I've volunteered for political campaigns for literally 40 years. And one thing that's always helped when things look bleak is the knowledge that there is ALWAYS something practical you can do to help make things better -- whether through electoral politics or other kinds of service.
For example...
If I may add one more thing to your list: Be a poll worker! I'm the chair of my local Board of Registrars of Voters, and we are always short-handed. It's a long day but a satisfying one, and you get paid! Also, if you have the time, see if your local elections office needs volunteers or part-timers!
Adding the vote-by-mail option was great, because it really increased turnout, but it also created a lot of extra work for election offices, and the funding has not necessarily kept up! So if you can spare a few hours a week around election time, see if they need help.
