Training Tuesday with the DFA: Recruiting Volunteers

by: Rusty5329

Tue Nov 03, 2009 at 18:06

This week, Training Tuesday will focus on another very important constituency: volunteers. As an organizer, building a strong volunteer base is your most important responsibility. The quality and quantity of the effort you get from your volunteers can make or break a campaign.  They not only are giving you work for free (but don't tell them this!! See 'seizing an opportunity' below) but they are your direct representative to your most important constituency: voters.  So their work is not only necessary, it must be done to a high standard and you must take it upon yourself to insure they are up to the task.  From the Democracy for America (DFA) training manual:

You are a leader. Your job is to get your staff and volunteers to follow you. You set the tone. An energetic and enthusiastic leader will beget a focused and motivated volunteer base."

--Volunteers Are Seizing an Opportunity, Not Doing You a Favor

--The Volunteer Ask and the 5 Cs

That's all for this week. Don't forget to check back at the Sum of Change Training Tuesday page next week at 6:00pm for Matt Blizek's tips on how to run an effective email program!