How do I begin to volunteer for the Democratic Party?

I live in Huntsville, Alabama. I'm unemployed and have energy and talents (who doesn't?).

I've never actually worked for this Party.

I'm tired of just complaining and want to contribute.

I'm going to call them, of course, and visit.

I just feel a little intimidated. Actually a lot intimidated (from the standpoint of knowledge, past involvement, and the "usual", plus being gay).

I want to hear some people's experiences, even if it's not from here; about how they actually began to get involved.

I'm personally tired of my internal bitching, and not doing much externally. You know what I mean? I'm sure some of you know what I mean?

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They make me sick when they spew their bigoted trash.

I have done phone polling for Feiger who was running for Governor and also for Diane Byrum. Yard signs also help get the word out for your candidate. You can also call your local democratic party and ask them how to get involved. Attend rallies. Write letters to your local papers about your support for your candidate also helps.

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Let them know who you are, and what timeframes you're available to pitch in.. Trust me, they'll welcome you with open arms!!

Let us know what happens, ok? - - - - Keep in touch! :hug:

:kick: ~~~~~~ AWESOME ~~~~~~~ :kick:

http://democrat.meetup.com/lists/us/al/huntsville/
am not from huntsville, but ran across this on a google search

Tell them you're willing to work and take any job they have trouble getting someone to do.

NOW is exactly the right time.

And good luck. Your efforts, your strength, and your dedication are desperately needed.

And there will be people among the Dems you don't adore or even like. Never forget the goal and find a common ground.

Patience and a smile are great virtues in local politics.

Hi:

My name is Doug De Clue, and I now live in Orlando, FL where I'm active in the Orange County FL Democratic Party. I used to live in Shelbyville TN for three years and then later I did a temp job and lived in Huntsville for 3 months a few years later, although I was never active in the party there.

I've googled up the following info for you. Start calling and emailing these people to ask about meetings, volunteering, etc. I'm sure they'd be happy to hook you up..

http://www.aladems.org/ = Alabama Democratic Party website.

http://www.madisoncountydemocrats.com/ - Madison County Democratic Party Website (home of Huntsville AL)

Doug Dermody is the county Democratic Party Chair and his contact info is:
Phone: 256-534-1776
His email is: ddermody@prodigy.net?subject=Madison County Democratic Executive Committee

Madison County Democratic Executive Committee
Doug Dermody, Chair 256-534-1776

Madison County Democratic Women’s Division
Verna Rizvi
P.O. Box 692
Huntsville, AL 35804

Madison County Young Democrats
Clarke Moore

Alabama Democratic Conference (Madison County Chapter)
Eddie Sherrod 256-881-9529

New South (Madison County Chapter)
Dr. Herman Mixon 256-859-2359

Alabama Democratic Party Headquarters
The Bell Building, Suite 700
207 Montgomery Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 262-2221
Toll Free: (800) 995-3386

I hope to pursue this.

One of my brothers lives in Alabama with his wife & little ones (in New Hope).. is that very far from you?

They are both Democrats!

Tell them you would like to be a precinct committee person. That's the best way to get involved. It gets you in waist deep. Move up the ladder quickly and you'll be over your head in no time. ;-)

I thank all of you for the many encouragements.

(I also thank the moderators for removing the troll's response, and my response to it!)

First off, congrats for being willing to volunteer. In the words of our own region chair (forgive the Hawaii dialect:) "No complain, come help!"

When I got back to the islands from college I went to volunteer for the Dukakis campaign. Nobody wanted me there, they thought I was looking to take their job. Funny, I hadn't even thought about that. They wouldn't give me anything to do so I didn't go back.

Fast forward 20+ years, and now, our state party is really welcoming, supportive, super great to work with. I went to the Kerry meetups and we did lots of events for Kerry. I asked my region chair why we don't have district meetings and come to find out we don't have a district chair. OK, why don't we have precinct meetings? We don't have precinct presidents. So now I'm a precinct president, and we are having fun social meetings. Our Democratic representatives and senators come and talk with our neighbors. People are so glad to have something to plug in to. Kind of like church for me! (though I love my church, we hosted Cindy Sheehan last night!)

So good luck, we need you!

Aloha.

I love hearing about people's experiences.

I had been getting these images in my mind about what might happen. That's just "what iffin' "

Thank you for your story. I hope I have one like it soon!

you get to meet so many wonderful people. My county has regular meetings. These would be posted on the local website (Google your county name and Democrats). Go to one of the meetings, or contact through the information on the website.

Think about the things you might like to do. I have done canvassing, phoning, other ways working with people. Find out about the local candidates on the county board and state delegates. I have tended to get involved rather late in the game. They probably do very interesting things with their data early on.

I even got a Holiday card from my governor-elect this year (Kaine, VA) That was kind of a thrill for me.

Enjoy, and thank you for volunteering!!!! :hi:

I can't even remember how they got my phone number, some list I was on. They called a few years ago. I showed up at a meeting, volunteered to man the voter registration booth, went to the activist meetings, and that was that. I just do whatever they ask. I do notice people can be a bit territorial though, which is funny for a teeny town of 7000.

It is such a rush when people stand up and want to get involved. Can you hear me applauding?!

Decide what level you want to work on ... national, state, or local. You can get lots of good information from your local Democratic Party, god I hope there is one there in Alabama! Check on line as well.

Every presidential election, I would open the district office. Rent office space and set up the headquarters. I'd work on voter registration, organizing precincts and coordinating volunteers, and then doing the 10% check over the phone. And then the campaign organization, fundraisers, open house, volunteer coordination, phone banks, knocking on doors, etc. You'll meet some wonderful people. My two kids grew up working the campaigns, my son the youngest campaign worker in California!

Don't let anybody discourage you. Some people are really angry about the war, as we all are, but they are taking out on those willing to hang with the Democratic Party. But it will be the Democrats that take down the Republicans and I definitely want to be a part of that endeavor. Welcome to the fight!

Everybody counts.

Don't be intimidated - you may have new ideas that help - fresh blood is good. Plus, you'll learn. Everyone is always learning.

Good luck!

being used in their locality and write letters and talk it up. AL I believe is about to go all Diebold just like GA. If that happens, any hope for Dem victories there is zilch. But there should be activists in the area working to restore democracy and take the vote counting away from the private corps.

Find out about what the deal is there, educate yourself on the subject, then write LTTE and make sure the Dems in the area understand the issue.

All the other stuff is good too.