True Confessions of an Ohio Volunteer.

[Kukesa]

Here's what I've learned so far:

Don't fight with the idiots; smile and tell them to have a good day -- they're shocked and we've thereby proved we're better than they are. While selling T-shirts and yard signs at a recent event, a man in a Shrub-sticker-covered van tried to run me over. Yes, it was scary, but when I smiled at him and wouldn't argue, he hurriedly left.

It costs a lot of money to volunteer. Yes, it does -- you have to pay for gasoline, parking, and odds 'n ends; your cash supply gets eaten up quickly. And, sometimes you kick in your own money for people who can't afford to buy a T-shirt or yard sign.

Listen! I've had Seniors tell me about their lack of health care; hourly workers complain about no more overtime; students tell me about cuts in education funding. Listen and sympathize.

Be prepared to go to weird places at weird times. I've distributed yard signs from the trunk of my car in parking lots and on street corners.

Don't expect other volunteers to show up when they promised; sometimes you have to carry the ball all by yourself.

Know the issues-- you'll be asked lots of questions.

Have handouts available because people like to leave with something in their hands.

Always carry voter registration and absentee ballot forms.

Be positive even when you're bone-tired, hot and thirsty, and really need to go home.

Take your own food and drinks. What was supposed to take an hour may take six.

Be nice to the Union guys. They'll protect you from agressive Repukes.

Smile. All the time. People are receptive to friendly people.

And most importantly -- be prepared to experience one of the most rewarding adventures you've ever undertaken. I can't wait to get back out there!

:toast:

[wtmusic]

1. Thanks! Great tips

I'm doing a pilgrimage to AZ next week -- gonnaa print this one out and take it along :thumbsup:

[fudge stripe cookays]

2. Good stuff!

I've learned much of this in the past year as well. Good to have it set out so clearly!

This one:
Be prepared to go to weird places at weird times. I've distributed yard signs from the trunk of my car in parking lots and on street corners
reminds me of our beloved Glen Maxey here in Texas, who claims that he's registered more gay men at 3 AM outside clubs, and more naked people than anyone else in the state.

(He figures that anyone hanging out at Austin's famed "Hippie Hollow" nekkid swimming hole obviously LEANS Democrat, so he's just making sure they're registered!)

FSC

[Kukesa]

3. Amen, cookays, and good for Glen Maxey! n/t

[liberalnurse]

4. Isn't it grand!

This morning....at 9AM....My door bell began ringing from folks driving by my house wanting Kerry/Edwards yard signs. I ended up going doen to Head Quarters in Dayon and picking up 20 signs!

Great way to meet folks......I was still in my "nighty" as I was up late from the Sringfield Rally!

[Kukesa]

5. Hooray for you, LN. Sell some more!! n/t

[Toucano]

6. This should be printed on a poster!

I'm going to share it for sure.

Thanks,

[Kukesa]

10. Thanks, but I left out the POTTY issue:

Never miss an opportunity to use the potty, never.

:P

[Toucano]

7. whoops. dupe.

[mongo]

8. Kudos to you Kukesa

You're right on all accounts. Here's one more:

Always be ready to talk to someone about John Kerry. Just wearing a button, people will come up and talk to you, some trying to be hostile, but mostly people who are undecided or young people from Repub families, that want to know why you would vote for John Kerry. These are some of the most reachable folks I've encountered.

And they union guys are some of the most fired-up, gung-ho awesome individuals I've met. Especially at the protests. And they can YELL LOUD!

[Kukesa]

9. Thanks for the BUTTON suggestion -- it's a good one. n/t

[Kukesa]

11. Let's add some more suggestions to this confession.

What are your experiences?

Mongo suggested to wear a BUTTON and I added the POTTY issue.

What else???

[MountainMamma]

12. Where would we be without volunteers

Well Kukesa, my old friend, you hit the nail right on the head with this volunteer manual. It's tiring, exhilarating, costly, the least we can do for such a life affecting cause, sometimes scary, but always directed toward one final result......CHANGE IN THE WHITE HOUSE. We knew that it would be an up hill fight but we are not alone in the struggle and the ones we are struggling for are well worth it. I'm so proud to be in this with YA"LL.:grouphug: :kick: :grouphug: :kick: :grouphug: :kick:

[Lady President]

13. Wonderful list and one more!

I adore your list! Glad to have you on our team! :)

I would add that you should never be afraid to say, "I don't know." I study the issues, but occasionally someone asks something I just don't know. (i.e. What's Kerry's voting record on the National Endowment of the Arts? How old was Kerry when he started at the Prosecutor's Office?) Be willing to take someone's email address, dig up the information, and send them it very promptly.