Adopt-a-Politician: Here’s How to Give Your Opponent the Boot
Before lawmakers take office, they take an oath that states, “I, [name], do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” But when it comes to domestic violence, some elected officials seemingly disregard that promise.
Here are 10 actions you can take to get your candidate elected to office on November 2. Many of these actions apply even if you live outside the politician’s state or Congressional district:
1. Go the candidate’s campaign office and volunteer to pitch in – distribute door hangars, post a sign in your front yard, do neighborhood canvassing, whatever.
2. Volunteer to do phone banking (you can do this from anywhere in the country, calling from your cell phone)
3. Donate money. Even a $25 contribution is appreciated.
4. Show up at campaign rallies with a big sign that says, Fix Domestic Violence Laws NOW! Download sign at: http://mensnewsdaily.com/images/promos/child-abuse-poster.jpg
5. Distribute Abusegate flyers at rallies, libraries, grocery stores, barber shops, and other community locations. Download flyer here: http://mensnewsdaily.com/?download=Abusegate%20Flyer%20doc
6. Sign up for your candidate’s email list. Stay informed about the latest polling results and political buzz: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/
7. Sign up for Google Alerts: http://www.google.com/alerts?hl=en Enter the name of your opponent in the Search Terms box. When you receive a message, follow the link to the article, scroll down to Reader Comments, and let everyone know why we need to reform VAWA!
8. Set up a Twitter or Facebook blog and let the whole world hear about the dire need for VAWA reform.
9. Join forces with others in your area who are working to reform domestic violence laws. Be respectful and polite, strive to make a good impression on everyone you meet.
10. After your candidate wins, send a letter to the campaign manager describing the ways you helped and why you supported the candidate (“because I’m hoping he or she will work to reform anti-family domestic violence laws that are harming many thousands of his constituents.”). Mention you look forward to helping the lawmaker in future elections.
Above all, have fun!
Questions? Contact Adopt-a-Politician campaign manager Allie Rayed at allierayed@gmail.com.
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Now that we have some new Congress members, I’m researching how to have we little people ‘Adopt-A-Politician’ to keep up with what they are doing. Seems like a natural extension of the efforts we went to to get them elected. Any suggestions for a template?