Volunteering for a candidate

[KSigkid]

Originally posted by ktsnake
Me too.. but with the electoral college and everything.. well does Bush have a prayer in Mass?

They elect senators like Ted Kennedy and John Kerry.. I guess you must like a challenge

Yeah, it would be almost impossible for Bush to win the state; but I'd like to say I helped in the campaign of my favorite candidate. Anything you can do helps the way I figure.

I'm a big fan of the campaign atmosphere as well, even if it's in a state like MA.

[LXAAlum]

Originally posted by AlphaGamDiva
i haven't before, but i plan on it this year. anyone with any advise?

I working on a campaign for someone running for the State House here in Colorado....the only advice I can give is to DO IT. If you've never done it before, the committee can find out what strengths you bring, and help you use those strengths for the candidate - whether it be phones, mailings, walking, etc....all of it is important (my function has been speechwriting and other communications functions).

It will be an education unlike any you'll ever get in school!

Also, if you are representing a candidate who is not of the "popular" party in your area (picture Pat Buchanan running for an office in Massachusetts.....) also be willing to develop a tough skin, and have your messages memorized well - stick to the issues and the messages, and avoid the personal attacks that WILL occur...just apologize for disturbing someone and move on.

[KSigkid]

Originally posted by LXAAlum

Also, if you are representing a candidate who is not of the "popular" party in your area (picture Pat Buchanan running for an office in Massachusetts.....) also be willing to develop a tough skin, and have your messages memorized well - stick to the issues and the messages, and avoid the personal attacks that WILL occur...just apologize for disturbing someone and move on.

I can attest to that; polling for a largely unpopular candidate can be a real experience. You'll hear old ladies say things that you didn't think was in their vocabularies.

[Lady Pi Phi]

You'll get people like that no matter what candidate you work for.
Someone will not like your candidate and treat you like crap.
I'm not one for a having a very thick skin but I managed to get through the campaign without yelling at anyone on the phone.
People will be mean to you. Expect it. But don't worry too much about it. It's their karma, not yours.

[GeekyPenguin]

Originally posted by KSigkid
I can attest to that; polling for a largely unpopular candidate can be a real experience. You'll hear old ladies say things that you didn't think was in their vocabularies.

True that. I had an old man ask me if my father was proud that I was a slut. I just said "Sorry to bother you" and trotted off down the sidewalk.

[Taualumna]

Update: I did some phone canvassing this afternoon and got through to a crazy woman who didn't sound too happy that I called. When I asked her if she'd be supporting the candidate, she was like "EWWW, NOOOO WAAAAYYY!! The man (the leader of the party) is a jerk, and it's just GROSS if I supported your candidate." She went on to say some things that I wouldn't mention on the board. I was very upset, and was slightly rude to her (though not as rude as she was to me), saying something long the lines of how her attitude wasn't very nice. She really should have just said "I'm sorry, but I'm not supporting the party's views this time."