For those of you who are "considering" volunteering...

[zanne]

I decided to join Obama's campaign as a volunteer because I needed something to do. My mother had Alzheimer's, and until a year ago, I was pretty much a recluse while taking care of her. I worried about what I would do after she died. I was out of touch with everything. One day, an Obama volunteer called and asked if I wanted to volunteer. I said "yes", thinking it'd be a couple of months before I heard anything from them. But then he said "Great! Can you join me in the phone bank tonight"? And it all began.

To make a long story short, I went from a depressed, insecure shut-in to a person who gets up at podiums and speaks for Obama, enjoying every minute of it. I've met him personally, I've been to many rallies and I make phone calls for him for at least four hours a week.

If you're thinking that you'd like to volunteer for the candidate of your choice, I strongly urge you to go ahead and do it, not only for the candidate, but for you. And don't worry about a lack of skills--everybody can make phone calls and stuff envelopes, and people like that are really appreciated.

It can be a life changing experience. I hope that you who are on the fence about it will call your local headquarters and volunteer NOW!

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

1. K&R.

:thumbsup:

[babylonsister]

2. Rec'd - good post! nt

[bear425]

3. Great post! I feel that no matter who your candidate, one must

volunteer if time allows. It's so important.

[eridani]

4. I remember feeling that way about Kucinich in 2004

Actually jumping in and participating has made me far more aware of all the work we have to do to just reconstitute the notion of public, active citizenship. It's become about far more than any presidential candidate for me.

[zanne]

6. And it makes me understand how much work there is ....

in a campaign. The interns and staffers at the Obama HQ are all very serious, dedicated kids. (Most in their early 20's). The interns do the bulk of the work for which they are unpaid, of course. They also have to find their own accomodations and pay for everything out of pocket. No money is wasted. They don't buy paper or plastic cups so I have to bring my own glass for water! Last weekend, we had a "Women in Politics" seminar and they built a podium out of old signs. And of course, we volunteers are the best!

[pitohui]

5. that's an inspirational story and here's a kick/recommend for you EOM

n

[Lisa]

7. agree with you on the life-changing thing, zanne ...

I started volunteering with campaigns in 2001. I've worked on 4 elections since then, doing campaign stuff and also serving on the exec of my local party association. I might end up being financial agent for this upcoming federal campaign -- the candidate invited me, and at first I was reluctant because I haven't got accounting experience. But he reassured me that the main thing was that people trusted me, and that we could get lots of help ... I'm still kind of nervous, but I know it'll be good for me, and give me valuable skills (it's one of the top spots on any campaign team and will virtually guarantee me a place on any federal campaign).

So people who don't feel confident phoning or doing door-knocking don't have to despair -- there are plenty of jobs in a campaign, and any good volunteer co-ordinator will be able to figure out what you'd be good at.

I am thinking of posting a campaign diary here on DU, for the first time -- I am thinking of calling it "Lord of the Bling" if I end up doing the financial agent thing.

p.s. I'm up in Canada, and my candidate has Obama stuff in his office!