Making Waves for Democracy

Making Waves for Democracy is an all-volunteer Los Angeles political action organization that has over 800 members actively working to send a blue wave of Democrats to Washington DC each election cycle.

We believe that action is the only antidote to political despair, rage and hatred – and, to that end, are committed to regular monthly meetings that inform, train, and inspire our members to get politically involved. 

We focus on two actions, canvassing and grassroots fundraising, and on two House seats, CA-27 and CA-47.

Making Waves was started in 2016 by longtime L.A. progressive activist, Torie Osborn. 

• 2016, Team TO, organized by longtime LA progressive activist Torie Osborn, 162 volunteers canvassed for Hillary Clinton in Las Vegas.
• 2017, inspired by The Women’s March and the Muslim Ban Protests, Team TO: Resist and Rise was reborn as a resistance group in opposition to Trumpism.
• 2020, with President Biden elected and Democrats controlling Congress, Making Waves for Democracy was again reborn to advance Democrats’ agenda.

• 50-150 activists attend our regular gatherings
  • Activists have stayed engaged
  • Focused on the positive and self-care
  • Committed to grassroots political action
• Knocked on 90,000 doors
  • 2018 Helped flip two House Districts, CA-25 and CA-48
  • 2020 Traveled to Phoenix, AZ to join Unite HERE’s door-knocking for Mark Kelly and Biden/Harris
  • 2021-22 canvassed in Orange County (CA-45 and CA-47) and LA County (CA-27) and Karen Bass for Mayor 
• Raised over $2 million dollars
  • Organized 13 fundraising events
    • In person (7)
    • Virtual (2)
    • Email campaigns (4)
  • 2017-18 raised $780,000 for 
    • two House seats
    • Mark Kelly’s Arizona Senate seat
    • Karen Bass’s Sea Change Leadership PAC mobilizing youth, immigrants, people of color
  • 2020 Presidential battle
    • $720,000 – a record for a $50 event and the largest event in LA (3500 donors).
  • 2022 One virtual and one in-person event
    • $275,000 for Democrats running for CA-27 and CA-45

Our current work: The key to holding the House runs through California! 

• Continually foster a strong connection with Antelope Valley, in CA-27 (the last Republican seat in LA County)
• Committed to keeping Orange County coastal district Blue, CA-47
• Educate ourselves on policy matters and how to persuade voters
• Bring people together for grassroots fundraising and talking to voters