Written By Joyce Mandell
Without the sustained and superb professional technical assistance provided to the Yes for Gloucester campaign by Abundant Housing Massachusetts, it is highly unlikely that we would have beaten back the repeal of our family-friendly zoning ordinance…. Jack Clarke, chairperson, Yes for Gloucester
“Do you have some time today to talk?” Jack asked the Monday after our big referendum win in Gloucester.
On April 24, after more than three months of intense organizing, our efforts paid off. In a decisive victory for Yes for Gloucester, 3,668 residents—over 60%—voted yes to uphold the 3A-compliant zoning ordinance that had been unanimously approved by the City Council in October 2024. Out of 6,099 total votes, only 2,431 (40%) opposed the measure.
“I always have time to talk to you, Jack,” I replied.
Jack Clarke, the calm and humble leader of the campaign, was personally reaching out to everyone who had played a role in the effort. When we met over Zoom, he made a point of acknowledging every contribution from the Affordable Housing and Mobility Advocates (AHMA): recruiting more than 25 volunteers; shaping the field strategy; helping fund a volunteer recruiter; and organizing weekly canvasses, phone banks, and six text banks. The last three were focused squarely on turning out the vote.
The results? Our volunteers knocked on over 3,500 doors, made 1,200 calls, and sent more than 12,000 texts to Gloucester voters—a critical factor in the win.
“Oh, and don’t forget,” Jack said with a laugh, “when you asked to talk one-on-one in that first month and gave it to me straight. You told me that if we didn’t get more volunteers out canvassing and calling, we’d be in trouble!”
That conversation was a turning point. Soon after, thanks to AHMA and Housing for All Gloucester member Deanna Fay, we found Chris Sicuranza, a seasoned campaigner with infectious energy. Chris took on the role of volunteer recruiter and had an amazing ability to inspire people to knock on doors—even those who were initially hesitant.
Every Monday morning at 9 a.m., Deanna, Chris, Peter Dolan, and I met to plan the week’s strategy:
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Where should we canvass this Saturday?
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What’s the best meeting location?
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Should we follow up with folks who signed the petition at Market Basket?
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How can we boost turnout for Thursday’s phone bank?
We plotted. We planned. We laughed. We supported each other. Outside of our hour-long meetings, we texted, emailed, or called almost daily. What emerged was more than a campaign team—we became a micro-community, bound together by a shared goal.
“Maybe that’s the secret ingredient to a winning campaign,” I said to Jack. “Building bonds and friendships that connect you to others who care just as deeply.”
It was my turn to thank him. Throughout the campaign, Jack had remained calm, focused, and kind. He kept us grounded in a positive message and steered us away from unproductive arguments with opponents. His leadership echoed Michelle Obama’s mantra: “When they go low, we go high.” He consistently gave credit to others and made space for everyone to contribute.
As we wrapped up our conversation, I asked, “So, looking back on what we did, what advice would you give for putting together a winning campaign?”
Jack didn’t pause. It was clear he had reflected on this. His five keys to building a winning movement:
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Be disciplined
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Stay on message
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Work hard
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Be kind
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Have fun
I think Jack’s advice is timeless. It applies to any grassroots effort, any movement built on community and shared purpose.
Hats off to all the Gloucester volunteers who made this win possible. I’ll miss those Monday morning meetings—but I know the connections we built will last far beyond this campaign.