Issues
Volunteer - Get Involved
American Democracy Depends On Democratic Volunteers
Help elect Democratic candidates! Be the change in government you want to see! There’s a volunteer job for you to fit the time you can donate.
Your Efforts Will Make a Difference!
There are wonderful Democratic candidates running right here in Gallatin County! Below is a list of volunteer tasks for individual candidates or to help build a strong local Party – and sometimes, both. When you respond, please list your choice(s) and the amount of time you are able to donate. We will contact you promptly. We appreciate all the help volunteers give to making our American democracy strong. We pledge to abide by your estimation of the tasks you will be able to accomplish, and never ask you to do more than is comfortable for you.
Contact Carol Stahl, stahl.carol@gmail.com or phone 522-1546
* Display your pride in being a Democrat by walking in community parades. The Three Forks rodeo, Manhattan Potato Fest, Belgrade HarvestFest, West Yellowstone July 4th, MSU Homecoming and similar events are a chance to walk. Get your kids involved, practice your candy tossing skills, put a hometown face on local politics. We won't ask you to wear a funny hat, but you may if you wish.
* Donate two hours (or more) during the Gallatin County Fair, July 16-20, at the Democratic booth. Shifts throughout the day and evening are available. Inflate and give out balloons, offer lemonade, pass out literature, talk to the public, introduce a candidate working at the same time, and have a good time at our County Fair. There are always at least two people volunteering per shift. You can bring a friend.
* Host at Gallatin County Democrat Headquarters one time or throughout the campaign season. Greet walk-ins, provide literature and campaign contacts, schedule speakers on progressive topics for groups, hand out campaign materials, answer phones and take complete messages, orient new volunteers, enter computer data, file and provide other similar services. Volunteers who are able to make a specific routine day and time commitment are especially valuable in this position.
* Identify voter Party preferences. Make brief survey telephone calls; these are not persuasion calls. You will receive training and work from a script, usually at the same time others are calling so you can compare your progress.
* Canvassing, also called Door-to-Door, for the purpose of distributing campaign literature or identifying voters. You may be trained to explain democratic ideals; learn who will vote for Democrats, locate yard sign locations, and recruit more volunteers.
* Voter Registration. After training in the laws and regulations about registration, you will be prepared to sign up new voters, help them apply for absentee ballots and find their voting site. You might do this at the county fair booth, community events, by going door-to-door or in your social groups.
* Write Letters to Editors on local issues. We can help you find data to back up your own arguments and help you decide which points you will want to emphasize. We also have lists of media outlets and can encourage you to send your comments to media outlets around the state.
* Call "talk radio" programs - such as 1450 AM radio daily 8-9 am and Saturday 2-5 pm to support progressive issues and Democratic candidates. We can help you find the words you want to say by giving you information on current events.
* Get Out The Vote (G.O.T.V.) - Starting before absentee ballots are mailed, help every eligible Democratic voter get to the polls by making telephone reminder calls. We provide the lists and training, you let your fingers do the walking.
* Poll Watchers - If you're able to take time from your day job, become a poll watcher to make sure all our side who are able, voted. Drivers who will provide rides and volunteers who will make reminder phone calls are part of this effort. Training will be provided.
* Help put up candidate yard signs. Make telephone calls to property owners to find locations, drive to sites and install campaign yard signs, and help remove signs after the election.
* Fundraising - host or help host at parties, yard sales, bake sales, annual Jefferson-Gallatin-Jackson Event held in April, and other social events. Volunteers are needed to help decorate, set up, serve food, register those attending, keep track of records, pass out literature, and help clean up afterward. You will not be asked to solicit anyone for campaign funding unless you clearly express your willingness to do this work.
* Help with the Senator Max Baucus Campaign, headquartered at the Labor Temple. Staffers John Carey and Anthony Jackson will give you jobs, provide you with information and supervise your work. The tasks are varied and interesting, and afterward Max will personally write a thank you note to you. Someday, your heirs might take it to be appraised on PBS's Antiques Road Show!
