In a few hours a week you can:

• Make more friends and acquaintances than you ever imagined 
• Spend time with people who share your values 
• Learn about issues from passionate and knowledgeable experts 
• Feel a true sense of accomplishment 

That’s what comes from being involved in the Democratic Party at the ward, precinct, and block level, say two Democrats who decided against “sitting on the sofa” or ignoring important issues. Instead, they took what were small steps that resulted in satisfying personal relationships and significant support for the Party.

Dorothy Wilkinson, chair of her ward and of the West Side Democrats, said she was once a Republican working as a teacher in Gallup until she realized Richard Nixon “didn’t care about the Constitution” and began working with the local educators’ bargaining unit. They were mostly Democrats, she said, and she liked what she heard from them.

Her subsequent move to Albuquerque led to deeper engagement. During the lead-up to the 2024 elections, for example, she organized a program that got 6 – 10 people every week to knock on doors. She is certain it made a difference, particularly in support of Rep. Charlotte Little, who won her race by 590 votes. 

“I have a knack for organizing that I didn’t know I had,” she said. As a result, “I can’t tell how many wonderful people I know who I would never have met otherwise. By deciding I didn’t want to sit back and watch the world go by, I’m doing important things with people who share my values.”

Vicky Estrada-Bustillo said her “wake up call” came in 2016. She has since been active in her ward and precinct as well as having run for state office in a District 31, “the most Republican-leaning in the County.” She too has encountered similar values across her neighborhood while forming lasting friendships.

She also benefited from working with “real issue experts on things like health care, the environment, and the economy.” Like discussing science with people who work in labs, she said, “it gives me new perspectives on the challenges and what they would want to change for success.” 

Overall, she said, the opportunity to “meet, vent, and talk with people of all ages and backgrounds” was extremely rewarding. She enjoyed motivating people, encouraging discussions, and talking about ways to pitch in. “I see people getting involved and feeling that they are making a difference,” she said, adding that “they didn’t know how to have their voices heard; now they see there are processes they can use to make their ideas count.”

Both Dorothy and Vicky described their time commitments as varied — heavier around elections but only a couple of hours per week otherwise. They also noted that from time to time interesting and exciting opportunities will pop up. When they do, it’s gratifying to be included as an important part of the effort. 

Find out about getting involved in your ward or precinct.