Jonah Patel
Running a successful political campaign involves a variety of tasks, including fundraising, outreach, and communication. One effective strategy is to utilize phone calls, or call time, to engage in one-on-one conversations with potential donors and voters. This method allows campaigns to efficiently connect with individuals, seek donations, and promote their message. To set up a call-in campaign, several steps are involved, including recruiting staff and volunteers, developing a comprehensive campaign plan, and adhering to relevant regulations, such as those outlined by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Fair Political Practices Commission.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Voter outreach, fundraising, communicating the campaign message, and increasing voter turnout |
| Communication Channels | Phone calls, canvassing, social media, email, mailers, and other digital channels |
| Target Audience | Potential voters, donors, and supporters |
| Legal Compliance | Adherence to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and relevant state laws; disclosure of personal income and assets; compliance with contribution and expenditure reporting requirements |
| Campaign Structure | Volunteers, staff, and coordinators for various roles, including field organizers, speechwriters, media buyers, event planners, and campaign managers |
| Fundraising | Online platforms, events, and "call time" with donors |
| Content Strategy | Development of a content calendar for social media, emails, and website updates |
| Technology | Use of campaign software, political CRMs, and databases for efficient data management and targeted outreach |
| Collaboration | Working with political organizations, committees, and local communities |
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What You'll Learn
- Phone calls and texts have rules: Prior consent is required for mobiles, but not landlines
- Call time fundraising: Ask volunteers to note concerns/priorities to tailor future asks
- Voter outreach: Knock on doors, make calls, and use social media to promote your campaign
- Organize volunteers: Set deadlines, use spreadsheets, and consider investing in campaign software
- Fundraising events: Plan events to get to know supporters and form personal connections
Phone calls and texts have rules: Prior consent is required for mobiles, but not landlines
Political campaigns often use phone calls and text messages to reach out to voters, especially during election season. While these campaigns are exempt from the National Do Not Call Registry, they must follow the rules set by the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).
The TCPA differentiates between landlines and mobile phones when it comes to prior consent. Political campaigns can call landlines without prior consent, but they are limited to no more than three calls within any consecutive 30-day period. On the other hand, political campaigns must obtain prior express consent from the recipient to send autodialed or prerecorded voice calls, texts, and voice messages to mobile phones. This includes cell phones, pagers, and other mobile devices. Campaigns that violate these rules can face penalties of up to $500 per call, with willful violations resulting in fines of up to $1500.
It is important to note that individuals can revoke their consent at any time and through any reasonable means. They can reply "STOP" to a text message or verbally request to not be called again on a voice call. Campaigns must honor these opt-out requests. If a recipient believes they have received a political call or text that violates the FCC's rules, they can report it by forwarding the message to 7726 (SPAM) or filing an informal complaint with the FCC.
To ensure compliance, political organizations should maintain proof of prior express consent for each call or text sent to a mobile phone. This can be challenging, especially when considering the various state telemarketing laws that must also be followed. It is crucial for political organizations to research and understand the applicable laws and regulations before initiating a call or text campaign.
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Call time fundraising: Ask volunteers to note concerns/priorities to tailor future asks
Political campaigns often involve phone calls and texts to reach out to voters and canvass. This is a common strategy for volunteer work, and it is an effective way to connect with potential voters and donors.
When it comes to fundraising, it is essential to understand donors' priorities to tailor your message and make them see the value in contributing to your organization. Ask volunteers to note down any concerns or priorities expressed by donors during phone calls. This information can be used to tailor future asks and make them more personalized and effective.
Volunteers can engage donors in a conversation by asking about their philanthropic interests and offering updates on past initiatives they have supported. It is important to encourage donors to ask questions and listen to their responses. This two-way dialogue helps build a relationship and makes it easier to ask for support.
Additionally, volunteers should be trained to suggest lower donation amounts if the initial ask is too high. This approach allows volunteers to identify the donor's concerns and address them directly, increasing the likelihood of securing a donation. It also helps to prioritize loyal donors who are more likely to respond positively, but it is also crucial to engage with the wider community of supporters.
Finally, it is vital to follow up with donors after the initial contact. This can be done through a brief email, text, or a more personalized thank-you letter. This step helps build a trusted relationship with supporters, regardless of whether they made a donation or not.
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Voter outreach: Knock on doors, make calls, and use social media to promote your campaign
Voter outreach is a key component of any political campaign. Knocking on doors, making calls, and using social media are effective ways to promote your campaign, connect with voters, and build a support base.
Knock on Doors
Door-knocking, or canvassing, is a traditional and effective method of directly connecting with people, delivering your message, and engaging with voters. It is a grassroots tactic used by political candidates to reach out to voters in person, going door-to-door, analyzing voter databases, getting voter registration done, and discussing political issues. Canvassers can collect valuable data on voter preferences, allowing campaigns to tailor their message to specific neighborhoods or demographics. This helps ensure that candidates are addressing the concerns of different communities and reaching a wider range of voters.
