As college students, we are constantly bouncing from one task to the next. If we’re not in class or doing homework, we’re working jobs and internships (not to mention trying to squeeze in the occasional social event). That being said, why would anyone in their right mind add campaigning for the 2016 Presidential Election to their list of responsibilities — let alone travel the country to do so?
Perhaps because doing so is amazing. You’re not only making a difference for your candidate’s campaign, but you’re gaining professional experience, networking, constantly learning about real-world issues and making friends who share a passion with you.
While it’s completely understandable that not every student can afford to drop everything and take off to the state holding the next primary, this isn’t always the case. A lot of places gather volunteers to travel by bus for just a single weekend. Campaign coordinators are always willing to help find you free housing, transportation, etc. Additionally, many campaigns have offices located close to college campuses — allowing you to volunteer on your own schedule!
However you choose to contribute, you’ll undoubtedly learn a lot along the way. It’s likely that some of these things will be the following:
1. You can’t take anything personally
Whether you’re canvassing door-to-door or making phone calls, you will always be interacting with people — and they may not like what you have to say about the candidate you’re encouraging them to learn about. In all honesty, at some point throughout your volunteering, you will be yelled at and even insulted. Politics can be a tough subject for some, and nobody likes to have their views challenged. Rather than argue with these people, you need to respectfully end the conversation and move on.
2. Making friends is easier when you share a similar vision
Making meaningful relationships is a lot easier when you already have something in common. Throughout working on a campaign, you will meet people who share your views on current issues and passion for politics. Working together with a team of people like this is an unforgettable experience, and will likely result in friendships that will last a lifetime.
3. You alone can make a difference
This may be hard to believe, but your individual contributions to a large election can and will make a difference. Even if you just convince one person to vote for your candidate, that doesn’t mean your impact stops there. That person could tell their friends and family, and so on. Just by volunteering, you’re sending a message to everyone you know that politics and developing a set of beliefs are important.
4. Social media changes everything
Social media, especially platforms like Facebook and Twitter, have revolutionized how campaigns work. It’s much easier to get out a message now, especially to young people. If you’re not already tech. savvy, getting involved in the political process can change that. Social media may be a double-edged sword; however, it’s one of the most important aspects of the current campaigns.
5. Sleep isn’t that important
Well, at least not with a caucus or primary day approaching. Especially when you’re really crunched for time, you’ll be working 24/7: talking to voters during the day and entering data or preparing election materials at night. There’s always something that needs to be done, which is why volunteers are so vital to a campaign. Remembering why you’re doing what you’re doing is a great way to motivate yourself to keep going (plus, lots of caffeine).
6. You’ll develop a sense of tolerance
It’s so easy to dismiss other candidates, or even talk badly about them because you disagree with what they’re fighting for; however, that’s just the thing — they, along with other volunteers like you — are fighting. You’ll develop respect and tolerance for the people working hard like you, even if you’d rather move to Canada than see their candidate elected.
7. You will be disappointed
This is inevitable. Whether its due to a low voter turnout or close loss, there will be times that you want to throw in the towel and completely give up. Until November comes, though, you can’t. Anything could happen between now and then, so keep pushing for what and who you believe in.
8. Your life will be changed
Saying this isn’t dramatic at all. Throughout the course of your volunteering, you will meet so many great people, genuinely enjoy the work you’re doing and feel so rewarded at the end of the day. Doing so might even make you want to switch your major to something political because of the passion you’ll feel — and that’s great!
Seriously, if you find yourself agreeing with a particular presidential candidate, get involved now. Visit their website, look into opportunities on campus and most importantly — register to vote!