My Tips on Recruiting Unpaid, Dedicated, Democratic Candidates for Small Town Elections

Today, I’m tackling a challenge many of us face in small town politics – recruiting dedicated candidates for mayor, council, and Board of Education positions, which are often unpaid. It’s a tough task, but with the right approach, we can find those gems who are driven by passion, not paychecks.

Unpaid but Priceless
Yes, these positions are unpaid, making it harder to find candidates. But remember, these roles are about community service, about making a tangible difference where we live. We're looking for those with a heart for service, who understand the value of contributing to our town's future.

Now here are my tips on how to recruit.

Spreading the Word: Press Releases and Social Media
Press Releases: Draft a press release announcing your search for candidates. Highlight the importance of these roles in shaping the future of the town. Send it to local newspapers, online town blogs, and even to organizations within your town. Remember, the story here is about community service and the opportunity to make a real difference.

Local Facebook Groups: Post in local Facebook groups. These are often where community conversations are happening. A simple post explaining what you’re looking for and why can reach potential candidates who might not have considered running before.

Building a Recruitment Team
Assemble a team dedicated to recruitment. This team should be enthusiastic, well-connected, and diverse, able to tap into different segments of the community. They'll be the ones making calls, sending emails, and even meeting potential candidates face-to-face. This team is crucial in making the process more personal and less intimidating.

Engaging the Democratic Club
Don't overlook the power of your local Democratic Club. These are people already interested in civic engagement. Inform them of the need for candidates. Encourage them to spread the word in their circles and to consider running themselves. Sometimes, the best candidates are those who haven't yet realized their potential to lead.

Overall
In your communications, emphasize the intangible rewards of these positions. Talk about the satisfaction of serving the community, the chance to implement change, and the opportunity to be part of the town’s history. Stories from current or past members about their positive experiences can be incredibly motivating.

Conclusion
Recruiting unpaid candidates is indeed challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. We’re looking for individuals driven by a desire to contribute, to make a difference in their community. It’s about finding those with a passion for public service and giving them the support they need to succeed.

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Tell me how your town recruits candidates. Are you in a town where you actually have many people who want to run?