So you are ready to start making an impact for your community, state, and country. But how do you get started? When first hearing the lists of volunteer roles that need filling, it can seem overwhelming and confusing. What do all these positions actually entail? Do you need special skills or training to jump in? What if you have limiting health factors to consider?
Great news! There is something for everyone when it comes to volunteering. Whether you are an introvert or extrovert, whether you love to walk for hours or prefer to sit in a chair, indoor, outdoor, and everything in between, there is a way that you can get involved and start being a force for good in your local community and beyond. So let's jump in and break some of these roles down.
Knocking on Doors
If you:
Love walking outside
Enjoy meeting interesting people
Prefer talking face to face
Then this could be the perfect fit for you.
When people think about volunteering for political campaigns, often the first thing to come to mind is neighborhood canvassing. Don't worry about where to go or what to say. Your local GOP branch or candidate office will provide you with a script and locations to visit, either in paper or app format.
Registering Voters
If you:
Enjoy helping people with forms
Want something portable
Are always ready to make a new friend
Then you could help those in your community take advantage of their voting rights.
Are you approachable, a details person, or a natural educator? This job can go with you wherever you go. It is also a great add-on if you are already helping in other ways, such as manning a fair booth or getting petitions signed. This is particularly great for college students and those in communities with low voter turnout. Help your neighbors exercise their right to vote! Reach out to your local GOP branch, campaign office, or election department for blank forms to get started!
Phone Banking
If you:
Enjoy sitting in a temperature controlled space
Love talking on the phone
Like to work at your own pace
Then this might be just what you want.
Like Door Knocking, you don't need to worry about who to call or what to say. The campaign that you are phone banking for will provide numbers and a script of what to say. Many candidates are also now using apps that will dial a prepopulated list and also ensure that your number stays private. Whether you like to socialize or work alone, phone banking can be a great fit and perfect for those who prefer to be off their feet.
Election Integrity
If you:
Care deeply about honesty
Enjoy learning new skills
Want to meet a critical need
Then these opportunities are a great option.
Election Integrity roles are a whole category of volunteer roles. They include poll observing, ballot collecting, watching the drop boxes, and working at poll centers. If you want to ensure that elections in your area are being conducted honestly, contact your local GOP branch to find out how to get trained for these vital jobs.
Assisting with Fundraisers
If you:
Enjoy event planning/organizing
Like working with a team
Want to use your creative side
Then this could be a fun way for you to make a difference.
Fundraisers are as varied as the people who plan them. They can range from dinners to bake sales to benefit concerts and more. What they all have in common is the need for people to help, possibly by decorating, food prep and service, and business sponsorships, to name a few. If you want to work with a team to run a great event, this is the perfect spot for you! Reach out to local campaigns and GOP branches to find out what is in the works near you.
Other Ways to Help
Postcards - Is your handwriting legible? Join a local event copying a prewritten message onto a card to help local voters know who is running in their area. You can work alone or hang out with other volunteers!
Putting up a candidate sign - It's easy and helps your neighbors learn about local candidates. And if your property is next to a busy street then even more people can see it. A great low-effort way to contribute!
Donating - A well known need. If you are interested in contributing financially, you can reach out to the candidates office or your local GOP branch to find out the best place to donate. Just be careful when donating online to be sure the money is going where you want it to go.
Wearing merchandise - It’s fun, and it helps! By picking up candidate merchandise like hats, sweatshirts, pins, and bumper stickers, you can donate to a campaign and get your favorite candidate’s name out there so more people know who is running.
Running for office - There are many different positions that need to be filled in every election. Some are straightforward, and others are a perfect fit for someone willing to tackle a challenge. If you are passionate about improving a particular sphere of your community, this might be the perfect fit. Missed this election? Then it's a great opportunity to get a head start on being prepared for the next one. Ask your local GOP branch what they need candidates for in your area.
And many more. Are you a writer, artist, computer savvy, social media influencer, or have some other particular way you want to contribute? Ask your local office how your unique skills and experience can help!
For those in El Dorado County either reach out to us, your local GOP branch, by filling out the Contact Us information, or reach out to a specific candidate that you want to support.
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