How to Get Involved in a Political Campaign

Political campaigns are successful only if they have the support of many volunteers. You can easily become involved in supporting the candidate of your choice by devoting some of your free time to whatever campaign work is needed in your area.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Phone Books
• Phone Books
• Newspaper Subscriptions
• E-mail Accounts

1. Consider joining a political party. Examine each party platform and decide which one comes closest to your own beliefs. (See Related eHows.)

2. Write or e-mail your representatives and senators for a list of the issues they support and oppose.

3. Remember that in addition to national candidates, those in your local community and state also need campaign workers.

4. Call the local offices of the individuals you choose to support. Volunteers are always needed for a variety of tasks during a campaign.

5. Realize that all campaign work is necessary, even basic duties like handing out fliers or making phone calls.

6. Check your chosen party's Web site to see if you can offer your help online, especially if your spare time is scarce.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact the League of Women Voters (lwv.org) for basic information about all current campaigns.
• Try to get your friends to become involved in volunteering their time as well.

on 1/13/2006 Four years ago I moved into a new neighborhood, which has a large population of people in my own political party. I did not realize that at first, but when I re-registered to vote, I began to receive notices of political events. I also received several invitations. At first, I never attended; but, eventually, I did. I found this to be the most valuable thing that I had ever done. I began to make invaluable contacts, then to volunteer. Most recently, I volunteered for the Mayor's re-election campaign and transitioned from a simple volunteer to a paid canvasser. I was then able to attend breakfasts, lunches and parties with the Mayor. I also was one of the people who escorted him through a festival and rallied for him when he received one of his endorsements. So, my advice is to always take advantage of every opportunity that comes to you, you never know what connections you can make.

on 11/22/2005 As an intern I know that volunteering on a campaign is one of the best experiences an American citizen can have. I especially encourage those in high school and college to get involved. The experience gained on the campaign trail are valuable in many fields - not just politics. Interning, although a major commitment, is very rewarding. I am currently in my second internship, and I am earning high school credit for it, so it's not without concrete rewards. Volunteers are the back bone of political campaigns!