By Matt Silhacek (Director of Client Fulfillment)
They’re out there in the rain, knocking on doors. They’re at their kitchen tables, sealing envelopes while the rest of the world winds down. They keep showing up – not for credit or swag – but because they believe in something bigger than themselves.
You don’t win without them, and you don’t build a movement without making them feel heard.
Motivation doesn’t come from lukewarm pizza or a thank-you post lost in the feed. It comes from purpose. Volunteers need to know that their time, effort, and presence matter. That starts with clarity. Why are we here? What are we fighting for? That answer should be in every kickoff, every shift text, every check-in. It should echo throughout the campaign.
But clarity isn’t enough. Hand people the pen, let them help write the story, and give them real responsibility. Let the college kid lead the next canvas launch. Let the retired teacher take charge of her precinct. Let people grow roots by giving them room to lead. Don’t just thank them – see them.
A handwritten note from the candidate. A quiet moment of recognition in a meeting. Remembering their name, their kid’s game, and their go-to coffee order. These things aren’t big, but they are real and are remembered.
Volunteers don’t need perfection. They need meaning. They need respect. When they have both, they’ll go further and fight harder than you ever thought possible.
Campaigns move fast. It’s easy to treat people like parts of a machine. But they’re not. They’re human beings. Treat them with purpose, trust, and honest gratitude – and they’ll carry any campaign farther than you ever could alone.
This part matters. Slow down and get it right
