I've noticed on Bernie's
campaign events that there's a lot going on in the way of door knocking, phone banking, and voter registering. Now seems to be prime time to reach out to undecided voters and tell them about Bernie. There's tons of resources out there, so here's a comprehensive guide.
1. Check for local events
It may be that there are volunteer events
happening in your area, in which case all you need to do is sign up. The host of the event should be able to provide you with all the details. If, however, you can't find a local event, you can
create your own. Bernie's campaign has all the info you need for
hosting a successful event and using the
event tool.
2. Get to work
Fill out
the linked forum and check the kind of work you'd like to do for Bernie. A campaign staffer should get back to you with more information on how you can help.
3. Phone banking
Phone banking involves calling voters in early primary states and asking them which candidate they support. This helps the campaign identify undecided voters and voters leaning toward Bernie so campaign efforts can target those voters. Identifying Bernie supporters also allows the campaign to connect them with volunteer opportunities. There are four states that have their primary voting in February. Eleven more states their primary March 1st. Rather than do this all yourself, why not
host a phone bank party?
4. Flyering
Print and pass out flyers anywhere you can. Here's an
official field guide to get you started.
FeelTheBern.org has tons of flyers on every issue Bernie supports in English and Spanish. Also check out
FlyersforBernie,
NYCforBernie, and
one or
two other resources. Googling "Bernie flyer" also earns some
great results.
Business cards have gained favor with some people over flyers for their convenient size and how most people are more likely to slip them into a pocket to read later. You can find Bernie business cards
here and
here. And
SCforBernie has cards you can order without the hassle of printing them yourself.
5. Tabling
Tabling involves registering (and sometimes paying) for a table at a college, farmer's market, conference, or other event. You'd talk to people about Bernie, hand out flyers, and
collect information from people who'd be interested getting updates from the campaign or volunteering. I wasn't able to find specific information from the campaign on tabling, but I did find a nice guide from
AAUW and I have seen
tabling events on the campaign site.
6. Door Knocking / Canvassing
Door knocking is exactly as it sounds. The campaign has
a helpful guide on what to say and what data to record. You can do this in your own neighborhood or check for or create
local events to cover more ground with more people. Here's
a helpful video from Bernie supporters on canvassing.
7. Gathering petition signatures
Bernie needs signatures to get on the voting ballet in some states. The
campaign has a list of states where signatures need to be gathered. Sign up to help if you can.
8. Writing letters to the editor
Since mainstream media isn't as interested in covering Bernie, it's up to us to write letters to the editor of our local newspapers. Those letters hopefully get published and Bernie gets publicity. You could this on your own just by locking up your local newspaper and their submission guidelines. But why not
join a group while you're at it? The campaign also has a guide for
letter party hosting.
9. Hosting a watch party
Create an event on the campaign site and host a watch party for a debate or important Bernie announcement. The campaign has
this helpful guide.
10. Fundraising
Fundraising for Bernie can very a simple process. Supporters have hosted events and sold
baked goods or
beer, the proceeds of which are then donated to Bernie's campaign. Others simply
host events and ask for donations at the door. Musicians have sang, and artists have sold art for Bernie. Others have created
facebook events and invite people to donate small amounts of money on a specific day. The possibilities are endless.
11. Chalking the Block
Chalking the block involves doing chalk art for Bernie in public spaces. Check out the
campaign chalking guide. And don't forget to look for or
plan your own event.
12. Sign waving
Sign waving involves creating Bernie signs and going out to high-traffic areas and waving signs to spread the word about Bernie. It's always safer to
do this in a group and remember to stay out of the road.
13. Light brigade
The
Light Brigade is a group of volunteers who build light signs supporting Bernie and display them in busy areas to gain support for Bernie. Signs are
easy and relatively cheep to make. And it's fun to do as a group.
14. Voter registration
Register people in your area to vote. The campaign
has a guide on how to choose a location and what tools you will need. And as usual,
create an event to go with a group of people.
15. Primary state campaigning
Primary state campaigning involves taking any of the suggestions listed here and traveling to a primary voting state to raise support for Bernie. This is best done in a group, and you should especially check for
carpools or other events in your area if you live near a state about to enter primary voting.
16. Social media
Share what you can about Bernie on social media with your family and friends. Spread awareness and stimulate conversation.
17. Decorate your car
You don't have to go
all out on your car. A simple bumper sticker can go a long way to drawing awareness for Bernie.
Other resources
Check out other volunteer resources and apps
at the Bernkit and the
campaign's official toolkit.
Rallies and marches are also an effective method of raising awareness, but they can take
a good amount of planning and organization.
