Jennifer Yoshikoshi
Aug 27, 2024
The Democratic Messaging Project, a grassroots political action committee based in Portola Valley will be distributing nearly 300,000 condoms labeled “Protect Yourself from Republicans,” on college campuses in swing states Arizona, Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania.
DMP co-founders JoAnn Loulan and Tracy Sherman were also handing them out at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago from Aug. 19-22.
The organization launched in the summer of 2022 prior to the midterm elections with the intention to spread “bold and fearless statements challenging former President Donald Trump and his MAGA movement,” according to a DMP press release. The group uses provocative images and bold language to catch the attention of swing state voters to encourage them to support the Democratic party. “It’s a way to break through the standard political messaging. People need to be hit over the head with something that breaks through the clutter,” explained DMP member Steve Friedman.
Although based in Portola Valley, the committee works to spread its message by purchasing static billboards, mobile truck billboards, digital advertisements and partnering with grassroots organizations local to key battleground states. Members of the DMP also travel to these states to work directly with the communities to share their democratic messaging.
DMP is also partnering with feminist news organization Ms. Magazine and their organization The Feminist Majority to distribute condoms to college students and young adults.
The condoms communicate the Democratic party’s mission to reclaim reproductive rights and women’s bodily autonomy. They’re also marked with a QR code that directs people to the DMP website. While handing out condoms on college campuses, students will also be encouraged to register to vote.
People have the condoms “pinned to their purses and their shirts and when somebody sees it, it definitely is a way to start engagement,” said Friedman. DMP’s messaging strives to open up political discussions.
“Trump and the MAGA Republican agenda are a clear and present danger to our country and the world. They will continue to take away our freedoms and rights,” said Loulan in the press release. “We have the power to stop them and their dangerous agenda. The power is your voice and your vote.”
In July, DMP also attended the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee with mobile billboards. It also hired a local company to project a video mocking Trump’s recent convictions, saying “lock him up” and “Trump dictator wannabe” on the outer walls of the Milwaukee County Jail.
The committee has hired political consultants to help frame the messaging that is being used on their billboards and advertisements.
DMP signs and messages are gaining a lot of attention, said Friedman. The organization has already raised about $600,000 from local donations.
For more information on DMP visit democraticmessagingproject.org.