You’re green, but anxious to serve the community. Mary Galinas, a ward leader for the Republican Party of Cuyahoga County who has been elected to six terms on the Parma City Council, knows the keys to establishing yourself.
Reach out. Begin by talking to your local political party, council member or ward leader. “It all starts by making a phone call,” says Galinas. “Ask them how you can get involved, and they’ll tell you there are all types of opportunities.” One easy way is to participate in city events such as holiday parades as a low-key chance to mingle with city leaders and other civic-minded folks.
Volunteer, even if it’s not political. Galinas had her earliest leadership experience as a coach and manager of city and school athletic teams for her children. When she noticed there was no cheerleading program, she was asked to step up and take charge. “If you’re willing to give of yourself for free, people know you’re also willing to serve,” she says. “Offering your time is the first step. People will encourage you to do more.”
Spread the message. Supporting a candidate is a great way to get an inside view of the election process. While everyone may not be up for the level of interaction it takes for door-to-door canvassing, Galinas notes, you can volunteer to drop literature on doorsteps or join a call center. “There’s such a spirit of energy there,” she says. “It’s contagious.”
RNC Got You Jazzed? Here's How to Get in on the Grassroots Action
If seeing the political process up close has inspired you, here are a few tips for your campaign from newbie to political office.
politics
4:00 PM EST
July 22, 2016