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The Wes Clark Countdown to Change Team

The Wes Clark Countdown to Change (WC3) Project is winding down--at least for now.   We thank and honor all of you for your participation in 2006 campaigns.  We also hope to have an opportunity to start up again--2008 isn't forever away.  We have very much enjoyed our work in finding productive things for grassroots volunteers to do.  Our collection was distributed to over 200 campaigns as well.  We hope you have found some of our projects useful.  We thank you very much for "listening" and for being part of the change. 

Click here to print the scorecard.

The Wes Clark Countdown to Change Team,
Tricia Spiegel, Stan Davis, Debby Burroughs, Cheryl Poling

The WC3 Team has been bringing you campaign ideas for the last two months. 

It has been created by VoteVets, an organization of Iraq War and other vets.  You may have already seen it on CNN or Fox, but it MUST be kept going in close race areas.  See it here:  http://securingamerica.com/node/1858.

LAST MINUTE GOTV:  PHONE-BANKING and HOW TO TALK ABOUT THE CANDIDATE 

Please consider joining with a campaign to help get out the vote for Democrats.  Republicans are still better organized when it comes to the last minute push, so we need to all pitch in the best we can.  This is really important, especially if you can get into a good conversation with a fence-sitter.

Below are some hints from two of our WC3 activities: (1) hints for phone-banking, and (2) how to talk about your candidate.

PHONE-BANKING HINTS

The campaign you are working for will give you all of the specific details you need to do one of the most important tasks in any campaign: phone-banking.  You may be working in a campaign office or in a private home with others (taking your cell phone with you).  Or you will be by yourself in your own home.  The time for phone-banking is usually early evening on weekdays when most people are home but have not yet gone to bed.  A window from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. local time usually is the best.  Place no call after 9:00 p.m.  On weekends, phone banking is done during the day.

Phone bankers pay for their own calls (unless they are using the campaign office).  So, if you are going to be a serious phone-banker for out of town candidates (many campaigns are making it possible to phone bank for candidates in different states), consider a flat-rate monthly fee for long distance calls service plan or free anywhere cell phone minutes.

Be sure that you know your audience and the purpose of your phone call in advance and tailor your pitch appropriately.  Typically most phone banking is for one of three purposes: (a) getting out the vote (GOTV), (b) prospecting for new supporters perhaps for a later GOTV effort, and (c) fundraising or other increases in commitment to the candidate.

Here we want to encourage you to become involved in a task where more help is almost always needed.  We also offer some general tips to help make this task successful.

General Hints 

Four people, four approaches to getting involved. 

WC3:  OUR STORIES, AND YOURS?

It’s coming down to the wire, BUT there is still time to be part of what many commentators say is the MOST CRITICAL ELECTION in our country’s history.  Everyone can help save our democracy!

The Wes Clark Countdown to Change Team (WC3) has enjoyed disseminating “things to do” over the last two and a half months.  We would like to share a little about what else we have been up to.  We would like to hear what YOU have been doing.  Please post!  

CHERYL:  I’ve always been able to speak to anyone about anything.  My mom used to say my mouth would get me in trouble.  Looking back, she was right.  But…it also helped me to meet people and make people feel at ease in any situation.  I personally hate to knock on doors.  I don’t like to walk due to bad knees, but I am willing to make any calls necessary.  Period.  I’ll call strong Dems.  I’ll call swing Dems.  I’ll do persuasion calls.  I do them most evenings for local and national candidates because they are easy and lots of fun.  What’s not to like?  If someone is rude or doesn’t want to talk to you, you say thank you and hang up.  If someone chats, you’ve made an acquaintance with whom you can share a common goal or dream. 

I absolutely love co-hosting fundraisers!  Those are my favorites!  I love getting the invites from the campaign and rounding up people to attend.  It gets more and more creative the later it is in the campaign cycle as people are tapped out, but it’s tons of fun to be at a fundraiser with your friends and listen to inspiring candidates and activists speak from the heart.  I also love “handling” candidates at fundraiser/events.  These are tons of fun!  I love picking up the candidate, getting the goodies (buttons, sign up sheets, envelopes, bumper stickers) and driving the candidate to an event and facilitating the introduction to lots of attendees without having anyone spend too long in one conversation.  The goal is to have the candidate work the entire room and I always try to find a sheet full of new volunteers and at least two more fundraiser hosts or houseparty hosts from each event.  If the events get too pricey I try to volunteer to help out at the event to get in free or for a reduced price.  Sometimes that works really well, too! 

