Looking after yourself and each other during the election 

By Your Greens Team 

The election is really starting to feel on! 

And it could be called any day now. For almost a year, volunteers have been knocking on doors and taking phone calls in our biggest Greens election campaign yet. 

Whether you have been with us as a volunteer for many years or have just joined for the first time, it is incredibly important to make sure we take care of ourselves as we head into the final stretch of this marathon campaign

Volunteering on an election campaign can be so rewarding, transformative and (let’s face it, especially if this isn’t your first rodeo) a little addictive!

But it is also challenging and demanding. So our team has pulled together our best tips on how to look after yourself and each other through the busiest part of this campaign. 

Focus on your “why”

Whether your motivation to volunteer is for stronger climate action, to tackle the housing crisis, or something else entirely - keep that front and centre of why you are showing up each day to a doorknock or a calling party. Election campaigns can be exciting but also stressful.

Sometimes we have to do things that are less fun, but remembering your “why” will help you stay motivated when things do become a little tough.  

Be realistic about your time, and priortise accordingly 

Time is the most precious commodity! It’s so easy to get caught up in the excitement of an election campaign, but it is important to keep our expectations in check about how much we can achieve and contribute without burning ourselves out. Be clear on your strengths and what you want to do, as well as how much time you can give without breaking your boundaries.

Ignore the detractors 

Like all parties, the Greens get attacked during election campaigns. This election will be no different, spearheaded by the billionaire-backed Advance Australia lobby group. Advance’s plan is to bombard you with billboard and social media ads containing lies and disinformation, designed to demotivate supporters like you and turn voters away.

Remember that our movement is strong, with tens of thousands of people coming together every week across the country to share our positive plan with our community. We know better things are possible and that the likes of Advance only exist because the big corporations, billionaires and major parties are nervous that more people are turning to the Greens than ever before. 

Remember to switch off - rest and have fun! 

Election campaigns are action-packed with campaign activities and breaking news almost daily. After a long day on the campaign, it can be hard to wind down and relax. 

But rest is vital! Make sure you are getting your sleep in to ensure we can come back every day fighting fit to continue to build our movement and continue to have meaningful conversations.

And make sure you switch off from time to time, and have fun! Joy is an essential component of resistance and is a counter to the rise of right-wing rhetoric and policy we are seeing here and abroad.

Lean on community old and new 

Being involved in a campaign can be transformative and exhilarating, but also intense with periods of high stress - so it is important to lean in for support from your loved ones. Rally support from your community: whether it is having someone make you dinner or babysit your children, or attending a debrief after a hard day. It can genuinely make all the difference. 

By volunteering with the Greens, you will also be building new community with others who have also put their hand up to grow our campaign. Take the time to get to know people who are joining you at an event - if there is anyone who will genuinely know what it is like to be involved in a Greens election campaign, it will be your fellow volunteer! Lean in to support one another and you will be making connections for life.

Thank you for being with us, whether you have been with us for many years or just signed up for the first time, our movement is growing by the day and that is because of you. This is our biggest Greens campaign yet and you are playing an essential role in helping us build a future for us all. Our people powered movement is taking on the two party system and changing politics for the better. We genuinely couldn’t do this without you!

Volunteer Today