So if I volunteer, what would I be doing for Obama?

[Courtesy Flush]

I've never volunteered to help with a political campaign, because for the last 25 years the terms of my employment strictly forbid it. Now I'm retiring (in late June), and wonder if I have anything to offer to help re-elect the president.

Those of you who have done it, what were you assigned to do? I don't know what to expect.

https://my.barackobama.com/page/s/become-a-volunteer

[FailureToCommunicate]

1. First of all- don't worry, you'll love it. There are many different needs at a local

office. If you don't have a particular skill they need, they may have you start out calling supporters to 'get out the vote' or confirm addresses for mailings or a host of other simple tasks. If you like what you're assigned, tell 'em and they'll likely let you keep doing it. Our whole family volunteered to make several trips to a border state to canvas where there was less certainty for Obama support. It was very interesting to meet so many fellow citizens, who were often ardent supporters that maybe just needed some info on where or how to get to the poles or to clarify some position or other.

All in all a VERY enriching experience!

Good for you for your willingness to get out there now and make a difference!

[liberal N proud]

2. There are many needs in a campaign, as a newbe you would start with phone banking

Last edited Wed May 2, 2012, 05:59 AM - Edit history (1)

Then canvassing, registering voters.

Volunteering evolves as the campaign moves closer to the election, the canvassing steps up (get your walking shoes on).

As the campaign moves into get out the vote mode the last days before the election, roles change still again, there are those who watch the polls in critical precincts, statistics collectors who check names at the polls (who needs to vote yet). Then there are more canvassers than you can fathom, drivers who run food for workers, community organizers, drivers to help people get to the polls and logistics people who send resources where they are needed.

Last election, after months of weekend canvassing and making phone calls I was a community organizer for GOTV. My house was transformed into election central for this community. I had canvassers and poll workers coming and going for 4 days. It was insane, exciting and rewarding all at the same time. The payoff was election night at Campaign Headquarters.

[stlsaxman]

3. Work the phones, go door to door, voter registration...?

and on the day of the election you can assist people to the polls...

many, many, many things to do!

THE one thing you should NOT do-

be afraid of doing something to help.

[spartan61]

4. Since retiring we moved to Florida but

we still have our cottage in Maine in the Belgrade Lakes area where we spend our summers. In 2008, even though I'm not a Maine resident, I went to Augusta to the Democratic Headquarters to volunteer any way I could for the Obama campaign. I was soon called to help in Waterville with canvassing, registering voters, and phone banking. Of course I was nervous at first, but it actually got easier the more I did it. At the end of my "shift," I would be so pumped knowing in my small way I was helping to elect someone who would take our country in the right direction after the disastrous years of the bush administration. We'll be heading to Maine next month and I look forward to working for the re-election of President Obama.

Good luck to you in this venture. You're going to love it and election night will mean even more to you because you played a part in it.

[A Brand New World]

5. Volunteering is Fun!!

I had never volunteered either for any political campaign til 4 years ago for Obama. Trust me, I was plenty nervous. But it was painless. I worked the phone banks for a few hours once a week & passed out flyers at houses for a few hours closer to the election. I'll sign up again when they get started in my county. I'm going this Saturday to the Ohio Kick-Off in Columbus. The President & First Lady will be at Ohio State. Can't wait!!

[Betsy Ross]

6. Our city Dem Headquarters didn't have garbage pick-up

So my husband and I went everyday to sort the recyclables from trash and hauled it home. Nobody thanked us at a party dinner, but it was a job that somebody needed to do, so we did it. My point being, there are so many different things that are needed during a campaign that you will find your niche.

[Nye Bevan]

7. A simple third-rate burglary at the RNC headquarters (nt)

[Digit]

8. I worked last go 'round phone banking

Plenty of nice people that appreciate your help.

They will find a use for you.

I am glad I volunteered last time and will be doing so again.

[demosincebirth]

9. What ever they need you to do that you can do.

[Ruby the Liberal]

10. All kinds of stuff to do.

I have worked voter registration booths, made calls to undecided voters, walked precincts with door hangers and on election day, walked precincts to ensure everyone was able to vote (and called for drivers where needed).

It is a lot of fun.

[emulatorloo]

11. In '04 I entered stuff in the GOTV database so they could keep track of who was called

I also wrote letters to people. I assembled yard signs. And did phone banking. On election day I went to voters houses and reminded them to go vote.

In '08 I did a lot of phone banking encouraging early voting, a little canvassing, some database entry. I am kind of shy, but I got to where I loved making calls.

Others helped drive Seniors to the polls who wanted to vote on election day but had no way to get there.

On election day, I was a poll watcher.

So there are all kinds of things that need doing. And you get to meet lots of great people.