My husband was furloughed due to the pandemic, and our family was left with less than half of our income. But I feel so strongly about changing this country that I wanted to make a difference, even if only a small one. I have never in my life contributed to a political campaign, but I want to help change the way things are.

– Melissa, PA

Why donate? It’s not like my five dollars will even make a difference? But what if 100 people donated five dollars? What if 1,000 people donated five dollars? What if 1 million people donated five dollars? You see, we are all in this together. If we all stick together, we will get this country back on track. It will be the country we want to leave our children and grandchildren.

– Erin, CT

For years, I believed that any small donations to a political party or candidate would be nullified by the big power brokers with their multi-million contributions. But then I realized that there is power in numbers. Now, I try to contribute to as many candidates as possible, even in small amounts, because every dollar will count. Imagine one dollar multiplied by 100 million! Now, try $3.

– Ray, TX

I am retired and don’t have great amounts of money to give. When I give $5 or $10 to candidates, I imagine thousands of other Democrats like me doing the same thing. That is how we defeat the big-money special interests that bankroll the GOP.

– Mark, MO

I’m a small-dollar donor because I believe as citizens we are called upon to participate in our democracy as much as possible. And with all of the dark money that funds the Republicans, the rest of us have to make our voices heard so that we have a chance to elect people who will listen to and act on our behalf, not just corporations and billionaires.

– Martha, CA

I believe in giving. No one can be successful without it. However, my budget doesn’t always line up with my desire. I was furloughed from my job as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but I was happy to set aside $10.00. I plan to give more during this election year (in small bites). Before being furloughed, student loans and recovering from periods of unemployment limited my budget, as well. I’m glad that the candidates recognize the importance of small-dollar donors. It gives all of us the ability to participate in, and support, democracy.

– Anjelia, NJ

I believe that every vote and every dollar count. We underestimate the power we have as a collective to make change. I am a small-dollar donor, but we need to recognize the power and impact of that.

– Karen, PA