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Learn how embracing your inner brat can help you support change and democracy.
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This year has been an interesting one regarding US politics. I am fully aware this is a lifestyle blog and the topic of politics can be uncomfortable. I also understand it’s important to speak up and use my platform to inform and inspire my community. I’ve also included some fashion ideas (you know, to stay on brand).
With that said, it’s time to turn up the volume on having a “Brat Summer.”
Key Topics In This Post
What is a “Brat Summer”?
The original use of the term “brat” is used to describe a free-spirit, carefree and rebellious attitude. It’s a progression of the term “hot girl summer” from a few years back to describe having fun and “living your best life.”
A “Brat Summer” is not just a term, it’s a mindset. It’s the idea of ditching the routine and welcoming the unexpected. A Brat Summer is for the bold. It’s about going off-script and having fun while doing it. It’s also not meant to be disrespectful but instead embracing your quirks, carving out your space and rejecting the mundane.
“Kamala IS brat”
In 2024, English singer and songwriter Charlie XCX named her sixth studio album “Brat” and the term really took off when she tweeted, “Kamala IS brat” hours after Vice President Kamala Harris announced her intention to run as the 2024 presidential nominee.
Having a female presidential candidate is unconventional and rebellious. Kamala Harris embraced the idea of brat by being unapologetically herself, standing up for what she believes in, and not backing down from challenges.
There are ways you can have a Brat Summer by supporting local democracy no matter what year it is. I’ve put together a list of ways to have a Brat Summer no matter what year it is.
Register to Vote
The first and most important step of having a brat summer is to register to vote. It’s like Lotto, you can’t win if you don’t play.
Roughly two-thirds of eligible American voters actually voted in the 2020 election. Considering the margins and events following the official decision, it’s important to stay engaged with the current topics regarding our democracy.
Non-partisan Tools for Voter Registration and Voter Questions
Since voting rules are different by city or district, check out Vote.org for easy-to-use tools for voter registration, checking your registration status, voting by mail details and see who’s on the local ballot in your area. There’s also a countdown for how many days until the upcoming national election.
Rock the Vote is focuses on getting younger voters to the polls through education for how to register and understanding voter rights targeted for younger voters.
Related Post: Want to support the running community but you’re not a runner? Check out these ideas for giving back without lacing up!
Volunteer During Any Election Cycle
There are numerus ways to get involved with an election. Each of these opportunities allows you to contribute to the electoral process in meaningful ways, whether through direct voter engagement, supporting the logistics of voting, or raising awareness.
Here are a few ways you can get involved!
Support a Specific Political Candidate
If you want to create momentum for any political candidate you can offer to volunteer for their campaign. Here are a few ways to support their bid:
- Canvassing: This option involves going door-to-door to speak with voters, distributing campaign literature, and encouraginh people to vote.
- Phone Banking: If you’ve got the gift of gab, consider volunteering at a phone bank to make calls to potential voters to inform them about the candidate, remind them to vote, and answer any questions they might have.
- Text Banking: If you’d prefer to not speak to someone directly and want to contribute your time, consider volunteering by texting voters as part of a coordinated effort to increase voter turnout.
- Volunteer Coordinator: Help organize other volunteers, manage events, and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Volunteer for Non-Partisan Election Support
If you’d prefer to help in a non-partisan way, you can still have an impact on democracy by helping out with non-partisan efforts.
- Volunteer with Non-Partisan Organizations: There are a few great organizations dedicated to help with voter registration events, voter registration or voter outreach such as the League of Women Voters, When We All Vote, and HeadCount.
- Work as a Poll Worker: Sign up through your local election office to work at a polling place on Election Day. Poll workers help set up polling places, check in voters, and ensure the election runs smoothly. Depending on the municipality, these positions are sometimes paid (Chicago is one of them!).
Adopt a Cat (or a Dog)
If you’re not a childless cat lady and want to become one, don’t worry! There are plenty of shelters and rescues looking to help find loving homes for cats. If dogs are more your thing, rescue a loving pup. We rescued our dog, Squid, from One Tail at a Time in 2021 and it might be the best decision Brian and I have ever made. You can also look into options to foster a pet until their fur-ever home finds them.
If your living situation doesn’t allow for pets, search your local options for volunteering for a shelter. You can offer to help care for shelter animals or work in the adoption center. In Chicago, we also have The Catcade, a non-profit cat rescue and lounge where you can hang with roaming adoptable cats for a $20 entrance fee.
Get Your Pearls and Converse Ready
Vice President Kamala Harris is known for rocking her Chuck Taylors with her powerful business blazers and classy pearls. Why not coordinate your style to support your favorite candidate? I couldn’t wait to show up at the polls wearing my pearls, a blazer and Converse sneakers to vote last November.
I ordered this blazer for my wardrobe and shop the Converse store here. These classy pieces are always in style.
Related Post: Looking for ways to upgrade your classic style on a budget? Check out this post on ways to build a stylish wardrobe for less!
Support Women-Owned Businesses
While this one is not necessarily for the presidential election specifically, I did want to celebrate the women blazing their own path out there.
Check out Voice Vogue, which is a minority-owned, female led fashion business showcasing messages of feminism, LGBTQ+, mental health, and diversity.
Related Post: If you’re headed to a festival this summer, check out this festival survival guide!
Have a Great Brat Summer
Overall it’s important to get involved and become active when it comes to local policy and democratic involvement.
Share this post with a friend who you’re sharing your brat summer with! And let me know all the ways you’re having a Brat Summer in the comments!
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