Canvassing Update for Nelson County

Dear Nelson County Democrats and Supporters

 Canvassing can be one of the most challenging and important responsibilities that candidates ask volunteers to undertake, but it’s also the most important.

I want to share here a short anecdote about canvassing in Shipman on August 16, when I had the great pleasure to partner with Claudia Van Koba. As we knocked on the first door, the dogs barked, and a young man peered skeptically through the window curtains. When he came out onto his porch, his whole demeanor was hostile. Then Claudia introduced herself, and there was an overwhelming transformation. I wish I could have recorded it. He then shared, “Art was my favorite class, and you were my favorite teacher.” His simple positive connection to Claudia made it possible to have an honest discussion of the issues that are most important to people in our community. (Note: the number one issue for the folks we talked to on Saturday was healthcare.) During our conversation, this young man shared how he does not like the hostile political divisions and so has avoided politics.  He then said, “but things are just not right.” It was clear he intuitively understood that it was time for things to change, and he wanted to hear how the Spanberger team would work to make things better. We were able to share that material as well as information about the upcoming Issues Forum at the Nelson Center.  He hoped to attend and promised to vote.

 For those who do not know Claudia, she taught art for 20 years at the Tye River Elementary School, which serves the families in Shipman. Literally, there was not a household we went to on Saturday that did not know Claudia, either because she taught them or she taught their children.  We may not all be able to canvass with a community hero like Claudia, but I’m sure we can all find a simple way to connect with our neighbors who know intuitively that “things are just not right”.

 Click here to sign up for upcoming canvasses and please give it try.  

Click here to learn more about the candidates. 

Lynn Fontana