Volunteer Now
The Democratic Party of the 49th Ward is a member based organization that succeeds and fails based on the support of people like yourself. Being involved in the organization will provide you with the opportunity to learn practical politics, campaigning the old-fashion way and the high tech way, and how good it feels working in the community. We're more than willing to help you find out how you can make a difference in the 49th Ward, and in the process, you will meet lots of good people, your neighbors.
Need something more than just politics? We are also involved in community activities such as the "Back to School" Picnic, Child Safety Day, and helping the Alderman's office to distribute information about community events and meetings. We have something for everyone.
Please, take a moment and send us an e-mail or give us a call. You might also try and stop by the Ward Office at 1774 W. Greenleaf and see how you can help.
These are just a few of the things we do.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Precinct Captain
A precinct Captain assumes the responsibility for a precinct, preferably the one they live in. It requires contacting the voters, in person and/or by phone, in that precinct with various pieces of information throughout the election. The primary task is identifying voters who support our candidates and making sure they get out and vote. Persuading them to support the candidates of the Democratic Party is essential. In addition, on Election Day the Precinct Captain is responsible for the precinct including supervising all Assistant Captains, Block Captains, and volunteers, delivering lunches and donuts, as well as trying to insure that all rules and laws governing the election are upheld, enforced and followed.
Block Captain
The responsibilities of a Block Captain are to assume responsibility for a specific block in much the way a Precinct Captain does for the precinct. Election Day responsibilities are much the same, but performed under the guidance and direction of the Precinct Captain.
Flyer Hanging
This role involves little direct contact with the voter. The primary goal is to distribute information, most often flyers, to a specific area regarding some special information we would like to get out to the community. This can be both political or community based information. This role does not require Election Day activities, although one would be strongly urged to pitch in and help.
Voter Registration
Voter registration is empowering the people. Whether done door to door, at the grocery store or at the train station you can play a part in encouraging people to participate. This activity can be done in many different places and ways. We can sponsor you to be a Deputy Registrar or you can start instantly using N.V.R.A. cards. Let us know how we can help you.
INDOOR ACTIVITIES
Phone Banking
The role of a phone banker is to contact either voters or members of the organization via the telephone. The goal is to use persuasion to persuade them to vote for the Democratic candidate or to call volunteers and/or members to provide information.
Office Help
This role provides basic office functions common to any campaign. They range from stuffing envelopes to answering phones to picking up and delivering materials. It can also include data entry, record keeping, web page designing and eventually web page maintenance.
Election Judge
This role is performed on Election Day in the polling place. An Election Judge goes to training, learns the rules and laws regarding election activity, and insures that the operation of the polling place is in compliance with those guidelines.
