List Builder Exercise

This exercise is intended to help you think through who is in your network, and over time track who has contributed to the political causes you care about.

Steps

1. Make a copy of the list builder template sheet.

2. With a buddy or on your own, go through the questions to ask and add first and last names as they come to mind.

No need to fill other pieces of information right now, you can always go back and add those! Try to spend a solid few minutes on each prompt. If you can remember a person but not their name, it’s ok to include them on the list (just write down anything you remember about them, e.g. “Chicago neighbor”).

3. EXTRA BONUS STEP: Each time you reach out to someone, consider asking them for more potential contacts!

If you’re feeling ambitious and want to go an additional extra mile, go through your list with someone you’re close to and see if they have additional people you could reach out to.

Questions to Ask

  • Do you have:

  • A phone contact list?

  • A holiday card list?

  • An email address book?

  • LinkedIn and/or Facebook accounts?

  • A business card stack?

  • A milestone/special event invite list?

  • Who are the last 10 people you texted/called? Who are the last 20 people who engaged on your social media?

  • Which places have you lived? Which friends and neighbors did you meet there?

  • Which places have you worked? Who are coworkers, clients, vendors, or partners you worked with?

  • Are you in any professional networks or boards?

  • Which schools did you attend (grade school, high school, higher education)? Who are alumni, teaching, and other contacts from there? Do you have old yearbooks or class lists?

  • Have you been a part of a fellowship, leadership training program, or other cohort-based program?

  • Do you attend annual conferences or festivals?

  • Did you attend a summer camp growing up?

  • Are you in any group chats?

  • Where have you previously volunteered?

  • Who are your mentors, professionally and personally? Who have you mentored, professionally and personally?

  • Who in your life is progressive/movement aligned?

  • Who are long-time family friends for you and for those who raised you?

  • Who are your friends’ friends?

  • Do you attend religious services?

  • Are you in any clubs or organizations? Quick examples: recreational sports league, book club, PTA.

  • Were you previously involved in any clubs or organizations? Quick examples: marching band, Model UN, sports teams, sororities/fraternities.

  • Are you a member of a union?

  • Where do you go often - recurring appointments, gym, grocery store, dog park, hair or nail salon, kids’ schools? Who do you talk to while there?