I'll admit it: I don't much like talking. It's just not my thing. One of the reasons I started my blog was because I wanted to try to make a difference in a way that didn't involve verbal speech. I especially dislike talking to groups, and talking to people I don't know.
I think there are a lot of concerned citizens and potential activists like me. This is a problem, since many of the good folks asking us to help Get Out the Vote focus on things like canvassing neighborhoods and phone banking. There are many, many people who excel at knocking on doors and making phone calls, and their efforts are invaluable to campaigns. I am not one of those people, and if you aren't either, follow me over the jump.
Cross-posted at The Higher Pie
YOU DON'T HAVE TO TALK TO BE A VALUABLE MEMBER OF A GET OUT THE VOTE OPERATION.
It's true. Here are some of the non-verbal services you can offer a campaign:
- Envelope stuffing - 'Nuff said.
- Data entry - When the phone bankers and canvassers are finished, somebody has to enter the information they collect into a database.
- Feed the volunteers - You think the person who goes to the store and gets sandwiches for volunteers at headquarters and for canvassers in the field isn't valuable? You don't even have to pay for the food! The campaign will take care of that (unless you want to make a donation), you're just the delivery person (a.k.a. savior).
- Write! - Write a campaign blog, or letters to the editor. Let the campaign help you with effective language.
- Help with anything else - Fill bags with campaign fliers for canvassers to pass out, run errands for staffers, deliver door hangers (no knocking necessary), or just ask your campaign what you can do to make a difference.
No campaign on the planet will turn you away for saying, "I want to help, but I'd really prefer not to ___." At least, the ones that want to win won't.
There's really no excuse: find your favorite local candidate and ask them to put you to work. Trust me, there's something for you to do.
Any other non-verbal ways to help? Please share in the comments.
IDEAS FROM BELOW:
- Put up lawn signs and banners.