TRICIA:  I was one of those kids who hated to sell Girl Scout cookies.  I would save up my allowance and buy them myself.  So, to overcome this fear of knocking on strangers’ doors, I signed up to be a Precinct Captain a few years ago.  Now this is something I look forward to!  We have lots of new friends (within walking distance!).  Also, it turns out that a number of my neighbors have some political influence, for example, a CEO of a large company who was a major player in the Kerry campaign (but will choose someone else for 2008), a County Democrat Committee member, a professional fundraiser, and a local School Board member.

I also enjoy fundraisers.  I try to meet at least 10 new people (and exchange cards), and I make sure I introduce myself to the people around the candidate if I can’t get to the candidate him or herself.  (In California, fundraisers are always packed.)  Once I was buying a Barbara Boxer’s night shirt (really cute—“Sleep Safe with Boxer”) and a woman who came up next to me mentioned the high quality of the material.  When I turned to respond, I saw it was Senator Boxer herself.  We had a nice little talk.

Our congressional district is “safe,” so I attached myself to a nearby congressional campaign.  Our “Four Star Democrat Research Group” does backgrounders and rapid response for Jerry McNerney (California, District 11) who is facing multi-term incumbent Richard Pombo, “honored” in the current Rolling Stone Magazine as one of the 10 most corrupt congressmen.  Still, it’s an uphill battle because the district is very Republican.  The challenge is exciting.

STAN:  My first foray into meeting people was in early August 2003.  My town was having a parade, and the county Democrats were marching in the parade.  I needed to meet those folks, since my overall objective was to be THE Clark guy in my county and get elected as a Clark delegate to the Boston convention.  I had made up some introductory flyers and ordered a bunch of mini-Clark bars.  "Want a Clark bar for the parade?  Yeah?  You have to take a flyer, too."

I began attending everything I could, especially in my county.  I had met a dynamite Senate candidate, Mike Miles (who eventually lost the primary to Ken Salazar), and after the Clark campaign ended, I jumped into the Miles campaign with both feet, being his driver on several junkets around the state.  When Mike lost, I joined with some other Miles supporters and founded Be the Change USA, whose first project was to oust the state party chair, who had roundly dissed Miles's candidacy.  In order to do that, I would need to be a delegate to the state party Central Committee, so I set out on that path.  I ran successfully for Vice-Chair both of my state House District and state Senate District, and became a precinct chair.  The precinct chairs are, ex officio, members of the county Central Committee, and state House District chairs and vice-chairs are similarly members or the county Executive Committee.

As we wrote, 90% of success is just showing up.  If you want to have an influence on the party and in the selection of candidates at all levels, including party officers, you have to get involved.

DEBBY:  Until I joined the Draft Clark movement in 2003, my involvement in the political process included poll watching for McGovern in the 70’s, followed by a long absence of activity until I joined a Democratic Women’s group in Fayetteville, Arkansas where I volunteered for statewide candidates, including the Senate race of Mark Pryor against Tim Hutchinson. The impetus for this involvement was George Bush, the outcome of the 2000 election and a desire to fight back.

The possibility of a Clark candidacy galvanized my interest and involvement like nothing else before.  With no experience to guide me, I volunteered to be the organizer of the early Draft Clark MeetUps in Richmond.  As the momentum built toward an announcement, several experienced Democratic women attended a MeetUp and joined the Clark race.  They urged us to get involved by joining our local committees, which we all promptly did.  Later in the primary, this is exactly what General Clark urged us to do as well.  He recognized that his supporters could best effect positive change by working from inside the structure of the party.

Local Democratic groups welcome new members, especially those who care deeply and are willing to put their time, energy and money where their passions are. Membership fees are usually minimal and little is required other than residence in the community and a pledge of loyalty to Democrats.  Within a year, I was elected an officer, and by the following year was elected an officer in my congressional district as well.  One of the exciting benefits was to be recognized and rewarded for my dedication by being named a delegate from my state and attending the 2004 DNC in Boston.  Getting involved, learning the names and faces of those who influence the political process in your locality and your state, is only a function of how much time you’re willing to put into the effort.  Leaders and activists are needed on all levels, but starting at the bottom will give us all something to build on.  Local office holders and the party they represent affect the direction of local government, which is the basis of such vital interests as electoral boards, even school boards, appointment of judges, and election or appointment of registrars.  A strong base lends strength to each level of government up the chain.  Having Clark supporters in all levels of the party structure will serve us later as we work to build our volunteer support ranks should he decide to run again, and will serve our party by injecting enthusiasm and good ideas.

