A note from Darcy on the long history of political buttons

When I decided to step up my involvement in politics during the 2004 election cycle, one of the first things I did was to acquire some buttons, yard signs, and stickers in support of John Kerry's presidential campaign and distribute them to my friends and neighbors.  When I began my first campaign for office, I acquired a button machine and we made buttons to distribute to campaign volunteers and supporters.

Political merch -- buttons, t-shirts, yard signs, bumper stickers, etc -- can help campaigns in multiple ways:

• Supporters feel more connected to the campaign, as part of a group with a shared identity;
• Supporters are more likely, after displaying such affiliation, to increase their commitment and investments in the campaign;
• Voters who are undecided interpret visible displays of support as legitimizing, and are more likely to support the candidate or cause; and
• Merch can help campaigns and causes raise more money, making broader communication possible and success more likely.

We created MerchBlue because I believe that the advantages of political merch should be available to all Democratic campaigns and causes, from the smallest to the biggest. We want it to be easy to create your merch, offer it to your supporters, and raise money from it, with no risk to the campaign or cause.

The first known use of something like a political button was in the late 18th century. Josiah Wedgwood (yes, that Wedgwood) produced a wearable medallion to support the abolitionist movement, with an image of a chained slave and the words, "Am I Not a Man And a Brother?" It has been described as the most recognizable piece of antislavery paraphernalia ever produced.

The use of political buttons in the US dates back to at least George Washington. For his inauguration in 1789, there were commemorative buttons with patriotic designs, often themed with the phrase "Long Live the President".

Pinback buttons in a form similar to the way we currently know them emerged in about 1864 when the button-making machine was invented, with Abraham Lincoln's re-election campaign being one of the first large-scale uses of these buttons.

Political merch was not only a key part of the suffrage movement in the US, but it also played a crucial role in empowering women and advocating for their right to vote. During the early 20th century, suffragettes utilized various forms of political merchandise to raise awareness and rally support for their cause.

Buttons, for instance, became a powerful symbol of the suffrage movement. Women proudly wore suffrage buttons adorned with slogans such as "Votes for Women" and "Equality for All." These buttons served as a visual representation of their commitment and determination to fight for equal rights. They not only united suffragettes but also acted as conversation starters, sparking discussions about women's suffrage among those who saw them.

In addition to buttons, suffragettes also used other forms of political merch to amplify their message. These included ribbons, sashes, and banners, all featuring suffrage slogans and imagery. These items were often worn or displayed during suffrage parades and rallies, creating a visual spectacle that captured the attention of onlookers and further sparked curiosity and support for the movement.

The significance of political merch in the suffrage movement extended beyond its visual impact. It fostered a sense of solidarity among suffragettes and their supporters. Wearing suffrage buttons or displaying suffrage banners allowed individuals to publicly declare their support for women's right to vote, creating a sense of belonging and unity within the movement.

Furthermore, political merch served as a powerful tool in raising funds for the suffrage cause. Suffrage organizations sold these items to generate financial resources needed to support their activities, such as organizing rallies, printing informational materials, and lobbying for legislation. By purchasing suffrage merchandise, supporters not only contributed to the movement financially but also became walking billboards for the cause, spreading awareness wherever they went.

The use of political merch in the suffrage movement left a lasting legacy. It not only helped secure the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920, granting women the right to vote, but it also paved the way for future social and political movements to utilize merchandise as a means of communication, fundraising, and mobilization.

Today, the tradition of political merch continues to thrive, evolving with the digital age. Campaigns and causes can now leverage online platforms like ActBlue to offer a wide range of merchandise options to their supporters. From t-shirts and hats to stickers and tote bags, political merch remains a tangible expression of support and a powerful tool for mobilizing communities and advocating for change.

In the ever-evolving landscape of political fundraising, it is essential for every candidate, campaign, or cause utilizing ActBlue to tap into the power of political merchandise. By offering merch to supporters, these entities can not only generate crucial funds but also foster a sense of unity and pride among their supporters.

With ActBlue's user-friendly platform, candidates and campaigns of all sizes can now easily create and distribute a wide range of merchandise options to their dedicated supporters. From stylish t-shirts and trendy hats to eye-catching stickers and practical tote bags, political merch serves as a tangible expression of support and a powerful tool for mobilizing communities and driving meaningful change.

By expanding their fundraising efforts to include merchandise, candidates, campaigns, and causes can create a deeper connection with their supporters. Through the act of wearing a campaign t-shirt or displaying a bumper sticker, supporters become walking advertisements for their chosen cause. This visible display of support not only legitimizes the campaign in the eyes of undecided voters but also serves as a conversation starter, sparking discussions and raising awareness about the candidate or cause.

Moreover, the availability of political merch allows supporters to feel a sense of belonging and identity within a larger group. By proudly wearing a campaign button or sporting a campaign-themed hat, supporters become part of a community with shared values and goals. This shared identity cultivates a stronger commitment and investment in the campaign, as supporters feel emotionally connected to the cause they are supporting.

Not only does political merchandise have a profound impact on supporters, but it also serves as a vital fundraising tool. By offering merch to supporters, campaigns and causes can generate additional revenue to support their activities, such as organizing rallies, printing informational materials, and funding advocacy efforts. With ActBlue's seamless integration of merchandise options, every candidate, campaign, or cause can effortlessly raise funds while simultaneously spreading awareness and building a strong network of support.

As we look to the future of political fundraising, it is clear that political merch will continue to play a crucial role. The accessibility and versatility of ActBlue's platform empower candidates, campaigns, and causes to leverage the power of merchandise in their fundraising strategies. By embracing political merch, these entities can create a lasting impact, unite supporters, and drive meaningful change in the world of politics.

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