The Dig Three Million Doors w/ Tascha Van Auken
Dec 5, 2025
Tascha Van Auken, a leading field strategist for NYC Democratic Socialists of America, shares her experiences in grassroots organizing. She discusses how Zohran Mamdani’s campaign mobilized 100,000 volunteers and knocked on three million doors. Tascha reflects on the transformation of volunteers through direct voter contact and the DSA's role in fostering a democratic culture. She also highlights key campaigns, the importance of strategic endorsements, and the need for effective governance post-victory. Her insights illuminate the power of community engagement in driving political change.
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Field Power Changes What’s Possible
- Massive field operations can shift political possibilities and win major offices.
- Tasha Van Auken ties Zoran Mamdani's victory to years of organized left power, not a one-off stunt.
The Blue Man Group Classroom
- Tasha learned team-building and vulnerability skills while training actors at Blue Man Group.
- She applied those lessons to create safe, ambitious spaces for campaign volunteers.
Organizing Rooted In Relationship Work
- Marshall Ganz's organizing model (relationship-building and leadership replication) shaped Tasha's field approach.
- She credits that method as the defining standard for field operations she runs.
