Organize Your Campaign: Who Are Your Volunteers?

Want to know how to get and keep volunteers? Here are the ins and outs, the who’s who of volunteers and how to cater to their giftings.

1. Policy Volunteers:
Who are they? Issue Ians: These volunteers care about a particular policy or issue -an issue that may or may not be the focus of the campaign. They want to make a difference, and they see the candidate’s election as a direct way to accomplish this.

How do I motivate them? They have, most likely, been inspired by your campaign. Even if their particular issue isn’t the main focus of the campaign, encourage them in their cause and give them work relating specifically to that policy.

2. Social Volunteers:
Who are they? Chatty Charlies: Outgoing soccer moms, grandmas who want to bake everyone cookies, or dads who want to just hang out with the gang. Whatever it is that they do, these volunteers see politics as a pastime and a way for them to meet new people. They see campaigning as part of their social life. Don’t be surprised by how many individuals walk in off the street and offer their free time and specific talents without being asked.

How do I motivate them? Provide them with tasks that involve teamwork and community outreach. Handing out pamphlets, talking to citizens at events, and ringing doorbells might be some tasks that you can hand off to these friendly Freds.

3. Political Volunteers:
Who are they? Loyal Lauras: These volunteers may help out simply because the candidate is a member of their political party. An “our team versus the other team” mentality often operates here.

How do I motivate them? As with all volunteers, encourage them and try to affirm their contributions to the party as the whole. Since they may not support you specifically, place the emphasis more on Party principles and Party goals rather than personal soap boxes.

4. Opportunity Volunteers:
Who are they? Career-Seeking Carls: These volunteers hope to gain experience, land a job, or even earn some money (in the case of paid volunteers). Normally high school and college students.

How do I motivate them? These people can be good workers, but they should be told up front what the prospects are for employment during or after the campaign. If you can’t provide the specific requests they demand (i.e. funds), then try to present them with opportunities that will give them experience that would look good on a resume.

5. Recognition Volunteers:
Who are they? Agenda Amys: People look for a challenge. Politics to them is a unique profession where they can excel.

How do I motivate them? These volunteers want recognition. Keep them satisfied by putting them at the front lines, doing something that they feel is important. They probably have political aspirations of their own, so this will be a good training ground for them.

Now that you have your volunteers, watch American Majority President Ned Ryun outline how to set up a Campaign Plan to lead you to victory.