Volunteering for a campaign

If you have been following my blog, one of the themes I have been writing about is how fund raising and money has become more and more important, particularly with PAC's being involved, and the general disconnect between the average American voter and these large, fund raising machines that campaigns have become.

 

However, there remains one area of campaigns where people can still make a difference, and people can get involved and have a real impact; volunteering.

I've put together a how to list below on how to get involved and what duties may be in store for you should you pursue the volunteer path.

A few notes before we begin.  Campaigns are always eager to find people willing to work hard, for a cause they believe in, and most importantly, for free.  Think of volunteering as an unpaid internship (in most cases).  Also, as you are reading this how to list, think of what you would want to do and how your skills would fit the list.  Finally, be prepared to smart small and know how many hours you are willing to volunteer per week.  As in most jobs, you will most likely start at the bottom, but opportunities exist to move up fast, particularly for those that can spend more time on the trail.

In general terms, most people volunteer for one of the following reasons:

1. They are related to the candidate
2. They are friends of the candidate
3. They get some personal benefit out of it
4. It is social, and gets them out of their houses
5. They are interested in policy
6. They want to meet like-minded people
7. They are looking for a job
8. They are party loyalists, and will work for the nominee
9. They are looking for recognition

You can very easily sign up for local, state level, or national campaigns by simply contacting the office.  Almost all campaigns have a website and volunteer section, along with how to contact information and phone numbers.

Once you begin, what are some of the duties they may have you perform:

1. Register to vote - still the single most important act anyone can make to a campaign/election is your vote.  Register before you volunteer.
2. Phone banks - be prepared to make upwards of 200 phone calls per day lobbying for your candidate, registering people to vote, and gathering data.
3. Canvassing - knocking on doors to lobby for your candidate, registering people to vote, and gathering data.
4. Fundraising - mostly by phone, but some could be in person at fund raisers.
5. Social media - spreading the message.
6. Research - every publication, web page and voting records to gather background information on your candidate, and opponent.
7. Recruiting others - not just your relatives and friends, but any and all.
8. Distribute anywhere from one hundred to hundreds of thousands of pieces of literature.

 

 Campaigns are looking for high energy, highly motivated individuals.  In addition to doing important work, you will meet some incredible individuals.  I encourage each of you to volunteer at least once!