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Opportunities for community involvement abound in election seasons. In the weeks before the election, there is time to become involved and meet the needs of those who are working diligently in the campaigns!

Fervently praying for the election process and for the candidates, their staff members, and the campaign volunteers is a crucial responsibility in any election year. For those who are able, there are opportunities for further involvement.

The Ron and Aletha Knopp family from Portland, Oregon, has faithfully served their community through involvement in political campaigns. From their experience, Aletha shares tips and creative, practical ideas for family involvement.

Find Out How You Can Be Involved

Become informed about the political campaigns taking place in your area. Call a friend who keeps up on the local political news, and ask about worthy candidates who need help in their campaigns.

When you’ve chosen a campaign to become involved with, call their headquarters and ask how you can help. Many campaigns need help with:

• Delivering yard signs
• Distributing literature door-to-door
• Manning phone banks

Invite your friends to become involved with you!

Add a Personal Touch

Look for needs at campaign headquarters or in the lives of those who are on the front lines. In the weeks preceding an election, the basic needs of sleep, nutrition, and general household tasks are often left unmet. If you are not able to be involved on the front lines, perhaps you and your family could meet needs behind-the-scenes.

• Provide a nutritious meal that can be eaten at any time (i.e., something in the Crock-Pot®)
• Clean the kitchen and bathrooms at campaign headquarters
• Offer to run errands (for the campaign or for personal needs)
• Get groceries, clean house, or do laundry for someone who is involved
• Send letters or make calls of encouragement
• Watch little ones for those who are involved
• Pay for gas for those busy on the campaign trail
• Wave signs on street corners and highways
• Contact families in your sphere of influence, encouraging them to vote

Don’t ignore a prompting to send a note of encouragement or make a call of support. Those involved in campaigns can become weary of negative mail and phone calls. Make a difference with an encouraging voice! Let them know you are praying.

Don’t Add to the Stress

Election season is a time when we are invited to work side-by-side with people who may need Christ. Tenderly offer them a “cup of cool water” in Jesus’ name. (See Matthew 10:42.)

• Don’t waste time with unnecessary chatter
• Don’t go in to push your agenda or issues
• Love and accept those you are working with
• Serve wholeheartedly, with humility

Some staff members on conservative campaigns do not claim to be Christians. When these individuals feel they are being pressured or preached at, they often give up on seeking Christians’ involvement. These individuals need to be loved and accepted.

Beware of giving an unfavorable impression of Christ through rudeness or pride. Seek to invest in the lives of others through acts of genuine kindness, and you will find many respond to the love you have shown.

Your family can make a positive impact in your community as you take up opportunities to share genuine love with those around you! Prayerfully consider how you and your family can be involved in each election cycle.

October 2004