Motivating Volunteers and Voters

[Emit]

I posted this earlier in the GD forum, and it dropped pretty fast, although I did get a few thoughts and good ideas from some folks. At the time I posted it, I was unaware of this group here.

I have been really having a hard time as a volunteer District Coordinator -- who is responsible for five teams of ten or more volunteers each, all the way down to the precinct level, (that's the goal, anyway), for a district of over 12,500 voters -- in getting more volunteers to get involved. I have exhausted the call list of previous activists and I am now on my way to walking twice each week and talking one on one with potential Dem voters to see if I can generate an interest in getting more volunteers and just getting people to the polls.

I was a Precinct Leader in '04 and ran a GOTV Team from my house on election day with great results. At that time, however, the bulk of my team was a group of volunteer teachers whom I had never met before election day and who followed instruction very well! We did great in our precinct -- and I had walked the precinct a lot leading up to election day with lots of volunteers from CA (I'm in Reno, NV and because we were a 'battle ground state' Californians came to us in droves -- bless their hearts!), so things were fairly organized. Anyway, this year, I want a good solid team in each precinct so I can avoid the last minute rush, anxiety and confusion that some precincts experienced in '04 with their GOTV.


Anyway, here's my previous post and I'd like to see if any great minds here have any thoughts on this idea:

Why Vote?
... BECAUSE YOU CAN

I need help, DUers. I'm looking for a hook phrase.

I have a team of volunteers who will be walking with me twice a week, every week, until the election.

My goal: Trying to motivate voters to vote, especially 'drop-off voters' who do not usually vote in mid-term election years; finding new volunteers during our walks; and registering people to vote at their doors, if necessary.

I've never been good at choosing catchy phrases -- So my question to all is how does that intro sound?

... WHY VOTE? ... BECAUSE YOU CAN ...

Followed on the back of the flier with some specific details on why this is an important mid-term election as far as restoring balance to our government; upseating the majority, one-party rule that the Republicans have; and borrowing heavily from Kevin Spidel's PDA "A Progressive Priority: TAKE BACK THE U.S. HOUSE"

Got any better hooks or catch phrases you care to share? Any help and words of wisdom would be very much appreciated!

[OhioBlue]

1. I've heard

"your vote is your voice"
also
"Voting is a privilege and a responsibility"

[Emit]

2. I like!

Both are great -- and both are very much the kind of message I'm trying to leave with people. Thanks. I've actually heard both before, but none of these good ones were coming to mind when I was trying to brainstorm. The 'voting is a privilege' idea is sort of what I was getting at with 'Vote because you can...' Anyway, I think I like yours better. Maybe I'll even have a t-shirt made up with one of these during early voting and for election day. Thanks again.

[wildeyed]

6. I like "Your Vote is Your Voice".

Maybe I will have something like that printed up on tee shirts for volunteers during the next round of GOTV.

[alfredo]

3. Volunteers-- never pass up an opportunity to thank them.

Let them know that their work is making a difference and that their participation is important.

Have something constructive for them to do, and if possible, lead by example.

Free pizza never hurts.

[Emit]

4. lead by example...yes

yes, that is what I've been thinking.

You see, as a District Coord., I have 5 Section Coords who are supposed to find 5 Precinct Leaders who are supposed to find 5 Team Members. In reality, while this is a good plan (upside down pyramid -- I think it's Dean's idea, isn't it? Are other states doing this?), I'm also finding myself in the position of trying to help these volunteers fill their teams. So, I have an idea that I will walk with each of the 5 Section Coordinators one night a week, targeting Dem voters to generate some more volunteers. That way, rather than putting it all on them, it's a team effort. I also happen to have a lot more canvasing experience then all of the others, so I can train them while we walk.

[alfredo]

5. OJT is the best way to go. Because I used to be a mail carrier

I can give them some pointers like rattling a gate before opening it. That alerts the dog (s). Better to find out before you walk into their yard. (A chew toy bigger than your thigh is also a good indication.)

Do you tell them to knock then take one step back? Also the glass on the door will tell you if someone is in the house. It will always vibrate in sync with your pulse, but will be out of sync if there is someone walking in the house. That saves time.


Put a band aid over your knuckle of the hand you use for knocking. The value of this tip becomes apparent within minutes.

Use sun screen but do not put any on your forehead. Sooner or later it will get in your eyes. Wear a hat.

[OhioBlue]

7. A couple of ideas for recruiting volunteers

I know you said you have already exhausted previous lists, so these might be redundant... but anyway...

-Sign up on DFA - search for other DFA members within a 25 mile radius
-Network with your County Chair and State Dem field rep for their contacts in your area
-Through the State rep - see if you can get lists of people in your area that have signed up as volunteers with the State-wide party or even for State-wide candidates' campaigns.
-Contact any local Unions that you think might help
-Network with any nearby Young Dem organizations
-Keep an eye on the letters to the editor - if you see someone that writes a Democratic LTE - contact them. Tell them if they are unsatisfied with things, the best thing to do is work for change

As far as motivating the volunteers, maybe you could set some goals for GOTV results. Look at your precinct level turn out in Presidential and mid-term elections. What is realistic? If you can break it down by precinct into something like we need to turn out x number of votes in precinct A - it looks more attainable.

just some random thoughts....

[sybylla]

8. I agree with your suggestions

College Dems/Young Dems don't show up on most lists available from the state party because they haven't voted yet. These young adults have plenty of energy but they will need a good candidate or issue to rally around. Find something or someone to inspire them and they will work hard.

Unions are also a great place to look for volunteers. They are often active politically but in my state rarely hook up with party activists outside the union. This is a good opportunity to work together towards what is hopefully a common goal.

LTTEs - as an active county party member, I'm always looking for new members/activists on the opinion page. Call them, congratulate them on their great letter and then give them a chance to do something about whatever their issue is. If they've taken the time to write a letter, chances are they will take the time to do more.

[JNelson6563]

9. Catch phrase: Remember "We the People..?"

As to volunteers etc., it can be tough but here's a suggestion. Put it in closed question form. Instead of asking if someone would volunteer in general set dates and times. Something like this:

"We're putting togather a mailing on Saturday afternoon, 10am at Dem HQ, can you join us?"

It's tough to get volunteers though. I saw someone suggest labor, great idea.

Cheers,
Julie

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

10. One thing to remember...

Your original post was in June.

The thing to remember is that most people on this board are mutants. Normal people, even those who might volunteer for a campaign, try not to think about politics as much as we do here. So don't be surprised if apathy turns to interest the week after Labor Day, especially if you have a "hot" race in your district. On Election Day 2004, we had more than 75 volunteers from my ward working the polls. Our regular Ward Club attendance is about 20-30. It's not that they're not interested in the next election -- they'd just like to have six months to have a normal life before they get involved again.