How to Be a Political Organizer

There are numerous options when it comes to working in politics. One job that may interest you is that of a political organizer. As a political organizer, you will be out in the field working with real people who have real problems. You'll also be molding public policy, though at the lowest level. Here is how to be a political organizer.

Instructions

1. Begin by taking college level Political Science classes. Your focus should be basic American government, such as branches of the government and how laws are made. Public policy classes would also be beneficial for your learning experience. The truth is that these classes are not a requirement, meaning that you can work as a political organizer without taking any such classes. However, these courses will give you the knowledge necessary to better perform your duties as a political organizer as well as increase the odds that you will be hired for such a position.

2. Have a very outgoing personality. When working as a political organizer, you will be talking with many different people on a daily basis. These people will come from different backgrounds and have different agendas and ideas regarding what is best for the country. It's important that you are more than willing to discuss these things with people and also express your beliefs without wavering one bit.

3. Contact your local political offices regarding grassroots campaign jobs. A political organizer is somebody who goes out and raises both awareness and funds for different campaigns. This can be done both on the street and door-to-door. There are also national grassroots organizations that you can search for on your favorite search engine.

4. Be able to sell yourself and the campaign. Remember that politics is nothing more than selling something. Instead of selling a product, though, you will be selling either a candidate, political party or policy. You must be convincing to the people you will be speaking with or you will not be a successful political organizer. As with any sales job, the best way to learn this skill is by doing. Sure, you will take some bumps along the way, but in time you will find what works for you.

5. Have the ability to lead both large and small groups of workers. A political organizer will often take volunteers and other salaried workers out into the field for fund raising, petition signings, voter registration and other tasks necessary for the campaign. You must have the ability to motivate your workers on a daily basis and rally them when bad days occur.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider taking public speaking courses as well, especially if you are afraid of speaking in public. A political organizer will most likely not speak in front of large crowds. However, there will be plenty of face-to-face discussions. It's important that you are more than confident in your ability to talk to others about anything and everything.

Resources

• Grassroots Campaigns With the DNC