Winnebago County Democratic Party
Volunteer Opportunities

Our mission is to elect local, state, and federal candidates who represent our values right here in Winnebago County. We cannot do it without a strong network of dedicated volunteers.

Whether you want to connect with voters directly, help out behind the scenes at the office or contribute from the comfort of your own home, we have a role for you.

Click on the link below to sign up to volunteer. Follow the page down to learn more about the opportunities.

Volunteer Signup Form

Ongoing Volunteer Roles

Office Greeter

Help us maintain a welcoming and organized environment when our headquarters is open to the public.

  • Key Responsibilities: Answer incoming phone calls and greet visitors.

  • Support Voters & Volunteers: Direct people to the resources they need, such as campaign signs, donation options, and volunteer sign-up forms.

  • Party Building: Encourage visitors to officially "Join the Party."

Phone Bank Volunteer

Help build the communication network needed to connect with supporters and mobilize our team during campaign season.

  • The Task: Reach out to supporters who have expressed interest in door knocking to help them get scheduled.

  • Flexibility: This role can be done at the party office or from your own home.

Door Knocking (Canvassing)

Connect directly with neighbors in our community to help get our recommended candidates elected.

  • What to Expect: You will be assigned a "turf" at the office, which is a specific neighborhood list containing roughly 35 to 45 homes.

  • Tools Provided: We use the MiniVAN mobile app to guide your route and track progress digitally. Hard-copy candidate handouts are also provided at the office.

Postcard Writer

Reach voters in areas where door knocking is difficult or restricted, such as apartment buildings.

  • The Task: Write personalized postcards encouraging local voters to turn out on Election Day. Scripts and materials are provided.

  • Alternative Support: If you are unable to write cards but still want to support this initiative, donations of stamps and postcards are highly appreciated.

Graphic Design & Photography

Help us communicate our message clearly and professionally across Winnebago County.

  • Design Needs: Create eye-catching, professional materials for our office, campaign literature, and social media platforms.

  • Photography Needs: Take high-quality, professional photographs for local candidates to use in their campaign materials.

Candidate Literature Organizer

Prepare the essential materials our canvassers need before they head out into the field.

  • The Task: Assemble local campaign literature packets and place them into plastic door-hanging bags.

  • Flexibility: This task is completed at the office. Hours are highly flexible—come and go as your schedule allows whenever the headquarters is open.

Special Events: Days of Action (DOA) & Weekends of Action (WOA)

These events take place on Saturdays and Sundays during the weekends leading up to an election. Office volunteers cover shifts starting at 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.

We utilize four volunteer stations during these events:

1. Turf Station (Data Entry)

  • Manage the check-in process for door-knocking volunteers.

  • Log volunteer data and assign specific neighborhood turfs using an Excel spreadsheet.

  • Conduct quick follow-up calls or texts with volunteers who missed their scheduled shift times.

2. Literature Distribution

  • Hand out the specific candidate literature packets that match the exact neighborhood a volunteer is walking.

  • Ensure canvassers have the correct local materials (e.g., specific city council, school board, or judicial race handouts).

3. MiniVAN Trainer

  • Train incoming canvassers on how to download and use the MiniVAN app.

  • Brief volunteers on their target audience (Democrats, Independents, etc.), the core talking points, and local polling place information.

  • Set realistic expectations regarding voter answer rates and debrief with volunteers afterward to see how many conversations they completed.

4. Debrief Coordinator

  • Welcome door knockers back to headquarters after they finish their shifts.

  • Listen to their feedback, answer any questions about their experience, and celebrate their hard work.

  • Encourage canvassers to sign up for a shift during the next action event.