Guide for candidates
and campaign
Teams
Help sheet 2
How to start a campaign team (excerpt from A Gender Agenda p.17-21)
Establishing an effective campaign team is very important. .Although you might be
tempted, you won't be able to run the campaign entirely by yourself. A good campaign is
more work than one person can handle. The candidate needs to be out there meeting
the voters - not licking envelopes and drafting pamphlets. You will also need people
around you for moral support as the campaign progresses.
Remember that even as a candidate, it is your task to gather, refine and represent the
issues and views of many, not just yourself. Use your values and principles to guide you as
you work together.
If you have decided not to be a candidate, being a part of a campaign team is an
invaluable learning experience and also a positive contribution to your community.
Forming a team
Make up your campaign team from your supporters. As well as being people who
are loyal to you and committed to your success, they will ideally be people with
particular skills - publicity, fundraising, experience with previous campaigns.
The campaign team could consist of 3 or 4 members of a "core group" which is
supported by others with less time/ interest who are part of the "team". Team
members are called on/ rostered on for tasks needing more hands such as mail
outs, letter drops and handing out how to vote cards.
It is a good idea for candidates to establish one "campaign partner" (or campaign
manager) to work closely with. This person can help you identify what you need in
your team and do some "asking" on your behalf.
Use the method described in Finding your Own Mentor - a Do-it-yourself Guide
(www.women.vlga.org.au) to search your networks for a potential campaign
manager and team members.
Candidates can invite selected people to join the team via letter, email or a
personal approach. In the communication, give some examples of what tasks
need to be done. A Gender Agenda has a list if you are short on ideas about what
a campaign team would do. Use your networks of acquaintances, friends, family,
etc. Suggest that those invited call you to get further information before deciding
whether to join the campaign.
Remember, your community, family and friendship
networks can be your strength. END
With thanks to the WPILGC
W: www.gowomenlg.org.au