democracimatters

BETA Version Out!

Our platform Community, a non-partisan social media platform is designed to simplify empower constructive political & community engagement!

[democracimatters @democracimatter]

Hi San Francisco! 👋

We've just launched our *BETA* version of the platform.

Please join! We'd love to hear your feedback!

[democracimatters @democracimatter]

As part of our series sharing insights on candidates who participated in our project, we want to share what we love about Michael!

https://t.co/p7Svpqd59P

Perhaps the most telling insight we can share from experiences with Michael came from someone else. During an event for Michael’s birthday, an influential and respected leader of a political organization shared that many candidates often go to her to seek advice and mentorship. She shared that Michael came to her with a thorny question. A substantial donor made clear their political preference — and by not supporting this, Michael understood that he would lose this donor’s support, in addition to risking the donor actively persuading others to ditch supporting Michael’s campaign. In the end, she shared, “Michael made the decision to support the community instead”.

As troubling as money in politics may be, it’s a lifeline to candidates. You can’t govern unless you win.

In a political world, where norms of decency are in decline, and candidates increasingly do anything to win — we appreciate candidates that prioritize the interests of constituents over their own. As a first time candidate making his (first) impression to the political world — we appreciate Michael courage to do what he thinks is right.

@Mtclai

Note: We are a non-partisan organization, and we are not endorsing any candidates. Having had the opportunity to engage many candidates (their politics and political positions notwithstanding) we’d like to share the characteristics we most admire!

[democracimatters @democracimatter]

As part of our series sharing insights on candidates who participated in our project, we want to share what we love about Myna!

https://t.co/bbSpvtJm4c

When we met Myrna to film, we ended up talking longer than we filmed, and we learned a lot about Myrna that we appreciate. A refuge of war, Myrna shared some experiences when she was younger relating to the risks of political violence, and the challenges of engaging people from both sides of the political spectrum in such an environment.

From our experiences with Myrna, we get the strong sense that Myrna values bringing people together. As our country becomes ever more polarized, where even San Francisco (predominately democratic), appears increasingly polarized between ‘moderate’ & ‘progressive’ democrats, we see strong value in those who try to unite and bring us together to solve problems, rather than divide.

What’s more is that Myrna pointed out that she generally doesn’t align or participate in either of the two democratic slates — and we appreciate this in particular. We understand that ‘politically’, it’s much easier to pick a lane, make alliances, mobilize and vote with one another — a sign that demonstrates politics is secondary to serving for Myrna. As many other supervisors are more ideologically aligned, we see value in those that can bring together both sides to advance change.

Note: We are a non-partisan organization, and we are not endorsing any candidates. Having had the opportunity to engage many candidates (their politics and political positions notwithstanding) we’d like to share the characteristics we most admire!

[democracimatters @democracimatter]

As part of our series sharing insights on candidates who participated in our project, we want to share what we love about Stephen!

https://t.co/wQiyCS5baz

Creative writers are often told to “show, don’t tell” as a method to improve their writing. If the character is sad, don’t tell us they’re sad — describe their face, their actions, their mannerisms — show the reader they’re sad, don’t simply tell us.

As it relates to public service, Stephen *lives* by that mantra. Soft spoken, though clear and direct — Stephen doesn’t extol the importance of public service — he does it. A former US Marine, firefighter, first responder and community leader, it’s clear that Stephen prefers taking an active role in serving the public, rather than offering lip service.

Additionally, while Stephen certainly feels like City Hall has underperformed and must step up to the plate to execute at a high level for it’s constituents, Stephen is careful not to directly put down or talk negatively of others. Stephen’s leadership style seems much more like a captain on a sports team, where teamwork, leading by example, and putting the work in himself serve as the best agents of change — a characteristic conditioned by his role as a fire fighter and service in the military.

Having said that, leading by example, doing (and not telling), along with inspiring teamwork with all members of a team or organization are characteristics we strongly admire, and believe are necessary for San Francisco to overcome it’s challenges.

@StephenMPinto

Note: We are a non-partisan organization, and we are not endorsing any candidates. Having had the opportunity to engage many candidates (their politics and political positions notwithstanding) we’d like to share the characteristics we most admire!

[democracimatters @democracimatter]

As part of our series sharing insights on candidates who participated in our project, we want to share what we love about Matt!

https://t.co/J6DpOl0ptj

While reasonably new to local politics ourselves, we’ve gotten a bit of the sense that candidates need to put in their time, support others, and wait for their turn to run. When we first met Matt (a first time candidate), we were met with his refreshing excitement to help bring about change to San Francisco.

A former small business owner, lifelong resident of SF, and just recently a father (congrats!), it is clear that Matt’s primary motivation is not a political career, but a better San Francisco. Matt is quick to make clear a pragmatic perspective that sees the elimination of any barriers to a better San Francisco as absolutely necessary, “insider politics” and “political games” included. Matt is very friendly, easy to talk to, and carries a strong sense of humility and not putting himself on a pedestal — which was easily evidenced as he laughed and made jokes about his mistakes in the outtakes of our filming sessions.

For a first-time candidate, Matt has a remarkably strong knowledge of San Francisco government and policies. At various events, Matt’s deep understanding of SF government and his knack for communicating effectively with constituents were on full display -- where Matt often came to the aid of other (more veteran candidates) to in explanations to constituents.

Solving a problem requires understanding it, devising a solution, and communicating it effectively to constituents — all areas where Matt really shines.

@MattSusk

[democracimatters @democracimatter]

As part of our series sharing insights on candidates who participated in our project, we want to share what we love about Eduard!

https://t.co/X6j4PG4kJU

We started our organization because we believe as millions of Americans, that government is not working, that we are growing ever more polarized, and reliant on mis-information. We wanted to do our part to help contribute towards solving this challenge.

What we learned is that solving the political problem cannot occur, without first building and embracing a strong and inclusive community. Community helps build trust, reduce stereotypes, and serves as a necessary lubricant to help transcend disagreements, to consider alternative ideas and perspectives, and to encourage people to work together.

And this is what we strongly admire about Eduard. While Eduard carries deep intellectual curiosity and insight as defining personal strengths, he leads instead with openness, kindness and inclusivity. For Eduard, having the right answer or solution is secondary to first making someone feel welcomed and appreciated. And this is something we feel is very much absent and needed today.

This was evidenced not only in our conversations, but in particular as Eduard shared a part of himself in welcoming the community to many paella events he hosted at his home, along with a paella block party for which several other D3 candidates were invited and attended. For several hours (paella takes a while to make!) community members had a chance to connect, share food, and enjoy each other’s company, reminding us that building relationships often leads to greater understanding—even when opinions invariably differ.

Many describe San Francisco politics as a knife fight in a phone booth. For Eduard it might be described as a welcomed seat at the table. In a time when it feels like everyone’s talking past each other, Eduard’s approach invites us to sit down, share a meal, and remember what connects us all.

@Navarro4D3SF

Note: We are a non-partisan organization, and we are not endorsing any candidates. Having had the opportunity to engage many candidates (their politics and political positions notwithstanding) we’d like to share the characteristics we most admire!

[democracimatters @democracimatter]

As part of our series sharing insights on candidates who participated in our project, we want to share what we love about Bilal!

https://t.co/lYmrF9N6JY

The first time we met Bilal, was outside a community center in Chinatown, where he was a core contributor to a media lab in Chinatown — increasing access to technology in an area which lags behind much of San Francisco. Through this first engagement, we observed a clear concern with improving the community, and taking an active role in doing so.

In subsequent engagements, what we’ve observed and most appreciate about Bilal, is both his ability and desire to solve problems, coupled with a strong and principled integrity of character.

On many occasions we’ve observed Bilal breakdown complex problems to help constituents better understand the problem, while then sharing how his strategies ought to improve that challenge.

Relating to Bilal’s integrity and character, on numerous occasions we’ve seen Bilal in the course of framing up a problem to constituents, avoid attacking his opponents, and call out when or if his opponent explicitly did not have responsibility for a given problem.

As we’ve observed Bilal breaking down problems, we’re confident Bilal does his due diligence, methodically dissects the issues, and is motivated to implement solutions, rather than attack opponents, or push outside interests — characteristics we think San Francisco requires.

@bilalmahmood

Note: We are a non-partisan organization, and we are not endorsing any candidates. Having had the opportunity to engage many candidates (their politics and political positions notwithstanding) we’d like to share the characteristics we most admire!

[democracimatters @democracimatter]

As part of our series sharing insights on candidates who participated in our project, we want to share what we love about Roberto!

https://t.co/GdU8QXyYNr

We met Roberto to film at his headquarters on the same day as the Fiesta de las Americas, an event for which Roberto was highly involved in. And, in a lot of ways, this experience highlights what we really appreciate about Roberto.

To begin — Roberto’s HQ doors are always open, with a stream of constituents constantly flowing in to say a friendly hello and engage with Roberto (so much so that we had to eventually shut the door so that we could film without interruption). In this case Roberto seemed much more a friend or leader in the community — and less so a candidate.

What further stood out about Roberto, is that his focus is always positive and forward, as he energetically shares the ways he seeks to improve both SF and D9. What came as a bit of a surprise to us, was just how involved he’s been in the community and the various initiatives he’s help push forward.

Ordinary, candidates are quick to focus and highlight their experience and accomplishments — and yet this seemed like more of an after thought for Roberto.

And we think this is a telling insight about Roberto’s character: Roberto’s approach isn’t about gaining recognition — it’s about genuine service and making a positive impact. In a political landscape where ambition often overshadows authenticity, Roberto stands out as someone who leads with sincerity and purpose.

Note: We are a non-partisan organization, and we are not endorsing any candidates. Having had the opportunity to engage many candidates (their politics and political positions notwithstanding) we’d like to share the characteristics we most admire!

[democracimatters @democracimatter]

As part of our series sharing insights on candidates who participated in our project, we want to share what we love about Marjan!

https://t.co/DDoZk2Zlz4

One of the most telling things we can share about Marjan is this: after filming and engaging with 20+ candidates for our platform, she was one of only two who asked about our small company, showed real interest in how she could support us, and even took steps to help—without us ever asking. For many candidates, helping small businesses and revitalizing downtown are often just talking points or photo ops. But with Marjan, it’s clear these priorities run deeper.

During the time we spent with her, we didn’t feel like we were just there to help her campaign. Marjan made us feel like a genuine part of the community, showing not only appreciation but also an understanding of the challenges involved in starting a company. She made it clear that we mattered, and instead of seeking our support, Marjan extended her own assistance to us. It’s a rare quality and one that left a strong impression.

Given the large office vacancies throughout San Francisco, a reputation that has taken a hit at the national level, we know getting new businesses back to San Francisco is vital for the local economy. We value strongly Marjan’s insights and service minded approach to helping small businesses.

@MarjanPhilhour

Note: We are a non-partisan organization, and we are not endorsing any candidates. Having had the opportunity to engage many candidates (their politics and political positions notwithstanding) we’d like to share the characteristics we most admire.

[democracimatters @democracimatter]

As part of our series sharing insights on candidates who participated in our project, we want to share what we love about Trevor!

https://t.co/Rr29XZ98Rb

When we met with Trevor and his team to film, Trevor and team were professional, punctual, and efficient. They wrapped up the filming quickly and seamlessly, and from this experience—and others—we’ve come to appreciate how Trevor runs his campaign with the same kind of drive and focus you’d expect from a start-up. Trevor treats time and money as precious resources, constantly prioritizing what matters most, and commits himself fully to the campaign.

It’s clear he’s dedicated to his constituents, too. Trevor puts in the work, showing up door-to-door, day or night, rain or shine. This relentless commitment to meeting people face-to-face speaks volumes. In conversations between filming, Trevor shared stories from his past political experiences and practical strategies for accelerating progress—showing a real focus on outcomes rather than platitudes or lofty ideals.

As a start-up organization ourselves, we value people who have the grit to push for change, especially in bureaucratic spaces. Trevor’s campaign reflects that same scrappy, get-it-done mentality, along with a genuine drive to engage with and deliver for his community. It’s something we can really relate to and respect.

@Trevor4SF

Note: We are a non-partisan organization, and we are not endorsing any candidates. Having had the opportunity to engage many candidates (their politics and political positions notwithstanding) we’d like to share the characteristics we most admire.

[democracimatters @democracimatter]

As part of our series sharing insights on candidates who participated in our project, we want to share what we love about EJ!

https://t.co/BAMzP73zdi

We first met EJ following a panel discussion / debate among D11 supervisors. Immediately after the debate was a social event, where most of the candidates and many audience members participated.

What we learned and appreciate about EJ was very much on display that evening. While it seemed many other candidates participated in a more obligatory way, we observed EJ take time to talk to virtually everyone in the room, ourselves included. The nature of the conversation was very much to say hello, get to know each person, with EJ engaging in a way that more closely resembles meeting a friend of a friend, conjuring small talk with strangers or constituents. If not having attended the panel, there’s a good chance you wouldn’t realize EJ is running for office. For EJ, it seems like meeting someone and getting to know them takes precedence over soliciting their vote or talking politics.

On other occasions when we’ve engaged EJ, its clear that EJ is observant and sharp, as he’s offered various and unique political insights that we hadn’t previously heard — demonstrating that EJ’s political capabilities seem strong, despite an engagement style which leans on listening and community building than overt politics.

Perhaps most tellingly, beyond our direct engagements with EJ, we’ve heard many speak highly of EJ and his character — often including individuals who support candidates and organizations on a ‘different slate’. Given the polarizing nature of politics nationally (and locally...), these are characteristics we deeply value.

[democracimatters @democracimatter]

As part of our series sharing insights on candidates who participated in our project, we want to share what we love about Autumn!

https://t.co/svnSwx4oTE

When we first met Autumn, she invited us to her home for tea, and to share her thoughts and approaches for improving San Francisco and D5. From that discussion, and later interactions, we discovered several characteristics we really appreciate about Autumn.

To begin, Autumn combines the kindness and openness you might expect from early hippies of the Haight, with the elevated standards and concrete pragmatism of a software engineer. We appreciate this combination of characteristics, as we believe good leaders require kindness and empathy to understand and engage their constituents effectively, coupled with the discipline, rigor, and clarity to solve complex problems, skills which software development necessitate.

We also appreciate Autumn’s ability to bring people together, to help foster consensus and coalitions to solve problems. While we’re aware that she has done this throughout her career — we hear Autumn’s name mentioned often in the community, in strongly positive ways. It’s clear Autumn leads by action and example, developing strong grassroots support as a result.

Perhaps most tellingly, we appreciate Autumn’s willingness to work with anyone to pursue better outcomes, politics included. As Autumn was the first candidate in D5 that we filmed — Autumn offered to introduce us to all the other candidates in D5.

We believe San Francisco requires candidates who lead by example, develop consensus and reach across the aisle to solve our cities challenges — characteristics which we see as strengths of Autumn.

@autumnlooijen

*Note - We are a non-partisan organization, and we are not endorsing any candidates. Having had the opportunity to engage many candidates (their politics and political positions notwithstanding) we’d like to share the characteristics we most admire from those that participated in the project.

[democracimatters @democracimatter]

As part of our series sharing insights on candidates who participated in our project, we want to share what we love about Danny!

https://t.co/O3sT4VeWsf

Running for office is a challenging endeavor—it’s exhausting, all-consuming, grueling, often filled with personal attacks, and generally under-appreciated by constituents. Despite these obstacles, we’re continually amazed that outstanding candidates aren’t discouraged from running or don’t become cynical afterward. Strong, capable representatives are essential to better governance, and it takes resilience to stay motivated in this environment.

Against this backdrop, what we admire most about Danny is his relentlessly positive persistence and his reluctance to grow cynical or negative. He keeps driving forward, connecting with constituents, business owners, and community stakeholders, all while showing a remarkable patience for listening. Having accompanied Danny on several occasions, Danny takes the time to truly understand people’s concerns, offering context, insights, and a clear path forward.

Many in the campaign world view engagement as a numbers game, advising candidates to minimize time with each person to reach as many as possible. Danny doesn’t subscribe to that approach. Whether or not you agree or support him, Danny will be there to listen, engage meaningfully, and do his best to support all members of his community and district, whether as a neighbor, or your next Supervisor.

@DannySauter

Note: We are a non-partisan organization, and we are not endorsing any candidates. Having had the opportunity to engage many candidates (their politics and political positions notwithstanding) we’d like to share the characteristics we most admire.

