This May, Mobilize celebrated 2 million volunteers taking 4 million actions to create a more just, inclusive, and democratic world. This would not have been possible without our 2,000 incredible partners and every person who volunteers to support them.

Here are some of our favorite events from the last month that any organization can mimic to keep this momentum as we move forward!

1. Run With Maud with Action Pac

Twenty-five-year-old Ahmaud Arbery was jogging near his home in Georgia when two white supremacists chased him in a truck, shot him, and killed him in the street. To commemorate his birthday, thousands of people went for 2.23-mile runs(separately, because of social distancing!) to show support for Ahmaud and his family. Action Pac’s #RunWithMaudevent gathered over 160,000 registered volunteers from around the country to ensure that his name remains in the headlines until justice is served.

“We can’t protest due to the pandemic, but we can still find ways to use social media to spread awareness. And it spread like wildfire.” - Akeem M. Baker, a close friend of Ahmaud Arbery.

2. Tele-Town Hall with the National Education Association

The National Education Association hosted a national tele-town hall to discuss the work that supporters can do to repair the economic damage done by COVID-19. With guests such as Senator Kamala Harris, Representative Jahana Hayes, NEA President Lily Eskelsen García, and Bradley Whitford, they gathered more than 7,000 registrations!

3. The Intersectionality of COVID-19 and Gender Equality with Generation Ratify

Generation Ratify hosted this webinar through Zoom to discuss the impact that COVID-19 has had on gender equality and all marginalized genders. At this event they discussed how the pandemic has led to stripping of abortion access, a rise in menstrual product prices, and increased rates of domestic violence. By only sending information in the private details section of Mobilize, webinars held on Zoom can be protected from unwanted guests. Attendees left more educated on the issues and with a refreshed drive to advocate for change.

4. #IncludeAllGenders Deep Dive with Persist Brooklyn

On Wednesday, April 22, seven transgender and gender non-conforming candidates who are running for seats on Brooklyn’s Democratic County Committee were disqualified by the Board of Elections because they did not designate themselves as “male” or “female.”  The candidates challenged their right to ballot access in court, and Persist Brooklyn hosted this event with New Kings Democrats to discuss with volunteers ways to get involved. Forums like these are a great way to keep volunteers active and educated about the issues your organization advocates for!

5. Virtual Volunteering with Washington Heights SeniorLink

Washington Heights SeniorLink is reaching out to senior citizens who may be struggling with loneliness during the lockdown. Volunteers can use the Mobilize link to sign up and provide social connection and care packages to senior citizens during this isolated time.  SeniorLink pays for the postage, shipping, and care package content, which makes it easy to get involved from anywhere in the country. This virtual event and others like can all be found on our newest tool: Volunteer from your couch.

6. Virtual Phone Bank with Swing Left

The event started off with a supporter training that was conducted through Zoom. Swing Left also hosts regular trainings for new callers twice a week. The initial phone banks were for data collection rather than persuading voters, which encouraged new supporters to get involved and trained before the phone banks in November.