In the first of our new series of interviews with Midtown Brandywine residents and stakeholders, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Natasha Poppe, a talented artist, teacher, and the volunteer secretary of the Midtown Brandywine Neighbors’ Association. Natasha has been using her creative skills and passion for voter engagement to launch her new YouTube channel, “DIY Voter Postcarding.” We delved into her journey and the inspiration behind her endeavor.
Midtown Brandywine News: How long have you been DIY voter postcarding for voters? What were the circumstances that first got you involved?
Natasha: There are thousands of volunteers writing postcards to voters. Some started with the first public campaign in Georgia in 2017. Many neighborhood activists set up groups to write at postcard parties, which I did in St. Paul well before moving here. I started designing and printing a few cards of my own. During Covid, I discovered that some larger groups moved to Zoom and I eventually found them. One of the most productive card-writers, Annie H., got the idea to have live Zoom sessions with some of the creative artists who have original ideas for postcard art. I was thrilled that she asked me to do a session, which I called “On The Cheap,” using several very primitive printmaking methods, hoping to save writers money. These artist sessions were recorded, but only one was ever posted.
So, I suddenly decided to start my own channel and share these ideas one at a time. My first video was posted this week and the second is in process.
Midtown Brandywine News: What are the main elements of DIY voter postcarding that make the activity worthwhile, in your opinion?
Natasha: Many volunteers are writing hundreds of cards—buying cards from designers on Etsy, of course donating the postage, buying lots of pens, stickers, rubber stamps, and decorative tape—and I would like to use my teaching skills to convince them that they can use easy methods to decorate cards themselves.
Midtown Brandywine News: You’re so active in the Midtown Brandywine community. Have you been able to get neighbors to join your DIY voter postcarding initiative?
Natasha: Several neighbors have regularly helped write cards, but the DIY movies are brand new. Most of them just want to write straightforward messages, which is just fine!
Midtown Brandywine News: Any final thoughts to share with the neighborhood?
Natasha: You can help increase voter turnout! Here are two organizations to consider helping:
- Vote Riders (NON-PARTISAN): Actually, Voter ID-ers (get it?) This amazing group is 11 years old and helps get information out to infrequent voters in states with Voter ID laws. Their help is free to voters, whether it’s providing rides to register or even paying to get a birth certificate. ALL YOU DO is print out the letter, add a personal sentence or two, decorate as you wish, and mail.
- Postcards to Voters (DEMOCRATS): Started in GA in 2017 by “Tony the Democrat,” PTV now has thousands of volunteers writing and mailing simple, fun, positive cards reminding Democrats to vote. We write (and some enjoy decorating) cards ranging from small municipal elections to Vote By Mail encouragement to big statewide voting lists. You can make cards, buy from them or on Etsy. Join the Facebook group ffi. Text JOIN to 484-275-2229 or visit their website (link above).
Natasha’s first video, entitled “Lesson 1: Basic Borders,” is up now! In Lesson 1, Natasha teaches you how to design basic borders that draw attention to your message and guide the viewer’s focus away from any imperfections. Borders can be simple or vibrant, adding a touch of personality to your postcards. This beginner-friendly lesson provides step-by-step instructions to get you started.
Subscribe to her channel for future lessons where she’ll explore printing various designs on our postcards. With Natasharts, you’ll discover innovative ways to engage voters and make a lasting impact.
