Friday, January 31, 2025

Day 3: Never Volunteered for a Campaign? No Problem!

 We hear this a lot:

💬 “I want to help, but I’ve never volunteered for a campaign before.”

If that’s you—welcome! You don’t need political experience to make a difference. In fact, most volunteers start exactly where you are now.

Here’s How You Can Jump In Today:

🚪 Door Knocking – The most effective way to reach voters! No experience? No worries! Every campaign pairs new volunteers with experienced ones.

📞 Phone Banking – Want to help from home? Phone banks let you connect with voters without stepping outside.

💻 Social Media & Digital Outreach – If you’re online, you can help spread key messages, correct misinformation, and reach new voters.

📋 Event Support & Data Entry – If you prefer behind-the-scenes work, campaigns need help organizing events, tracking voter outreach, and keeping everything running.

No Experience Needed—Just a Willingness to Help

Campaigns provide:
✅ Training – Every role comes with a simple guide or mentor to help.
✅ Flexibility – Volunteer as much or as little as you can.
✅ A Team – You won’t be doing this alone.

We have less than 30 days to make an impact. Let’s get started today!

Monday, January 27, 2025

Your Community Needs You: Become a Riding Champion for Progress

In every corner of our ridings, there are stories waiting to be heard—stories that highlight the needs, challenges, and hopes of our neighbors. These voices often get drowned out by bigger conversations or lost in the noise of political campaigns. 

That’s why Common Ground Ontario Riding Champions exist: to listen, understand, and act. We are looking to help progressive campaigns connect to more local volunteers and connect more volunteers to get out in the community to promote the need for Ontario to Get Out The Vote! Remember, while Doug Ford has a super majority right now, the PC’s only received about 18% of overall support from eligible voters in the 2022 provincial election! We need to work together to remind everyone that if progressive minded residents don’t get out, that is just helping Ford to gain another 4 years in power in this province, Ontario cannot afford another 4 years of cuts to much needed resources like healthcare, education, and affordable housing.

We’re building a network of community volunteers to keep their ears open, their hearts engaged, and their focus sharp on what matters most to local residents. If you’ve ever wondered how you can make a difference in your community, this is your chance.


What is Riding Champions?

Being a Riding Champion is about more than just gathering information—it’s about building connections and creating meaningful change. As a volunteer, you’ll be part of a grassroots initiative to listen to residents, document their concerns, and ensure these issues are brought to the forefront. Whether it’s housing affordability, regional transit, education improvements, or access to health services, your work will help inform campaigns and advocacy efforts.

Why Your Role Matters

Every successful movement starts with listening. Here’s why Riding Champions is so important:

  • Local Insight: You know your community better than anyone. Your observations can help highlight issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.

  • Building Trust: By listening, you’re showing residents that their voices matter, fostering trust and collaboration.

  • Informed Advocacy: Data, stories, and personal experiences collected by volunteers make a stronger case for change when speaking to policymakers or decision-makers.

Ways You Can Get Involved

There’s a role for everyone in Riding Champions, no matter your skills or availability:

  • Host Community Listening Sessions: Organize small gatherings to hear directly from residents.

  • Engage One-on-One: Connect with neighbors through conversations—whether on their doorstep, over the phone, or at local events.

  • Share Field Observations: Take note of what’s happening in your community—like 

  • transit accessibility, neighborhood safety, or infrastructure needs.

  • Document Stories: Help us collect and amplify the personal stories that show the real impact of local issues.

  • Report Findings: Work with the team to compile what you’ve heard and identify trends and key concerns.

Who Can Join?

Anyone who cares about their community can volunteer! Whether you’re a seasoned organizer or someone just looking to get involved, we need people who:

  • Are curious and empathetic listeners.

  • Have a passion for making their communities better.

  • Are ready to connect with others and share what they hear.

What’s in it for You?

Volunteering with Riding Champions isn’t just about helping others—it’s a chance to grow, too. As part of the team, you’ll:

  • Learn more about your community’s unique needs and strengths.

  • Build new connections and friendships with like-minded residents.

  • Develop skills in outreach, storytelling, and advocacy.

  • Make a meaningful impact by ensuring that local voices are heard and acted upon.

Ready to Get Started?

Getting involved is easy:

  1. Sign Up Today: https://forms.gle/PTwapE3ipzSdwdJG7

  2. Read The Resource Manual: We’ll provide everything you need to feel confident in your role and invite you to join our private Facebook group.

  3. Get Out There: Start engaging with your community, listening to their stories, and being the bridge between residents and decision-makers.


