Got a minute? Simple things to do for Rand Paul or other liberty candidates

[William Tell]

For the campaign itself, definitely. Networking locally, GOTV, definitely. There will also be people who live in remote areas, or in precincts where the campaign may not have an HQ nearby. Varied options and lots of vetting will be in order.

It is difficult to do anything really productive without help from campaigns directly. I've done the whole sign waving thing, but it does not have the same effect as talking to likely primary voters. We really need stronger local grassroots.

 

[nayjevin]

It is difficult to do anything really productive without help from campaigns directly.

It doesn't sound like you personally will be doing much outside the campaign. I hope you realize there will be many people with time and resources who are willing to do something, but can't or won't work with the campaign. I hope you are not saying those people should sit out. It is a reality and their options can be well vetted to minimize wasteful efforts and diversion to inefficient or fraudulent volunteer projects.

I've done the whole sign waving thing,

Campaigns hire people to wave signs. Every campaign has sign wavers. 'The whole' signwaving 'thing' is going to happen, even if it has zero effect. Grassroots projects will happen, no matter how many people don't like them.

but it does not have the same effect as talking to likely primary voters.

Definitely, that's what the campaign will be doing. I think leaving that part to the campaign, and volunteering with the campaign to do it, is #1 for people capable, qualified, and interested in doing it. What about the rest?

 

[Barrex]

Both for official campaign and for grassroot organizations:
People feel uncomfortable with certain aspects of campaigning (talking with people etc.) and most want that you hold their hands and make them do something that they are comfortable doing. This means that campaign&RPF should have wide range of things that volunteers can do. Maybe set them in priorities:
1. phone-calls
2. donations
...
54. Posting comments under new articles and voting up positive ones (one good comment is like payed banner/commercial)
...
99. most useless task-but still better than doing nothing

Give people every possible reason to get involved and come back. If they do one little thing many will come back. Some will do more, some will keep volunteering and getting involved. The more they get involved more complicated/useful/uncomfortable tasks they will do.

I was surprised how few opportunities for volunteering were on RPFs during PRs campaign. It was all ad hoc and "find yourself something to do". It works for fanatical ones but not for others. "Others" just go away or stay on sidelines and do nothing.

Now is the time to plan activities for volunteers and not when those activities start. Now is also time to make connections with other libertarian/Tea/conservative organizations. Making lists of them and letting leaders of those organizations to know you. During money-bombs it was really awkward when some other "RP" sites didnt want to spread the word about money-bomb, volunteering opportunity etc. I was surprised that no one had list of contacts for all libertarian organizations, sites, forums etc. It was like: "i know a guy who knows a guy" or one guy who never met or talked to other guy is trying to get in touch with him. Money-bombs were great and successful because they vent viral. Viral is not controllable and therefore cant be relied upon.


P.s.
For every volunteering activity you need "guide". Guide people every step of the way.

 

[mosquitobite]

Good post Barrex.

Even here, we tend to forget the lurkers.

Those of us here tend to think people should KNOW what to do, but you're right...even if many won't admit it or recognize it.

We need leaders, deadlines, etc. those who don't want to be bossed can do their own things.

But we ABSOLUTELY need leaders willing to put the time in and just trust that people will follow. Be the wingman.
Be the first follower...
http://youtu.be/fW8amMCVAJQ

 

[francisco]

Good post Barrex.

Even here, we tend to forget the lurkers.

Those of us here tend to think people should KNOW what to do, but you're right...even if many won't admit it or recognize it.

We need leaders, deadlines, etc. those who don't want to be bossed can do their own things.

But we ABSOLUTELY need leaders willing to put the time in and just trust that people will follow. Be the wingman.
Be the first follower...
http://youtu.be/fW8amMCVAJQ

That's an interesting video with some pithy points.

I'll be a "first follower" (readers will understand that comment when they watch the video) and make mosquitobite's video an imbed, to make it one stop shopping and make a repeat impression on audience

 

[mosquitobite]

Thanks francisco. Was on the iPad and too tired to deal with the formatting!

Start the spark for the Tipping Point
http://www.amazon.com/The-Tipping-Point-Little-Difference/dp/0316346624

 

[Koz]

A real simple thing you can do is run for your Central Committee Precinct chair. I ran unopposed, cost me less than $20. Bam, I get a vote at the local level to endorse candidates.

 

[nayjevin]

A real simple thing you can do is run for your Central Committee Precinct chair. I ran unopposed, cost me less than $20. Bam, I get a vote at the local level to endorse candidates.