Event Booth
At certain times of the year, we have booths/tents at events such as the Waterdown Oh Canada Ribfest, various fairs (Paris Fair, Rockton World’s Fair, Ancaster Fair, Binbrook Fair, etc.), and we always need volunteers to help run the booth. When volunteers sign up for this job, typically a shift in the booth or tent is 4 hours. This job often involves speaking with members of the public, and sometimes answering their questions about politics. Either MP Muys or someone with current knowledge of politics and associated current events will always be present with you in the booth.
Literature Drops
This job usually involves a significant amount of walking. Volunteers in this position will need to carry printed materials (likely in a reusable grocery bag, or something wearable such as a backpack or messenger bag), and walk through a neighbourhood, leaving campaign literature in mailboxes or at doors. These shifts typically last 2-3 hours, and involve a significant amount of time on your feet, walking through a neighbourhood, and carrying printed materials, which can be heavy if you are doing a large area.
Door Knocking
Much like literature drops, this job involves a significant amount of walking. You will be walking through neighbourhoods, going door-to-door and knocking on the doors, hoping to speak to the residents to identify Conservative voters. You will also be carrying campaign literature to leave at the door in the event that there isn’t anyone home at that house. Shifts volunteering in this capacity typically last 2-3 hours, and may involve a good deal of standing, walking, carrying campaign literature, and speaking with members of the public. Volunteers will typically be given a sentence or two to say to people at the doors, but aren’t expected to be policy experts. We are looking to identify supporters. If they have questions, there should always be someone nearby (MP Muys or a member of the campaign staff) to answer their questions.
Database
Data entry will involve using either a computer or mobile device (phone, tablet, etc.) to input data from paper forms, electronic spreadsheets, etc., into CIMS, C2G or another application. This helps the campaign identify Conservative supporters so that we know who we can target with fundraising calls, GOTV calls and door-knocks on elections day, etc. This job does not typically involve speaking with members of the public on the telephone or in person, and volunteers don’t need any political experience or expertise.
Office Work & Stuffing Envelopes
This volunteer job doesn’t typically have a timed shift, but volunteers may be asked to input a set amount of data. This duty typically involves looking at a screen for some time, typing, and possibly sitting in front of a computer or other device. Generally, people performing these duties will not need to speak with members of the public in person or on the phone, and do not require any political experience or expertise.
Get Out The Vote (GOTV)
GOTV is no longer solely an Election Day task. Get Out The Vote can begin as early as the election is called. The length of volunteer shifts, as well as the amount of time standing and walking, and what you may need to carry will depend on the duty under the heading of GOTV.
As well, some other volunteer duties can fall under the heading of GOTV. For instance, Literature Drops and Door-knocking can be part of GOTV. Assembling GOTV kits (tasks such as stickering and bundling door-hangers to deliver to doors) can be part of GOTV as well, but could be handled by those taking on the role of Office Work and Stuffing Envelopes.
Of course, there are still the traditional GOTV Election Day duties, knocking on doors of supporters or calling them to remind Conservative supporters to vote. GOTV volunteers will likely also be asked to scrutineer at one of the polls in the riding on Election Day.
Fundraising
On Thursday evenings, we have our ‘telethons’. Shifts are from 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. on Thursday evenings. We have a location set up where our fundraisers are fed and trained from 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., and then are given information sheets for people whom volunteers will call and ask for donations. This job involves 3-hour shifts, mainly seated. Fundraisers will need to speak to people on the telephone and ask them to donate to Dan’s campaign.
Installing Lawn Signs
Volunteers helping with signs will be helping to deliver and install both ‘bag signs’ (a plastic ‘bag’ over a wire frame), and larger signs with wooden stakes. Volunteers working with signs may also be asked to help retrieve signs after election day. Volunteer shifts are typically 2-4 hours hours. You may be speaking with constituents as you deliver and install signs, and will often be working either independently and without supervision, or with a partner or two.