Every voice matters. Every story counts.
Together, we can ensure that no one in our province is overlooked or unheard. Join Riding Champions today and help us create the change our communities deserve.


Saturday, January 25, 2025

6 Ways to Make a Difference in Local Campaigns—No Matter Your Skill Set

Getting involved in a political campaign doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Campaigns aren’t just for seasoned activists—they thrive because of everyday people like you who want to make a difference in their communities. Whether you’re outgoing or prefer to stay behind the scenes, there’s a role for everyone.

Here are six ways you can contribute to a campaign and help drive change:


1. Canvassing: Be the Voice at the Door

There’s no better way to connect with voters than face-to-face conversations. Canvassing involves knocking on doors, talking to residents, and sharing key messages about the campaign.

Why it’s effective: Personal interactions are the most persuasive way to engage voters, answer their questions, and build trust.

Worried about knocking on doors? You won’t be alone—new volunteers are paired with experienced canvassers, and training is always provided. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to explore your neighborhood and meet your community!


2. Phone Banking: Make an Impact from Home

If walking door-to-door isn’t your thing, phone banking is a great alternative. Volunteers make calls to voters, share information about the candidate, and answer any questions they might have.

Why it’s effective: It’s personal, direct, and allows you to connect with people who may not be home during canvassing hours.

Bonus: You can do this from the comfort of your couch! All you need is a phone, a script provided by the campaign, and a positive attitude.


3. Data Entry: The Behind-the-Scenes Powerhouse

Every campaign generates mountains of information—voter contact details, outreach data, and more. Data entry volunteers ensure everything is organized and accessible for the team.

Why it’s effective: Well-organized data allows campaigns to follow up with voters, track progress, and make informed decisions.

If you’re detail-oriented and prefer quiet, focused work, this role is perfect for you.


4. Event Support: Bring Campaigns to Life

From town halls to fundraising dinners, events are the heartbeat of any campaign. Volunteers help with planning, setting up, greeting attendees, and ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Why it’s effective: Events are where candidates connect directly with voters and build momentum for the campaign.

Whether you’re handing out flyers, managing registration, or helping with cleanup, you’ll play a vital role in creating memorable experiences for the community.


5. Social Media and Communications: Spread the Message Online

Campaigns need a strong digital presence, and volunteers with tech or communication skills can make a big impact. Whether it’s managing social media accounts, writing blog posts, creating graphics, or even shooting videos, your creativity is invaluable.

Why it’s effective: Social media reaches thousands of voters instantly, amplifying the campaign’s message far and wide.

If you love storytelling and have a knack for connecting with people online, this is your chance to shine.


6. Sign Distribution: Visibility That Counts

Ever noticed those campaign lawn signs popping up in your neighborhood? Volunteers are the ones making it happen! Delivering and setting up signs ensures the candidate’s presence is visible across the community.

Why it’s effective: Lawn signs signal support, increase name recognition, and remind people to vote.

If you enjoy hands-on tasks and have access to a car, this is a straightforward way to get involved.


Find Your Fit and Get Started

Campaigns succeed because of the energy and dedication of volunteers. Whether you’re an extrovert ready to knock on doors or an introvert who prefers data entry, there’s a role for you.

The best part? You don’t need any prior experience. Campaign teams provide training, scripts, and support every step of the way.

Ready to get started? Reach out to your local riding association or campaign team today. Your time, skills, and passion could make all the difference in your community—and beyond.

Thursday, January 23, 2025

Take Action for a Better Ontario

The next provincial election is around the corner, and now is the time to make a difference.

We are a grassroots initiative focused on mobilizing volunteers, amplifying progressive candidates, and ensuring every vote counts. Whether you’re ready to get involved, want to stay informed, or represent an organization aligned with our mission, we’re here to connect, inspire, and act—together.

Our focus is on uniting efforts across communities, empowering volunteers, and amplifying the voices of strong candidates who can challenge the status quo.

Our Mission:

  • Community action drives change.
  • Volunteering builds stronger campaigns and stronger communities.
  • Every vote counts—and we’ll make sure they do.

Join Us Today


Volunteer Opportunities:

  • Volunteer Recruitment & Engagement: Bring people together to support the cause.
  • Regional Outreach & Candidate Support: Focus on key ridings with strong candidates.
  • Get Out the Vote (GOTV): Help turn out progressive voters on election day.
  • Messaging & Communications: Share our vision and connect with voters online.
  • Tech Support: Facilitate virtual events and online collaboration.

How to Get Started: