Grebe Duck

We are not late to the conversation. We were waiting until we could confirm that our volunteers who attended the College Democrats Summit @CollegeDems were safe. Digital Ground Game has come a long way in a short time, and we’re still learning how to navigate political spaces. From day one, our mission has been to meet young people where they are, encourage civic participation, and stand unapologetically for liberal democracy. We love this country not because it’s perfect, but because it’s worth improving. Our organization includes people of different races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, economic backgrounds, cultures, and political perspectives. What unites us is a shared commitment to democracy and to one another. Yesterday, our concerns about the normalization of authoritarianism became very real. Young volunteers from Digital Ground Game attended what they expected to be an opportunity to engage with fellow Democrats. Instead, some were met with harassment, hostility, and an environment that no young person should have to navigate simply for participating in politics. Many of our organizers first became politically engaged through online creators before turning that energy into real-world organizing. We never imagined we’d have to prepare young volunteers for intimidation at political events meant to welcome them. Seeing one of the largest liberal voices @TheOmniLiberal denied entry, our volunteers being asked to leave, and others deciding to leave on their own to avoid further harassment was deeply disappointing. The smears that followed only made things worse. This level of polarization is not coming from Digital Ground Game, our partners, or the communities we work alongside. People who glorify political violence or openly admire authoritarian movements should not be shaping spaces meant to encourage democratic participation. Wearing the imagery of dictators responsible for mass suffering is not harmless symbolism. College Democratic organizations should be places where young people can freely exchange ideas, not where intimidation and ideological bullying become normalized. Freedom of speech and open debate are essential democratic values. But young people should never feel threatened, harassed, or pressured out of participating in political life. We know other organizations are also checking in with their volunteers after these events, helping them process harassment both online and in person. That alone should concern everyone. If we want the next generation to participate in democracy, we have a responsibility to make political spaces safe, welcoming, and respectful. Despite everything, we remain hopeful. The response from many journalists, public figures, community leaders, and everyday Americans has reminded us that the fight for democracy is far from over. We encourage anyone who believes these events fell short of the values Democrats stand for to seek accountability and work toward better standards going forward. And to every young volunteer who showed up in good faith: thank you. We’re sorry that participating in democracy came with harassment instead of encouragement. We hope you’ll keep showing up anyway. Our democracy needs you more than ever. Digital Ground Game