[democracimatters @democracimatter]

As part of our series sharing insights on candidates who participated in our project, we want to share what we love about Moe!

https://t.co/Pkmj9fA9o7

There’s a distinct humbleness and candor about Moe that we very much appreciate. For example, when we film candidates, often times many will bring a couple shirt, jackets or tie options, asking for feedback on which looks most professional. When we met Moe to film, he was ready to rock-n-roll in his carhart sweatshirt, declined use of a teleprompter, preferring instead to speak plainly to constituents in an unscripted way (doing the videos in largely a single take).

Elsewhere, Moe has a bit of levity when engaging others, often joking with them, and engaging them in a more casual way as people / peers, rather than a candidate selling themselves to constituents. We appreciate that Moe is less inclined to engage in the pomp and circumstance of politics, where speaking clearly and plainly on his priorities and policies are front and center.

*Note We are a non-partisan organization, and we are not endorsing any candidates. Having had the opportunity to engage many candidates (their politics and political positions notwithstanding) we’d like to share the characteristics we most admire. Learn more by joining our platform!

[democracimatters @democracimatter]

As part of our series sharing insights on candidates who participated in our project, we want to share what we love about Sharon!

https://t.co/Vb3E4gt2Sl

As product / engineering professionals, we have a tendency to obsess over every detail, to make sure we get things right. When we met Sharon, we got a similar sense — an obsession to do everything in her power to ensure the best possible outcome. And we appreciate that. Whether ensuring each video was within a tight time duration, or iterating over her message to ensure optimal clarity, brevity and delivery — it’s clear that Sharon is someone who does her due diligence, scrutinizes details, and demands high standards of both herself and her team -- something constituents deserve from their elected officials. @sharonlaiishere

*Note: We are a non-partisan organization, and we are not endorsing any candidates. Having had the opportunity to engage many candidates (their politics and political positions notwithstanding) we’d like to share the characteristics we most admire. Learn more by joining our platform!

[democracimatters @democracimatter]

As part of our series sharing insights on candidates who participated in our project, we want to share what we love about Heather!

https://t.co/X2OQJrIsCV

When we met with Heather to film, we got off to a bit of a late start, given a mutual passion about history, government, the role of ‘systems’ in shaping the nature of society — and a corresponding mutual preference to discuss interesting topics over filming (on both sides of the lens). If you didn’t know, Heather is a professor, and her knowledge runs deep.

And importantly — while we believe that these topics form a strong and necessary foundation for a role as an elected official — as product professionals, we strongly value feedback and understanding the product domain, as well as who your users are, and what they want. And this is something we really appreciate about Heather, in her role as a professor, and serving on leadership roles at her college.

As both City College (specifically) and higher education (more generally) face significant challenges, resurrecting City College will require evolving and redefining itself. Getting that right requires knowing what students need and want, how the administration works, and how to bring City College stakeholders together to deliver necessary change.

For those reasons, we strongly appreciate Heather’s experience coupled with her passion and dedication to educating students.

*Note: We are a non-partisan organization, and we are not endorsing any candidates. Having had the opportunity to engage many candidates (their politics and political positions notwithstanding) we’d like to share the characteristics we most admire. Learn more by joining our platform!

[democracimatters @democracimatter]

As part of our series sharing insights on candidates who participated in our project, we want to share what we love about Supryia!

https://t.co/8osBbgRHuG

Early in our process to begin filming candidates, Supryia was consistently mentioned as someone we should engage. Perhaps most tellingly, while Supryia hasn’t joined any ‘slate’ — we hear Supryia’s name come up consistently (and very positively), demonstrating Supryia’s ability to generate widespread support and respect which is a remarkable achievement for a first time candidate, particularly without any political slate or alliance.

When we met Supryia to film it became more apparent why: her message and character are compelling in their own right, but the support she commands was highlighted by the turnout of her colleagues, peers, and former students who came to share testimonials. Listening (and filming) their testimonials show Supryia is genuinely valued by those who know her, underscoring the authenticity of her impact and the trust she has built within her community.

Supryia (a mother to children in the district and lawyer), balances empathy, kindness and compassion with the unwavering grit, determination and intellect necessary to cause tangible change.

@rayforboe

Note: We are a non-partisan organization, and we are not endorsing any candidates. Having had the opportunity to engage many candidates (their politics and political positions notwithstanding) we’d like to share the characteristics we most admire. Learn more by joining the platform!