Hayden and Marti met an older voter who was initially skeptical about voting. After discussing their shared values, his perspective shifted. He became more receptive to the process, especially after sharing a personal story about how his sister supported him through recovery following a motorcycle accident.

Jonathan and Brett met a lifelong Republican who can no longer support the party. He pointed to Donald Trump’s role in starting a war and cutting aid to agencies like the Forest Service as his breaking point. The voter added that his father, a WWII veteran, taught him to value hard work and community respect, which are values he feels are now missing from the party.

On a scorching Sunday afternoon, Jonathan and Matt met a dual citizen on his porch who was deeply frustrated by rising costs. Despite having the right to vote, he was adamant: "My vote won’t change anything."

Midway through, his son walked out holding a baby girl, sharing his father's skepticism. But Jonathan and Matt steered the conversation away from standard political noise and toward core values: family, community, and looking out for one another. They shared how Manny Rutinel is fighting to restore critical cuts to healthcare and food assistance, which hit home. Looking down at his daughter, the son admitted, "They just cut her WIC benefits."

By the end of the conversation, neither man gave a firm promise to vote—but the cynicism had cracked. They were left pensive, deeply weighing the high stakes of this election. This is why we knock on doors: to connect policy to real lives, one family at a time.

While out canvassing on a hot Sunday afternoon, Amy and her partner, Trudy, accidentally woke up a voter. The man was initially pessimistic, skeptical that voting could actually change things politically. But after Amy shared her own story and highlighted the true importance of their district, his attitude completely shifted. He lit up with interest, opened up about how proud he is of his son, and even offered the pair a couple of cold Cokes to cool down.

Michelle spoke to woman from Mexico who recently became a citizen. The woman shared how her entire family are not citizens and how they are all excited to vote. While they did not get through the entire story exchange, the woman was very appreciative about the work Trust Brigade is doing. 

David and Brett spoke with a resident who initially told them she skips the ballot box entirely. But after exchanging personal stories and hearing from David about why their district is so vital, she moved herself all the way up to an eight on the likelihood-to-vote scale. She also shared a deeply personal part of her world, explaining that her son is on the spectrum and detailing the daily challenges her family navigates

Pat and Linda managed to connect with a resident just as he was in his car, getting ready to leave his home. Although the conversation began with the man stating he does not vote due to a belief that all politics are corrupt, the organizers' approach completely changed his outlook. By the end of their discussion, he became significantly more open to participating and moved himself up to a five out of ten in his likelihood to vote.

Carolyn and Pat recently spoke with a woman working in import/export who shared that she is currently going through a tough time. Despite her personal struggles, she was incredibly grateful for the work the Trust Brigade is doing to show up for the community. To make the interaction even better, she proudly shared that this will be her first time ever voting!

Amy and Trudy met a young woman who shared how her and her partner just moved to Congressional District 8. The woman shared how her husband is an immigrant. 

Caitlin and Jonathan connected with two men who expressed deep frustration with the Trump administration's actions in office. Describing themselves as hard workers simply trying to get by, they shared how particularly challenging rising costs and the tight job market have been for them over the last couple of years. Through this meaningful conversation, the organizers successfully helped one of the men register to vote right at the door.

Jason and Brett connected with Steve, an Army veteran who admitted he was initially skeptical of them and the Trust Brigade. However, after engaging in a meaningful story exchange, they found common ground and grew closer. Describing himself as a "1970s Republican," Steve stressed the critical importance of putting on a "thinking cap" before making a voting decision. He pointedly remarked that a collective lack of careful thinking is exactly how the country ended up in its current predicament.

Real connection changes lives. While out organizing, Pat and Sally met Melissa, an unregistered voter currently undergoing cancer treatment. Sally, whose own son has faced similar health challenges, shared her family's journey, instantly turning a standard door-knock into a moment of deep mutual support. Not only did Pat and Sally help Melissa register to vote right at her doorstep, but Sally walked away with a powerful reminder of how storytelling and raw human connection can completely transform a conversation.