The Wes Clark Countdown to Change Team,

Tricia Spiegel, Stan Davis, Debby Burroughs, Cheryl Poling

GETTING TO KNOW PEOPLE: IT MIGHT COME IN VERY HANDY LATER!

We hope that many of you have latched onto a 2006 campaign, be it a US Congressional race or one in your state or local community.  If not, it’s still not too late!  You are needed now for the most important activity of all—getting out Democrats to vote!

Here we offer a reminder.  If General Clark decides to run for President in 2008, one of the most important roles for his supporters will be making contacts with lots of people, including those who already have active positions in Democratic politics.  These folks would include your local Democratic County and State Committee members, any DNC members who live close by, and, of course, all elected officials and any other “superdelegates” to the DNC Convention.  
RIGHT NOW is the best time to get to know more people!  Introduce yourself at a fundraiser or while working in the campaign office or walking your precinct.  One Clark supporter recently volunteered to stick labels on mailings and sat right next to another volunteer who just happened to be her state senator. They went out to lunch afterwards to discuss issues and the 08 race.  Another friend went up to talk to the well-known speaker after an awards dinner, and they have been exchanging emails ever since.  

So, new friends and acquaintances are to be made here, and these contacts will be very valuable in the future.  We will tell you own stories tomorrow and ask for yours.

The Wes Clark Countdown to Change Team,

Tricia Spiegel, Stan Davis, Debby Burroughs, Cheryl Poling

Give a Last Minute Fundraiser—It’s NOT Too Late!

Even though the election is less than 3 weeks away, your candidates will need money up until the very end because those last minute radio and TV ads are VERY important.  You can get the invites out by email to your friends right away, and the event can be simple.  People are bristling with energy now, and many will like the idea of having people to talk to as November 7^th closes in.

One friend is having her party ON November 7^th!  She only requires that people donate $30 (or more if they can afford it) to WesPAC-endorsed candidates right away.  When they respond that they are coming, she asks if they have made their donations yet.  She will keep at them until they say, “Yes.”  (You do have to trust your friends.)  She will have her computer set up on the WesPAC page for those who come but forgot to do it ahead of time.

If you don’t want to give an election watch program, there are still two open weekends from which to choose. And giving a little fundraiser is not as difficult or complicated as you may think. In fact, it is quite easy. 

Here we repeat some tips we offered a while back.

Just identify a few good Democrats or like-minded others who are likely to want to support your candidate anyway. Eight to twelve guests works well. 

You might ask, “Isn’t it easier just to ask people to donate on their own?”  Well, yes, but that isn’t as much fun and it doesn’t keep the ball rolling.  As the elections draw near, getting together to talk while enjoying some snacks and a drink is energizing and motivating.

1.       Invitations.  Invite people by phone or email.  Promise good fellowship and good conversation.  You can set an amount that you expect your guests to donate (this amount can be modest). 

2.       Campaign Materials.  If you can get hold of the candidate’s literature or gear (such as buttons and bumper stickers), have them out on the table with or near the food.  If you paid for something and cannot afford to give it away, put a little note indicating what you would appreciate receiving for each item.  (The amount should no more than your out-of-pocket cost.)  If you have a cap, t-shirts or other more expensive political gear, wear or display them and be prepared to tell others how to get theirs. Name recognition is always important, so you can help your guests become walking campaign ads afterwards.

3.       Refreshments.  It’s OK to keep it simple and inexpensive!  Serve finger food, such as cheese and crackers, carrot sticks, nuts, popcorn, and something sweet (cookies or a cake). Limit drinks to beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee or tea, and water.   Have food set up when guests arrive.  (If anyone asks if they can bring something, take them up on it!)

4.       How They Donate.  IMPORTANT!!! You should not collect any money yourself!  There are two legal ways to do this.  The easiest way to manage the donation is to have guests use your computer to go online and donate through the candidates website.  Have your computer already on the appropriate donation page before guests arrive.  Ask guests, one at a time, to make their donations.  You will simply have to trust that they follow through because they will want privacy while entering their financial data.  (Set it off so that they can print out their own receipt if they want to.).  Or, you can prepare a few stamped envelopes addressed to the campaign.  Download donation forms from the candidate’s website (if available).  Ask guests who do not, for whatever reason, want to donate online to make out checks (no cash), put them in the envelope, seal it, and add their return address.  You can then mail these out yourself.  (Better yet, get a supply of the campaign’s official envelopes, which serves as both an envelope and the donation form, and have your guests seal the envelopes.  Then you can deliver or mail the stack of completed envelopes to the campaign.)

