The Medium, The Message, Coming Soon

With its own funding stream, Democratic Messaging Project uses its creative muscle to wake people up. Look for billboards coming soon to four swing states.

The Democratic Messaging Project (DMP) was born out of frustration with Big Tech’s algorithms. Online, algorithms reinforce preferences, biases, and ultimately short-change users’ ability to understand the world. DMP’s co-founders JoAnn Loulan and Tracy Sherman were determined to circumvent the algorithms, finding ways to shake up the news people encounter in their lives. They had a vision for creatively presenting information people weren’t necessarily getting on their electronic “feeds.” 

In 2022, Tracy and JoAnn put their “going around the algorithm” plan into action to help elect Democrats up and down the ballot. Through their digital ads, they drew 400,000 people to their website! In 2024 they have new ideas for reaching voters. They want to work in concert with grassroots groups.

2024 Focus

In 2024, DMP will focus its efforts in four swing states: Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Billboards will display images of people voters can relate to paired with reasons to vote for Biden/Harris and Democratic candidates for other offices.

Some billboards highlight the dangers of not voting or voting for Trump.

The DMP forms partnerships with grassroots organizations on the ground to inform its campaigns. JoAnn and Lisa explain that grassroots group members are essential in determining the messages that will resonate in a particular area as well as the best areas to go to with rolling billboards. “Grassroots groups know about community events where we can get eyes on the DMP’s visuals,” Lisa added.

Getting the Word (and Visuals) Out

This summer, DMP will collaborate with grassroots organizations in its chosen four battleground states. DMP will be

1. Placing large static billboards in researched zip codes to educate and mobilize the electorate. 

2. Deploying rolling LED billboards that will display customized ads for specific traffic routes and events. The messages will run eight hours a day for 7 days each.

DMP will send its rolling billboards to the Republican National Convention, putting out provocative ads along with other creative messaging that will underscore how Biden and Democratic candidates are fighting in very tangible ways for America’s working families. 

It’s a Team Effort

DMP has sought advice and expertise from nationally known researchers including Celinda Lake, Mike Lux and other members of Democracy Partners.

Loulan says,
”Words, pictures, placement by zip code, and targets for digital ads follow from their recommendations.” Sherman adds, “DMP is indebted to graphic artists and tech geniuses Scotty Sandow and Rebecca Flynn who create the look and feel of messages in different forms and platforms. We are excited that Lisa Liddle has joined the team to take the lead on building partnerships.” 

To work in collaboration with the DMP, please contact:
Lisa Liddle LiddleActNow@gmail.com 
JoAnn Loulan, joannloulan@gmail.com or
or Tracy Sherman, tasherman711@gmail.com

Check out DMP’s website: blueforyou.org 

Contributors: JoAnn Loulan, Tracy Sherman, and Lisa Liddle of the Democratic Messaging Project