The following student report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent David H. during the 2008-2009 League.
Mission: Take Action - Volunteering for a Political Campaign
2008 Campaigning Experiences
Starting the Ambassador League in the heat of the political season, I had several opportunities to make my volunteer experience very replete. There were many important matchups in the 2008 election including the presidential, U.S. Senate, and Michigan House races.
During the first campaign day I hit the trail with my mentor Kendall Wingrove and a close friend Zachary Weston. We spent two hours on a blissful afternoon going door-to-door in Grand Rapids on behalf of Dan Tietema, a candidate for state representative. Even though I had volunteered often in the political arena, it was the first time I had an opportunity to knock on doors. The experience was very rewarding as was spending several hours with my mentor.
I also was involved in an event to help Jack Hoogendyk, Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate. My main task was making phone calls to unidentified voters. After commuting to W.J. Grinders for dinner, we listened as Hoogendyk outlined his ideas to a small group of volunteers. It was a very personal setting and great chance to talk one-on-one with a wonderful Christian politician. Rep. Hoogendyk even remembered me from SSI, which was very exciting. On the way home that night, I also distributed yard signs on lonely street corners.
My final volunteer participation came the day before the Nov. 4 election. I spent more than six hours performing a variety of tasks including the distribution of Kent County GOP Voters Guides. I was assisted by a senior business major from Grand Valley State University.
After everything was distributed we returned to headquarters. I joined another volunteer, named Mark, and we went door-to-door followed by a local television station. FOX 17 News at 10 conducted a short interview with us and then filmed us handing out the literature.
Throughout election eve, you could feel the tension in the air. More excitement came later that evening when several of us dispensed 4’ x 8’ McCain/Palin signs. We drove along the highway, stopping periodically to attach one to the fence along the road. This adventure was a thrilling way to end the 2008 political season.
During each of these assignments, I learned a great deal about the political process and met some interesting people along the way. Campaigning is very rewarding experience that I recommend to everyone.
