Help Dylan get to Iowa to campaign for Bernie Sanders!

I don't know if anyone's noticed, because I don't talk about it much, but I'm actually a huge Bernie Sanders supporter...

I know, right!

That's why I want to go to Iowa in the week before the primary caucus (when people vote first in the nation) and canvas for Bernie in the freezing cold snow and ice.

*) Why would you do this, you madman?!

Iowa is the first election in the Democratic primaries, and can set the tone for the rest of the elections, helping to build necessary momentum (e.g Obama's shock win in Iowa in 2008 showed people he was electable). Bernie is currently tied for first in Iowa, leading in New Hampshire (the second voting state), second in South Carolina (third state), first in Nevada (fourth state), and first in California (state with largest delegate count, which contributes towards the nomination significantly). If Bernie wins Iowa, he's very well placed to win the whole thing. If he doesn't, the media and Democratic establishment will use it to undermine his electability.

By being there and convincing people to come out and support Bernie, I can help turn out voters to the caucuses where often a handful of votes swing a district one way or the other.

*) Why do you like Bernie so much?

Because I believe electing Bernie is a necessary step towards improving the lives, not only of Americans, but the rest of us too. He's the only one taking on climate change at the level the science demands; he's the only one challenging the American empire and the military-industrial complex; and he's the only one taking on the corporate tyranny which dominates the American economy and global capitalism more broadly. And his campaign is itself showing how corrupt campaign financing is, because he's out-raising everyone without taking any money from Super PACS or billionaires in wine caves! He's by no means perfect, but by god, he's the best candidate I've seen in my lifetime. His election will raise up the voices of ordinary, working-class people in America and around the world, and materially change their lives. He will fight for the public good, since he always has, and he cannot be bought.

*) Don’t you have a job, you hippie?

It’s outside of term-time, Mum, I swear!

*) What will the funds be used for?

They will go towards my flights to Iowa (c. NZ$1200), a rental car in Iowa, fuel, and food (c. NZ$1500). I'm fortunate to have my old Couchsurfing hosts in Des Moines offer to put me up again, so I won't need to cover accommodation costs.

*) Will you use the money to make donations to the Bernie campaign?

No, I’m not legally allowed to donate to any US political campaign as a non-citizen.

*) How long do I have to donate?

I would like to book my flights in the next few days to minimise price increases, so ASAP would be greatly appreciated!!

*) What's your plan on the ground?

I've been in contact with the Bernie campaign and attended an "out of state volunteers" webinar, so they’re ready and willing to facilitate all this. The campaign has hundreds of volunteers coming from across the US and around the globe, but they need many more.

I want to fly in on the Sunday Jan 26th, so I can hit the ground running Monday morning. I'll meet up with the campaign staff, get trained, and start knocking doors. I'll do this every day and evening until caucus day on Mon Feb 3rd, when I will do whatever the campaign tells me to in order to get voters to the caucuses, which take place in the evening. Once we’ve successfully won the state for Bernie, I’ll fly back the day after.

*) Why, oh Dylan, should I give my money to you instead of the Bernie campaign directly?

Perhaps you're not a US citizen, so you cannot legally donate either. Perhaps you are, but don't live anywhere near Iowa, and want to support on-the-ground canvassing in the first voting state.

After all, research shows that the most effective thing a campaign can do is person-to-person conversations, making voters feel heard, and making sure they get to the polls on the day. More effective than TV ads and radio etc. By all means, though, give to Bernie too!

*) Why, sweet Dylan, should I give my money to you, when Australia is on fire, homeless people are dying in London streets, and there are so many other good causes to give to?

Please also give to those causes, or instead! And know that a Bernie presidency would also have positive knock-on effects for the rest of the world in those areas. Bernie is the only candidate willing to take on the vested interests which, decade after decade, prevent us from addressing the root causes of these problems.

*) Why should I care about the US elections? I don't live there.

But you do live under the yoke of American empire (potential WW3, anyone?!), global capitalism, and a planet burning because it's more profitable :) Think of the children!

*) What's in it for me?

You'll have the sweet satisfaction of knowing you directly contributed to votes in Iowa, which will result in Bernie's win, which will result in Bernie's victory over Trump, which will result in an infinitely better world than the one we find ourselves in.

Plus, I’ll be taking photos of all the puppies and kittens and dogs and cats that I encounter on the doorstep. And I’ll post them all, just for you! Non-animal related updates will also be provided.

Any and all contributions, no matter how big or small, would be very much appreciated! If merely 50 of my friends or family gave $20 each, that would be $1000 and go a loooong way towards these costs. Pocket change for a better world!

I believe in this cause and this movement as the best way not only to defeat Trump, but to defeat the very systems which gave rise to Trump. If you have any questions for me, please hit me up. And let’s make President Sanders happen! :)