A political novice, I found that I supported the views of a local independent candidate and decided to get involved.
The initial online signing up process was easy. Once the election was announced there was an online process to choose training events, (so we could actually talk about the candidate) and shifts for different activities. I chose to hand out flyers, and how to vote sheets at pre-polling booths and on election day. This fitted in well with my non-standard working week.
What was it like to do this as a single?
My first face-to-face contact with other volunteers in the organisation was at a training session to meet the candidate and learn about their policies and the rules(yes there are some) of working near polling places.
Though there was usual trepidation of going into a new completely unknown group, from the first man greeting me at the entrance everybody was friendly and extremely welcoming. The people around me immediately introduced themselves and kept chatting, unlike some work events I have been to. And although many people came in couples or friendship groups everyone was open to talking to other people. This was new to practically everybody and there were no cliques. There was also a buzz of excitement as we had a great candidate who was warm and fun.
Volunteering at events
The distinctive candidate T-shirts identified the volunteers to each other and as soon as I turned up I was in a friendly group.
Generally handing out voting information was positive with people either keen to take it or politely saying no. When there was the odd person who was rude the other volunteers (even from other parties) commiserated.
The other volunteers were all ages but the enthusiasm for the cause that meant that we all got on well and it was an interesting opportunity to spend time talking to people who I would not normally meet.
At some of the polling booths, I was the only person for my candidate but the volunteers from the other parties were friendly and chatted in the lulls. Not previously following politics it was interesting to hear from the old timers about other times and their insights.
The only downside was standing for several hours.
Throughout the whole campaign, active social media groups kept us in touch with each other in a fun and encouraging way and helped us feel part of a group.
The after party
There was a traditional candidate after party on the evening of the election where we watched the ABC live coverage of the results. But it was much more than that.
No problems what to wear candidate T-shirts were the choice.
Walking in I immediately felt part of the group, we were all dressed the same! And everybody was again friendly. There were lots to talk about as we shared our different campaign expenses.
It was fun to be a group of like-minded people, loudly cheering when the results of our candidate came up on the TV and others that we approved of and strongly booing the results we didn’t like.
And then there was extraordinary traditional cheering as our candidate arrived and they walked around greeting us individually. It was a great party.
The only negative was the results. We lost.
Single rating
How good was the event ****1/2 ( 5 if we had won)
Comfort for singles *****
Transport ***** (Public transport was easy but I could have found a lift on social media)
Positives
Fun while doing something meaningful
Meeting people of all ages I would have never have met
Very friendly – I didn’t know anybody but never felt awkward or left out.
Flexible, fitted round work
Free
Negatives
We lost – hard to handle the letdown
Short term
I will definitely do it again