Campaign Volunteers

The media is full of stories about the role of fundraisers, consultants, professional activists and other paid staff in campaigns.  What is generally overlooked is the role played by un-paid volunteers.  The reality is that volunteers remain the heart of all successful campaigns.  In the case of state and local races, they are often the entire campaign.  Candidates for elected office who do not find a team of dedicated volunteers to help them will not win – and all good candidates know it.

Therefore, there is probably no better way to build a long-term relationship with an elected official than volunteer to help with their campaign.  Doing so will mean you will be more than just a name, more than just a voter.  You will become someone of importance to the official personally, and therefore able to command attention when necessary.

Becoming a campaign volunteer is easy: show up.  The primary qualification that campaigns look for in a volunteer is enthusiasm and a willingness to work.  Pick a candidate that you like, and contact his or her campaign.  You can do this by phone, on the internet, or by simply going to their campaign headquarters and offering to help.  The campaign will ask you for your contact information, what you would like to do, and how much time you can give to the campaign.  Commitments of as little as one night a week for the month leading up to the election will be greatly appreciated.  Volunteering does not have to be a full-time job.  Small investments, made consistently over time, will pay huge dividends down the line.

What do campaign volunteers do?  Any number of things, depending on the campaign.  Some of the most common tasks are: 

• Calling registered voters to ask for their support.
• Putting up and delivering campaign signs.
• Folding and stuffing letters.
• Handing out fliers door-to-door.

 This is not exciting stuff, but it is necessary work that must get done if a candidate wants to win.  Even today’s most sophisticated campaigns are built around a team of dedicated individuals who just want to help.

Updated:  15 May 2007
Contact: Russ Harrison, r.t.harrison@ieee.org