5.       The “Program.”  After people have chatted a bit and had something to eat and drink and made their donations, it is time for some sort of informal presentation.  You might want to discuss the candidate or present how to be of further assistance to him or her.  If you know a good story about the candidate, tell it. If you have personally met with the candidate, describe that interaction.  (People like hearing about the candidates “as real people.”)   Sometimes discussions morph from one subject to another, and everyone has fun for a long time.  Sometimes this portion is fairly brief and everyone goes home. 

6.       If your candidate has put out a DVD, show that on your TV or laptop.  Or if you downloaded a good speech by your candidate, show that.  If it is a weekend night, you might consider showing a political movie or documentary if your TV room will comfortably handle your group.  There are too many relevant movies to list here, and more are released every day.   In summary, the main goal is to have a good discussion and spark more interest in your candidate that will hopefully carry over after everyone has gone home.  And, oh yes, if you made one or two hundred dollars for your candidate, declare the evening a great success!

The Wes Clark Countdown to Change Team,

Tricia Spiegel, Stan Davis, Debby Burroughs, Cheryl Poling

Buy at your heart's content here. To get there otherwise, go to www.DemStore.com, click on the "Clark08" link, and then the "Wes Clark Democrat" link.  All are union- and American-made, and timeless.

Tricie Spiegel, Stan Davis, Debby Burroughs, Cheryl Poling

Planning on campaigning out of your own area?  Some tips from the WC3 team.

TRAVELING OUT OF YOUR AREA TO CAMPAIGN

Are your own local campaigns “safe”?  Or do you have a favorite candidate that lives in another city or state?  If you are in a position to be mobile and to help out a campaign beyond driving distance from your home, here are just a few suggestions.

1. Contact the campaign beforehand and ask if your help would be are welcomed.  While many campaigns will be thrilled to have your assistance, some may not be organized to take sufficient advantage of your efforts to make the trip worthwhile.  (Contact information should be readily available on the candidate’s web site.  A telephone call is your best bet.  But if the person on the other end seems confused, ask to speak directly to the campaign manager, field director, or volunteer coordinator.)

2.  Find out what type of volunteer help they need.  Make sure that their needs fit well with your interests, skills, and talents.  For instance, many campaign offices need someone to staff the phones during the day, or do phone-banking (usually in the early evenings), knock on doors, or drop literature.  If these aren’t your interests and you’d rather help with mailings, computer efforts, graphics, position statements, or something else, clear these differences up before you head out. 

3.  Ask your contact for suggestions for places to stay nearby that won’t break your budget.  Most people on the ground will know the lay of the land better than you.  If it’s a large campaign, they may have an apartment already available to share.  Or local volunteers may have offered a room in their home for out-of-town volunteers.

4.  Consider that the answer to your first or second campaign of choice might be “no thanks” to your offer.  Don’t take it personally.  Some campaigns have everything under control and others may not be organized well enough to take advantage of your willingness to get involved. Keep working through your list of campaigns and you will probably find one that is right for you.

5.  Do let the campaign know that you are a Wes Clark supporter, and that General Clark has asked his supporters to go out and campaign for Democrats in 2006.  Add that you also understand that your job with the campaign is about that candidate. 

6.  Once you arrive you may find that your campaign experience is more extensive than some of the people in charge!  This can be frustrating when you think you know how to do something better than how it is being done.  But resist trying to take over.  Instead, you might want to offer a suggestion very gently and hope someone listens.  Write to WC3@securingamerica.com for advice if you need it.

7.  Try to stay out of any bickering and power plays. See yourself as someone who is there to work and to show the campaign that Clark supporters have integrity and are diligent and responsible helpers.

8.  We hope your experience is a positive one.  But if you find it so unsatisfactory that you cannot continue, disengage respectfully.  (Remember, they will remember you as a Clark supporter and a positive association with General Clark is very important.)

Whichever campaign you volunteer for and whatever you find yourself doing, don’t forget to come back and report on your efforts and findings!  We all grow by our experiences – personally and vicariously!

The Wes Clark Countdown to Change Team,

Tricia Spiegel, Stan Davis, Debby Burroughs, Cheryl Poling