I was nervous, it was a relief to connect with my SURJ community beforehand, to ground into our shared values and reasons for showing up, and to know that we were walking into the day together. It was worth the risk — I felt such a strong sense of personal investment once Zohran won the primary that I am excited to continue engaging in conversations with more voters.
As the general election approaches, SURJ NYC will focus on speaking to white working class voters the Zohran campaign is not reaching. The Mamdani campaign is running an incredible canvassing operation, but there are parts of the city it is not covering. Southern Brooklyn is an area consistently won by Republican candidates. However, Zohran has shown that his policies appeal to a broad spectrum of New Yorkers. Even in these Republican strongholds, there are areas where Zohran won over half of the vote in the Democratic primary. Voters in Southern Brooklyn are facing the same issues of affordability, access to childcare, and soaring rents that impact New Yorkers across the city.
The stakes are high for this election. We are going to speak with white voters in Southern Brooklyn because we know that Zohran’s priorities will resonate. We also know that when we organize out of mutual interest, we can make change happen. Whether you are brand new to canvassing or a seasoned expert, we’d love to have you!
Join us this Saturday, September 6th at 11am in Tompkins Square Park to kick off our fall canvassing for Zohran. SURJ members will meet beforehand to get to know each other, discuss strategies, and then head out to canvass together.
Beginning Saturday, September 13th, we will start canvassing Southern Brooklyn. We will meet every Saturday from 1:00pm-4:30pm through November 1st. We are starting in Sheepshead Bay and may move to other areas of the city. Since we will be focusing on areas that are farther from the campaign’s base, anticipate a bit of a subway commute. We will always meet by a subway station and will send exact meeting locations in the week before the canvass.
You are welcome to join us for one Saturday or all of them — it’s up to you!
More Opportunities to Show Up for Zohran:
SURJ National Webinar Wednesday 9/3 at 7:00pm - Rising Fascism, Rising Resistance Webinar with Jamaal Bowman. Organizers on the ground in DC will offer an analysis of this current moment and will provide clear next steps about how to show up for Zohran and stand against fascism.
SURJ NYC September 17th 7:30-9:30pm - Calling In for Change: Persuasive Conversation Skills to Elect Zohran for NYC. Build skills for approaching conversations about Zohran during phone-banking and canvassing as well as with friends and neighbors. Come practice with us!
Hope to canvass with you soon,
Nicole and the SURJ NYC Showing Up for Zohran Team