What now? Obama Volunteers

There is a new feeling of exhilaration for many Obama volunteers. Even those who didn't support his candidacy or work on the recent election, sense the change. It may have started with the personal connection many felt this time around. A young candidate who used the Internet, including Facebook, to communicate and engage voters motivated many, especially young voters.

Now those enthusiastic campaigners are looking for the next opportunity to make a contribution.

What more could you ask for?

Today's New York Times ran an editorial by Lawrence Downes titled, "Obama's Call To Change: What is Everyone Waiting For? Time to shake off the glow and get to work. Nonprofits need help."

The call to action includes these words: "All you phone-bank callers and door-to-door canvassers, who worked countless hours and now may have a little time and energy left over: Help homeless and hungry people. Work for an environmental organization, a food pantry or a community garden, or all three...Some local cause is struggling even now. Find it and pitch in."

The full article is available here.

A story on National Public Radio today made a similar point in a segment called "Obama Effect." The host, Brian Lehrer, interviewed Linda Bergthold about her post, "Ask Not What Obama Can Do for You -- Ask What You Can do for Obama," on The Huffington Post. This new energy and the desire of Obama volunteers to make acontribution won't last forever. Think about how you can tap into it. Do you have a presence on the social network sites, like Facebook? Could you learn some lessons from the recent campaign strategies about connecting and engaging people?

I will post again on some ideas to help you make sure you get your share of the young motivated



Obama volunteers.