Grassroots to Lawncare: Building a Successful Campaign Part Three

In Part Two of this series, I resumed discussing the requirements for building a grassroots campaign and how it’s similar to growing a lawn. The following post will be a continuation of that, getting from fine hairs of grass to clumps and root growth and how that relates to an election.

Volunteers will be among the first fruits of your campaign and will be one of the indications of success.  These, as mentioned in part two, are like the first fine hairs of grass. Once these are able to gain some strength and take root, you will shortly begin to see “clumps” of grass around them. This is the primary method of lawn growth: when a lawn is healthy, it grows and spreads from the roots, which is why you are able to constantly mow it and still see your lawn spread. This is also where the term “grass roots” actually comes from; you never see them because they aren’t “public,” but the lawn will grow at a sure, steady pace.

Volunteer Networks

The same is true in a campaign. Volunteer networks are rarely publicized because they are a natural process: a behind the scenes, person-to-person effort that brings people out to vote. It’s not shiny, it’s not attention getting, it’s simply something that occurs naturally when the right conditions are arranged for it.  That is why, once you have a few hairs poking up from the soil, more and more grass will begin to appear around them. Make sure those first few “hairs” are strong, personable, and capable people and it won’t take long for the lawn to grow at an exponential rate.

The Care and Keeping of Volunteers

Once you see this growth, don’t neglect it! Even though you have the roots started, they still requires water and attention. When new grass starts to appear, you have to limit the amount of traffic on it to prevent damage. The same is true with your volunteers: just because they are succeeding and doing well doesn’t mean you can automatically give them lots of extra work or responsibilities. Make sure to give plenty amounts of “water and sun,” acknowledgement and reward, to your best volunteers. Whether this means buying them dinner, giving them a word of praise in front of other people, or simply taking them aside side and expressing your appreciation, give your volunteers attention and appreciation.

Appreciation and concern will go a long way towards making sure you are able to maintain your volunteer base, bringing you the grassroots of your victory.

Watch Matt Robbins give a full presentation on how to manage your volunteers!