Volunteer Opportunities with the Campaign for Change

Voter Registration & Mail In Ballot Drives/Canvasses
Many Americans do not exercise their right to vote, or do not have easy access to register to vote. Our campaign prioritizes the engagement of those individuals: we help them register to vote, explain the importance of civic participation, and encourage voting in this November’s general election. Broadening the electorate requires daily work, and our campaign offers regular voter registration and Mail In Ballot activities, especially at events or weekend-activities before the October 6th, 2008 registration deadline. Since Colorado law requires that individuals receive training before conducting voter registration, each local campaign office holds trainings and supplies materials for volunteers who are interested in voter registration.

House Meetings
House Meeting Hosts reach out to family, friends, co-workers, church members, and other individuals in their social network, many of whom may not have been involved with our campaign. At House Meetings, Hosts open their homes (or another venue) to talk about the campaign, exchange stories, and meet campaign staff members. The goal is to have a friendly, comfortable social gathering that allows attendees to learn how they can volunteer for Senator Obama in order to change this country’s direction. Long before a House Meeting occurs, campaign staffers work closely with Hosts, providing guidance, suggestions, support, and resources to plan and execute a successful event.

Canvassing & Phone Banking
Contacting neighbors on the phone, and knocking on their doors, are the most effective methods of reaching voters, identifying supporters, and persuading undecided voters. Since the goal of these activities is to reach as many people as possible, and secure their support for Senator Obama, most of our energy is on contacting voters on the phone and at their doorstep. Door knock shifts last approximately 3-hours, while phone banking shifts vary between 2 to 3 hours. In some circumstance, phone banking shifts may even be completed at home.

Data Entry
Good campaigns build and manage meticulous lists of voters and volunteers. Data entry volunteers take information gathered by campaign staff and volunteer – during a canvass, phone bank, House Meeting, or other event – and enter it into our database. In the end, the campaign with the best data wins, so Data Entry volunteers are required to organize information, pay attention to details, and update information on voters and volunteers who are already in the database.

Housing & Food
The Campaign for Change has many hard-working staff and volunteers who need a good meal. In addition, many staff and volunteers are from out of town, and would love a place to put their head at night. Because of our demanding schedule, food contributions and housing offers are always welcomed. And, as the election nears, we will need to secure many beds for additional staffers, most of whom are only present for six hours to sleep and shower!

Letters to the Editor
Writing a Letter to the Editor of a local newspaper or other publication is a simple way to reach out to your neighbors. Letters can explain why you’re supporting Senator Obama, or why volunteering with the campaign has been gratifying. Please let your Campaign Staff member know if you would like to write a letter; We’ll provide you with the proper contact information of the local newspaper, and keep our eyes pealed for your name in print!