Alright, enough of the introductions (post HERE). You’ve decided to get into politics. To join the fight and help a candidate or a cause you believe in. It may have been a speech or commercial that inspired you, or an introduction through a friend, but you’re in.

It’s day one. How do you get “plugged in”:

Go to their website and sign up for their email list and social media notifications: I know. I know. Another email list and likely more spam that will follow. And let’s not even try to romanticize this. The first message you get will likely ask you for money. But there will also be invitations to events, news about the campaign, and most importantly, volunteer activities. You’ll need all three of these things to get deeper. Get your schedule out and plan on going to some or all of the events and activities. They’ll be happy to have you.

Read and absorb all of their online information: On these websites, there should be “issues” and “news” pages that will inform you on the operations positions and what has happened so far in the campaign. Learn it all. This will give you a headstart when you decide to start volunteering.

If you don’t have a specific candidate or cause, try your local county party: While official political parties often come with plenty of drama on their own outside of the campaign trail, they remain the best option for those who just want to get started and involved. At these events, you’re going to meet candidates, operatives, and other volunteers from multiple campaigns. They’ll have their own slate of events and activities, that will often run parallel to the election calendar, and they work with new folks all of the time. This is also a terrific place to start networking and building your list of contacts.

When you go to your first event, don’t be intimidated: Everyone has their “Day One”. Especially in politics as people tend to grow with their paths. There are no requirements for wanting to help and they should be grateful you’re there.

It’s time to join the fight! Get out there and have some fun!