Take a clipboard with a volunteer sign-up sheet wherever you campaign.

Treat them like gold.

 

Keep accurate records of their names, phone numbers, etc.

 

Give them something to do as soon as they offer to help.

 

Remember to express your gratitude sincerely.

 

Pay attention to each individual's strengths and weaknesses and assign tasks accordingly.

 

Schedule 50% more volunteers than you think you will need for any project.

 

Keep them "in the loop" as much as possible. Make them feel part of the campaign.

 

Keep an eye open for the really competent ones who may be moved up to a staff job.

 

Make sure you have a volunteer coordinator who is OK with making lots of phone calls.

 

Help your candidate remember their names.

 

Have the candidate show up (briefly) during volunteer events and thank each person.

 

Try to have a job for the kids, too. Shredding sensitive documents is a good one.

 

Help them to stay motivated by sharing good news and making them feel important.

 

Encourage the candidate's spouse to participate in volunteer activities.

 

 

Be upset if people say they will be there and don't show. Ask them again next time.

Ever get angry at the volunteers.

 

Ever criticize staff, other volunteers, or the candidate in front of them.

 

Talk about some volunteers in front of others.

 

Forget to thank them for their efforts. Remember they could be doing something else!

 

Let them leave non-campaign materials around your headquarters.

 

Let the hard-core, long-time Libertarians scare the new people.

Allow volunteers with "good ideas" to sidetrack your plan.

 

 

"When you have contributed 100 hours or $100, then you are entitled to an opinion on what I am doing."