Dear Reader,
I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but it’s about that time again. Yep, you guessed it. Election season. The time of year when people you’ve never seen in your life come around asking for your vote and trying to convince you that they are better than the other guy, or maybe even other gal.
It’s a time when organizations see an influx of interest from candidates and their teams, sending enthusiastic representatives to let you know their candidate is interested in your cause, and want to learn more. They’ll be your new bestie.
But what happens after the campaign?
That’s what really burns me up. They’ve been everywhere, smiling in your photos, willingly wearing a t-shirt at your event, meeting your network of members and supporters. And then they win.
And suddenly you’re just one of 1,000 other organizations vying for a return phone call. And that person who was available for any and every public outreach event or fundraiser is suddenly too booked up to make it. For anything. And then you realize, you’ve been had. Just another box ticked off on a campaign manager’s list of ‘How to Get a Candidate Elected 101’.
In the news business, all over the community for almost 15 years, I can tell who is going to run even before they announce. The patterns and routines are clear, and let me be honest, it’s turned me into somewhat of a cynic.
Suddenly people you’ve never seen before care about the turtles, beach cleanups, preservation, conservation, veterans, the schools, city, county, state or federal issue X,Y,Z, (insert your issue/cause here). They’re more active on social media. They comment or compliment on every issue or post. It’s a full court press to get the name out.
I get it.
But what candidates don’t get is that as voters we don’t want you to care about every issue. No one can, not really. What we want to know is what do YOU REALLY CARE ABOUT.
Yes, we understand you really care about getting elected.
But what issues? What policy points? What drives you besides getting to shake hands, kiss babies and be grand marshal in a parade or say you’re the honorable such-and-such?
As organizations do we welcome you to come and help at events? Absolutely. This is a chance for volunteers who care about a cause to educate you, the potential elected official, about why this cause is so important. Sometimes it even sticks. Sometimes we end up with a true champion who is on speed dial and can be relied on to show up and even propose policy changes that will actually impact an organization or community’s efforts in a positive way.
Candidates, we want you involved. But we want it to be out of a genuine desire to make an impact, to be supportive, to learn more and to build relationships with us, your constituents. This is our community you are asking to represent. The most effective legislators are those truly connected to the people they represent, not just using them to build cred or check off a box.
Be authentic.
Get out and talk to people. Not just the people like you, but the people who are different. Seek to understand their perspective, why they are passionate about their cause or point of view, and what you can do to help if elected.
Be unafraid. It takes courage to be a real leader, and that’s what elected officials are supposed to be.
Voters are raising the bar and setting higher expectations this election cycle. Egos aside. We’re looking for people we can count on, people who truly care about the voters they seek to represent. People who aren’t just trying to be part of the club, but part of the community.
For now, let’s keep it real.