Make Calls
Making calls, or persuasion calls, is another important aspect of voter outreach. During an election season, there is a significant increase in calls and texts from political campaigns. While these calls and texts are generally exempt from the National Do Not Call Registry, they must comply with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). Political campaigns should be aware of the rules regarding consent, especially for robocalls and robotexts to mobile phones, which require prior consent. Calls and texts that require consent must also honor the called party's request to revoke consent.
Use Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool for political campaigns, allowing you to engage with prospective voters and build an organic support base. It is important to understand your political brand and target audience, and to have a well-thought-out strategy in place. Verify your social media accounts, use tracking tools to monitor engagement and trends, and tailor your message to reach your target audience. Utilize various social media channels, such as Reddit, forums, and online communities, to start discussions and get feedback. Ask your followers for feedback, and grow your social media followers to expand your reach. However, be cautious, as one wrong move on social media could jeopardize your entire campaign.
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Organize volunteers: Set deadlines, use spreadsheets, and consider investing in campaign software
Volunteers are an integral part of any political campaign. To organize them effectively, set clear deadlines, use spreadsheets to track progress, and consider investing in specialized campaign software.
When setting up a call-in campaign for a political organization, one of the first steps is to define clear objectives and deadlines. Decide on the specific goals you want to achieve, such as increasing voter turnout, fundraising, or spreading awareness about a particular issue. With these goals in mind, set realistic deadlines to help volunteers stay focused and motivated.
Spreadsheets are invaluable tools for organizing volunteers. Create a centralized spreadsheet to track volunteer information, including their names, contact details, availability, skills, and areas of interest or expertise. You can also use spreadsheets to monitor the progress of your call-in campaign. Record the number of calls made, the outcomes of those calls, and any relevant feedback or data collected. This will help you identify areas for improvement and measure the overall success of your campaign.
Additionally, consider investing in campaign software designed specifically for political organizations. These tools can streamline volunteer management and optimize your campaign's efficiency. For example, NationBuilder offers a comprehensive package that includes a content management system and customer relationship management software. It helps with website design, fundraising, volunteer organizing, and social media management. Their marketplace also provides over 50 app integrations to further enhance your campaign's functionality. Another useful tool is VolunteerMark, a canvassing software that facilitates volunteer outreach, recruitment, and communication between teams. It allows campaign leaders to schedule canvassing events and choose between one-time, fixed, or flexible timings for volunteers.
By setting clear deadlines, utilizing spreadsheets, and leveraging the power of campaign software, you can effectively organize and maximize the impact of your volunteers, setting your call-in campaign up for success.
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Fundraising events: Plan events to get to know supporters and form personal connections
When planning a political campaign, it is important to consider fundraising events as a way to get to know supporters and form personal connections. These events can be intimate gatherings, large parties, or anything in between, depending on your needs and budget.
- Identify your target audience: Understanding the demographics and interests of your supporters will help you plan an event that appeals to them. Consider factors such as age, geographic location, and political affiliation to create an event that resonates with your target audience.
- Choose an appropriate venue: Select a venue that is convenient and accessible for your supporters. Consider the size of your expected turnout to ensure the venue can accommodate your guests comfortably. If you are planning an outdoor event, have a backup plan in case of inclement weather.
- Determine the event format: Decide on the structure and activities for the event. Will it be a casual mixer, a formal dinner, or something more interactive like a workshop or debate? Choose a format that encourages engagement and provides opportunities for attendees to connect with each other and your organization.
- Promote the event effectively: Utilize your website, social media platforms, email newsletters, and personal networks to spread the word about the event. Create eye-catching promotional materials and use multichannel outreach to reach a wider audience. Consider offering early bird incentives or discounts to encourage attendance.
- Engage with your supporters: During the event, ensure that your team members are approachable and accessible. Encourage them to mingle with attendees, listen to their concerns, and answer any questions they may have. This is an opportunity to build personal connections and create a community of engaged supporters.
- Follow up after the event: Send thank-you messages to attendees, expressing your gratitude for their participation and support. You can also use this opportunity to solicit feedback on the event and gather suggestions for future improvements. Stay connected with your attendees by providing them with ways to stay involved and engaged with your organization.
By planning effective fundraising events and focusing on building personal connections, you can cultivate a dedicated supporter base and generate the financial support needed for a successful political campaign.
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Frequently asked questions
A call-in campaign is a method of raising money for political campaigns through one-on-one conversations with donors over the phone. It is a quick and easy way to build relationships with donors and achieve your fundraising goals.
First, you will need a donor list and a phone. Before making any calls, research who you are calling to tailor your ask. During the call, ask for a specific amount that is appropriate for the donor. If they say yes, process the contribution over the phone. If they say no, ask why not and suggest a lower amount. After the call, follow up with an email or text thanking them for their time.
Campaign calls and texts are exempt from the National Do Not Call Registry requirements, but they must follow the specific rules of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). In general, prior express consent is required for calls and texts to mobile phones. Political robocalls to landlines are allowed without prior consent, but there are exceptions.
Before making any calls, research who you are calling to tailor your ask. During the call, ask for a specific amount that is appropriate for the donor. If they say yes, process the contribution over the phone. If they say no, ask why not and suggest a lower amount. After the call, follow up with an email or text.
You can set up an online fundraising platform, plan fundraising events, or meet with donors face-to-face.
