How to Help Your Political Candidate

If you're really serious about political issues, then you should get involved with supporting the candidate who matches your values. That's what I did this weekend when I traveled from North Georgia to Greenville, South Carolina to work for Republican Presidential candidate Senator Fred Thompson of Tennessee. Although Senator Thompson later dropped out of the Presidential race after a poor showing in South Carolina, I'm still am for the experience of helping out in his campaign. Here are a few tips on how to help your political candidate.

Find Your Political Candidate's Web Site and Headquarters

First, go online and find out the closest office where other volunteers are gathering to work for your political candidate. For example, it was at Fred08.com that I learned of his campaign headquarters in South Carolina, as well as where he'd be making appearances.

Working for Your Candidate at Home

Phone calls---
Start by making calls at home. When you sign up online to help your candidate, you'll be emailed a list of people to call in your area. If you have unlimited long distance on either your land phone or cell, then you can easily get started making some calls before going to your candidate's headquarters. You'll be provided with a blurb, so you don't have to worry about what to say. Call between 6-9 PM when most people are home. If they're not home, just leave a message on his (or her) voice mail. (Again, you'll be given a standard speech for voice mall.) Be courteous and don't give in to anger even if the person on the other end cusses at you or hangs up. Just quickly thank the person and hang up, going on to the next name on your list. Also, be prepared to answer questions, as well as explain why you're supporting your candidate.

Email---
Target people you know who are undecided and send out emails that explain how your candidate stands on critical issues.

Working at a Campaign Office

Phone calls---
When I first walked into the Fred08 headquarters (see photo) in Greenville, South Carolina, I wondered how I could make calls with so many other volunteers talking on cell phones, all at the same time. However, after a few calls I learned to tune out everyone else in the room. Or, you can always find a quiet corner somewhere in the building. Fortunately, I sat next to a professional telemarketer who told me, "Just don't take anything personal." Of course, you're going to get a few folks who do everything from cuss you out to hang up. But don't take it personal. Just go on to the next caller, trying to call as many people as you can.

Door-to-door calls---
If you're not sure of the area, rest assured you'll be given maps of nearby neighborhoods so you can make door-to-door calls. Although you may be fearful of doors being slammed on you, many folks are nice, even offering you cookies and treats.

BenefitsWorking at a Campaign Headquarters

*Free food----
When you help your candidate you don't have to worry about starving. There are plenty of drinks and snacks to sustain you as you make calls.

*Free campaign literature----
Besides buttons, stickers, and signs, you may get a free book (such as I did) about your candidate.

*New friends----
What's more, you'll probably make new friends as everyone around you shares your passion. Also, there's nothing like the thrill of being there, especially when you get to see your candidate in person at a pre-election rally. (See picture of Senator Fred Thompson at his January 18^th rally at Embassy Suites in Greenville, South Carolina.)

Attending a Political Rally

*Arrive early----
Try to get to the rally before they note when the "doors open". If you don't you may not get a seat. That's what happened to me when I arrived just minutes shy of 6 PM. Once there, be a good example for recruiting more voluntters. For example, you could make some last minute phone calls, encouraging voters to support your candidate. Also, pass out literature, buttons, signs, and stickers as you wait for your candidate to arrive. (Just make sure somone saves your seat as continue to work.)

Finally, even if your candidate loses (as mine did), you can still go away with the experience of helping him (or her) proclaim the values that you share. In your heart, you can feel good that you followed through on what you believed, rather than just sitting back and doing nothing.