Volunteers can be the lifeblood of campaigns, especially down-ballot races. Whether you are a teenager, a retiree, or any age in between, volunteering on a political campaign can be a rewarding experience, a chance to expand your personal and professional networks, provide insight into the political process, and a chance to shape policy.

Campaigns evolve from the time a candidate officially announces until the last votes are counted. Even without past campaign experience, you have skills that can benefit a candidate. There is data to be crunched, social media posts to be created, policy proposals to be written, and money to be raised. Don't think you have the time? An hour a week or month adds up, whether it is during the day or as the clock strikes midnight. Don't think you can make it to campaign headquarters? Opportunities abound for supporting candidates no matter where you are. All that is required is a sincere interest and belief in the candidate.

One place to start looking for volunteer opportunities is with your local party officials. Also ask your network. There may be individuals considering a run for office who have not yet announced.

If local politics does not interest you, there are groups that match candidates and volunteers from around the country.

Additional reading:

• Working On A 2020 Presidential Campaign Taught Me The Power Of Speaking Up (Bustle, 07/25/2019)
• The Dos and Don'ts of Searching For A Political Internship (The Campaign Workshop, 06/17/2019)
• Be the Man in the Arena: How to Get Involved in Politics (The Art of Manliness, 04/13/2018)
• How To Get Involved In A Local Campaign, From Someone Who Did Just That (Bustle, 12/12/2016)
• The Costs of Volunteering for a Political Campaign (USNews, 08/09/2016)
• What You Need to Know to Volunteer for a Political Campaign (TeenVogue, 04/17/2012)

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