Volunteers: Send in the Troops!
By Karen Fannning

	Campaign volunteers in Austin, Texas, get a handshake and a big thank you from Republican vice-presidential candidate Dick Cheney on November 15, 2000. (Photo: Paul Buck/Agence France Pressse)

They're often young. They're always enthusiastic. And they never collect a paycheck. They're your army of volunteers, and you'll need them by the thousands as you head into the political battle of your life.

With their unbridled enthusiasm, your volunteers will shape the spirit of your campaign as you attempt to appeal to young and old voters alike. Once the election starts heating up, they will set up campaign headquarters in states across the country to spread the word about your candidacy to their fellow citizens.

Democratic frontrunner Howard Dean owes his top position to his enthusiastic support and volunteers. On an August campaign swing through 8 states and 10 cities (called the "Sleepless Summer Tour"), he drew hundreds of cheering supporters who were lining up to work on his campaign.

In fact, this particular campaign tour was focused on demonstrating nationwide appeal and expanding Dean's volunteer base. The campaigns set a goal to recruit 450,000 supporters by the end of September. According to campaign manager Joe Trippi, they had 305,000 volunteers signed up by the end of August.

And energized volunteers help energize the crowds who will come to your political rallies, policy speeches, and other public events. Their enthusiasm will be contagious, as they urge the voting public to unite behind you—their candidate.

Back at campaign headquarters, they will make phone calls on your behalf, encouraging voters to cast their ballots for you. They will also field incoming calls from the public, answering questions about your positions on various issues. And they won't shy away from the less glamorous work of stuffing envelopes, doing data entry, and researching news articles about you.

Field volunteers will hit the road, going door-to-door to distribute campaign literature. They will also organize events to educate the public about your vision for America.

As the backbone of your candidacy, your volunteers will fuel the entire operation of your campaign. Without them, you will be stranded on the political battlefield, so start recruiting NOW!