About
Crimson Goes Blue is a growing community of Harvard alums, faculty, staff and students who are committed to protecting American democracy.
Founded in 2019, we’re mobilizing thousands in the Harvard community to elect Democrats, engage voters and promote election integrity.
What We Do
Make it easy for anyone — with or without a Harvard affiliation — to get the most impact from political donations by giving to carefully selected recipients via the Crimson Goes Blue Portfolio.
Share easily accessible information about candidates in key elections and efforts to support democracy locally and nationally.
Deliver trusted political and electoral analysis.
Invite members to in-person and virtual volunteer events where your time will be used effectively.
Create informative events for our community, featuring Harvard's activists, academics, and artists.
Collaborate with effective organizations in the pro-democracy movement.
Our Mission
Crimson Goes Blue harnesses the talents, passion, and resources of alumni and other members of the Harvard community to forge a more just American democracy.
We aspire to reach everyone in the Harvard community who cares deeply about injustice in our society. We are both aspirational and pragmatic in our work. We believe that without good leadership in our government and the freedom to vote, none of the other causes that we care about can advance.
We support Democrats and root our work in the fight for our democracy in order to provide the critical foundation that enables other social justice efforts to succeed.
Specifically, we do careful research to pinpoint key races and organizations that will have the most impact in any election, and we make it easy for members of the Harvard community to share their time and funds in the most effective way. (For more detail, read about our political strategy.)
Our introductory video for new members explains the history of Crimson Goes Blue and the benefits of joining.
Our Story
In 2019, concern about the impending election was widespread and significant.
At the 35th reunion of the Harvard -Radcliffe class of 1984, classmates wanted to know how they could get involved to make a difference. Motivated to act by the clear and present threat, we founded Crimson Goes Blue to take back the White House and turn the Senate Blue in 2020.
Since then, our group has expanded to include all alumni, faculty, staff, and students. We also benefit greatly from collaborating with Swing Left, the national organization dedicated to winning elections for Democrats, and other grassroots groups. Plus, we welcome guests from outside the Harvard community who help us learn how to take the most effective action.
For more about Crimson Goes Blue, read the Harvard Magazine article, “Anyone Can Be An Activist.”
Our Budget and Funding
By leveraging alumni volunteer leadership, maintaining low overhead, and focusing exclusively on activism in the key battleground states (v. operating a national campaign), we achieve a lot with limited operating funds.
Janet Singer, CGB Co-Founder discusses her path from midwife to Political Director.
Are you a member of the Harvard community? Help us champion democracy. Join now.
Our Supporters
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg (‘04):
”I’m so glad to know that this group of Harvard alumni is taking such an active role in mobilizing different communities to elect Democrats up and down the ticket.”
Congressman Jamie Raskin (‘83):
”I’m all about Crimson Goes Blue. This is just an awesome undertaking politically and intellectually. So thank you for what you’re doing.”
Former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick (‘78, HLS ‘82):
”I want to say how grateful I am to everybody for what you do to make our democracy personal — your willingness to show up, to talk to people, to engage with people who might not already agree with us. That is the work of citizenship.”
Actress/activist Amy Brenneman ('86) explains why she supports Crimson Goes Blue, and why you should too.
Watch John Lithgow ('67) bring some levity to Crimson Goes Blue with his poem inspired by the political landscape.
“Crimson Goes Blue is the ideal launching pad for people who are new to political activism. They are smart about strategy, focusing on critical elections where efforts can make a real difference, and they keep volunteers motivated and engaged with newsletters, speakers, and events.”
Maiya Williams Verrone, HR ’84, Crimson Goes Blue Member
Our Community
Crimson Goes Blue is creating a powerful movement and having a great time doing it.
Here’s what some members have to say:
“Volunteering with CGB showed me how easy (and fun) it is to make a difference… and I got to do it hanging out with a bunch of talented Harvard friends new and old.”
“Crimson Goes Blue had exceptionally well-designed, maximum-impact volunteer opportunities. This has been the best experience that I have had volunteering with any political action group.”
“Crimson Goes Blue inspired and fed my political engagement by providing me with well-chosen, well-organized and impactful opportunities to get actively involved in voting rights and campaigns.”
Want to be a member of this Harvard community? Join Crimson Goes Blue.
Our Guiding Principles
Activism for Everyone
We believe that everyone can be an activist and have a positive effect on our democracy. We create diverse opportunities for involvement and challenge our members to deepen their engagement, regardless of their previous level of activism.
Community Building
We believe that relationships promote activism. Our strategy and structure rely on the leadership and engagement of our alumni members and our activities are designed to grow and strengthen our community.
Trusted Source of Information
We believe being well-informed is critical to effective political activism. We gather, analyze, synthesize and disseminate information to share insights and identify high-impact opportunities for our members.
Action
We are committed to action. We respond nimbly to the changing opportunities and challenges of a constantly evolving political landscape.
Inspiration
We believe inspiration unlocks potential and allows us to transcend our ordinary limitations. We seek to provide the hope and inspiration that motivates our members to do the hard work of political activism.
Collaboration
We believe in building on the expertise of others, rather than replicating their work. We collaborate with national and grassroots organizations that share our goals.
Belonging
We envision an American society where the full humanity of all is recognized and valued. We are committed to creating and nurturing an organizational culture, structure, and practices that enable every member to experience a sense of belonging and engagement and to feel appreciated for their contributions. We believe that diversity is a source of strength.
Crimson Goes Blue is not affiliated with Harvard University.