Where have all the political volunteers gone?
It sticks out like a sore thumb for those of us who’ve been around politics our entire lives.
We grew up during times when volunteer phone banks would bustle with activity and Saturday door knocking would draw more than a handful of avid political enthusiasts.
Today, the volunteer is a unicorn, as in — we don’t see them much anymore.
Understanding the Decline in Political Volunteers
While we don’t have a massive study to really explain the why behind this phenomenon, we think we know what’s up and it’s really all about how you take care of your people – or how you don’t take care of them.
The Missteps in Volunteer Engagement
To set the stage a little bit, for those who may not really know, here’s how all too many political campaigns typically interact with those unicorn political volunteers:
- We hammer them all year long with text messages and emails asking them for money. Annoying even the most ardent supporters with hotly charged, highly transactional communication and not a lot of, “How is your family. Just checking in with you to see how you are doing.”
- Around Labor Day of every even numbered year – the election years – anyone who volunteered in the past or gave money or showed up at an event or signed up online will get some outreach from let’s call it “Political World” requesting that they volunteer to make calls or knock doors because “America needs you now more than ever!”
- When the “take rate” on that offer is low, we amp up the guilt and shame speak to overcome the political volunteer’s objections, excuses, and refusal to donate their time. We basically accuse the volunteer of dereliction of their duty to the nation and future generations.
- Of course, the political volunteers are sitting there wondering where in the heck Political World has been these past two years and frankly while they love the country, they increasingly resent the fact that Political World is making demands. The political volunteer is reluctant because the volunteer simply doesn’t believe that Political World cares about them. And while they’re all in for the cause, they have no connection to anything that typically keeps armies of the faithful in the field and working hard.
- In the end, through cajoling, guilt, and a good deal of begging – and some luck – Political World gets people to turn out and help though in fewer and fewer numbers every year to the point now when a volunteer is really an anomaly even though America really does need you now more than ever.
Relationship Analogy: The Political Dating Game
Think of it like this.
If you were dating someone and they treated you like this, would you still be dating them? The answer is obviously, “no.” You’d probably feel a little used and most definitely underappreciated and burned out by it. Which is exactly what we’re seeing. Political World’s relationship with its significant other is on the rocks right now.
The Impact of Technology in Engaging Political Volunteers
As we’ve become more technologically savvy, our spreadsheets and data files have gotten so much better and more effective. New insights are helping us deploy limited financial resources much more efficiently. But along the way we’ve lost touch with our people. The disciples are feeling left out, underappreciated, and forlorn and disciples who feel like that don’t show up to for Super Saturday walks and Friday evening phone banking at the campaign HQ.
Reviving the Volunteer Spirit
So, what’s the solution?
The Power of Caring and Compassion
Well, the beautiful thing is that a little actual caring and compassion and love can go a long way to reinvigorate a relationship with another human being. The Army hasn’t gone anywhere. We know people’s names, have their addresses, even know their birthdays, and in many cases their phone numbers. So, we already know who they are. We know where they are. We know a lot about them and what they think.
Now, we just need to connect with them again in a way that communicates to them that Political World cares about them and their families. It’s just that simple.
Rebuilding Trust with Volunteers
The Army of political volunteers is demoralized. It’s disheartened. It’s even disgruntled. But it’s there.
If your campaign dares to care about the people, the soldiers who have made up freedom’s Army for generations, they will respond.
A Practical Approach to Re-engagement
Here’s an idea to jump start things:
Start by finding the partisans in your area, the faithful, who vote religiously every time the opportunity presents. Find them and assign a team to call each one – or as many as you have bandwidth to reach.
The Art of Listening and Connecting
What’s the script? How about just saying hi, introducing yourself, asking how they’re doing, thanking them for all their effort over the years. Then stop talking and just listen. Listen as they rant or cry. Let them get whatever’s on their chest off. Take some notes. Resist the urge to insert your own thoughts into the discussion. Just say nothing even when there’s a weird pause that you’re desperate to fill with the sound of your own voice.
Just listen and learn. Be curious. Be disciplined enough to not jump right in. Be curious. Learn a person’s first name and associate their name with something you notice about them. Build a new relationship.
The Long-Term Strategy: Patience and Compassion
Finally, and most importantly, do not ask your new friend for anything on this call. Just thank them again and wish them and their family well. This call is the start of something amazing. Patience and compassion are what’s needed. You learn in the military to “know your soldiers and look out for their welfare.” That’s what is needed. To care for our troops at scale. If we do this, we will reignite the fires of activism in the hearts of those who have always been desperate to serve.
Rekindle The Political Volunteering Spirit
Have you noticed the dwindling numbers of volunteers in political campaigns? It’s time to turn the tide. This isn’t just about filling roles; it’s about reigniting passion, respect, and genuine connection in the world of politics. Work with our team here at Patriot Grassroots to get started!
