The Campaign Manager: Running and Winning Local Elections

You have now almost completed this handbook; based on your time, resources, and volunteer base, you have decided what campaign activities you are capable of doing. You are now ready to create a campaign flowchart, which actually marks the beginning of your campaign. Start by listing the tasks you need to complete before the election. These might be canvassing, brochure development, media, phone banks, and lawn signs. Your choice, of course, is dictated by your resources and the type of campaign you are running. For example, you may not be able to afford direct mail even though you'd love to use it, or you may have decided you do not want to use lawn signs because they are unnecessary in the ballot measure election for which you're campaigning.

Once you have the list of campaign tasks, transfer them onto your campaign flowchart in the proper sequence. A mockup of a campaign flowchart appears in figure 13.1, and there is a blank flowchart grid in Appendix 1. Please feel free to copy it for your campaign use.

A flowchart is an essential tool in any successful campaign. It is helpful for the campaign team because members can see the plan of the whole campaign. Flowcharts keep the campaign organized. I have also found that the chart can have a calming effect on the candidate and staff because it clearly outlines exactly what needs to be done and when. I like to do my flowcharts in color.

To construct your flowchart, you will need a long, unbroken wall, and you will need to gather the following items:

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