Ideas for a Political Fund Raiser
Politics can be a sticky subject, and fundraising can be a royal pain. An effort that combines the two can seem doomed from the start. However, political fundraising doesn't have to be difficult, painful or awkward. Focus on getting your message out enthusiastically and involving your community to maximize your chances of political fundraising success.
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Family Events
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A family barbecue can bring voters out in droves. Forget the posh cocktails and business parties. Stick to casual, laid-back family events that engender a sense of community. Hold an outdoor barbecue in conjunction with a softball tournament. Dress casually and walk around the event, introducing yourself and getting to know future constituents. You could also hold a big carnival full of games and entertainment. Set up a small stage area and invite voters to ask questions about your policies. For all family events, charge per family and ask local businesses for sponsorship to keep costs down.
"A-Thons"
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A telethon can help raise lots of money for your campaign. Get voters involved with participation in a walkathon or telethon. Start with a rally that draws out supporters and announces and explains your event. For a walkathon, tell participants to find a sponsor to pay a set amount per mile walked. Give it a twist with a platform-related theme or attention-getting catchphrase, such as "A Future for Our Children." For a telethon, ask supporters to volunteer to man the phones. You could also pick supporters from each major demographic and ask them to make an on-air statement of support. Invite local celebrities to show their support, as well.
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Auctions
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Auctions can be an effective way to engage voters and garner support. Appeal to supporters' competitive side with campaign-related auctions. Film a TV ad and auction off a walk-on role or buy radio ad space and auction off the speaking parts. Or, target young professionals and recent graduates (especially if you're campaigning for a high-profile office) and auction off an internship or clerk position, if you are elected. You could also auction off an appearance if elected, for example as a speaker at a local university's political club meeting.
Special Events
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Your supporters can bond over an afternoon or evening of golf. Give your supporters a bit of fun in return. Solicit prize donations from local businesses and hold a raffle. Offer advertising to the businesses in exchange. You could also hold a team golf tournament. Make it more interesting by holding it at night and selling cocktails and snacks along the course. Or, sell tickets to a fundraiser date night outdoors. Rent a big projection screen and show a romantic political movie. Leave a big open space for dancing and sell low-cost tickets for door prizes.
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References
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