Health & Fitness
The Power of Volunteers
Volunteer in the campaign of someone you would like to see in office. Help them get elected. Volunteers make the democratic process of elections something that we can be proud of.
When I began my campaign about six months ago, I knew it would require a lot of time and hard work on my part. What I was not prepared for was the time and effort that I would need from a team of volunteers to keep the campaign moving forward. Fortunately, I have a group of loyal volunteers that have been of immense value and continue to give my campaign tremendous energy, drive and direction.
We are lucky here in Connecticut. We are one of a small number of states with a public finance program for its General Assembly candidates. It keeps a cap on campaign expenditures, and it keeps candidates on even footing. It makes us get back to real, grassroots campaigning where the candidate and his or her team members try to connect with voters through personal contact.
I mention this for two reasons. First, because I want to express my gratitude and appreciation to these volunteers. And second, because I want to encourage others in our community to volunteer. And not just in my campaign. Volunteer in any campaign. Volunteer in the campaign of someone you would like to see in office. Help them get elected. Volunteers … those who dedicate their time to help change the things they believe in … are the backbone of our communities.
Find out what's happening in Fairfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Large campaigns at the national and state level, because of their vast geographical scope, have to operate differently and are heavily driven by the media and the funds needed to pay for that media. But all campaigns, whether small or large, rely on volunteers. And it is these volunteers that make the democratic process of elections something that we can be proud of.
Money can be influential. At least it seems so based on the budgets of many large campaigns. But I'm betting that if more of us actually volunteered a couple hours here and there throughout the election cycle, that collectively the power of volunteers would be significantly more influential on the outcome of an election than the super PAC's and 501(c)4's that seem to be shaping our politics today.
Find out what's happening in Fairfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Please get out and help your favorite candidate. Let's make the election process a participatory process of people rather than a purchased media event by special interest groups.
I want to thank you for your time and your support.
Kevin Coyner
Candidate for State Representative from Fairfield's 132nd Assembly District
