First and foremost: the North Carolina Democratic Party’s number one concern is keeping ALL North Carolinian’s safe. Please check official resources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services for up-to-date information and best practices for keeping yourself, your family, and your community healthy. 

CAMPAIGNING DURING THE CORONAVIRUS

NCDP GUIDE

As we all take steps to safeguard against the COVID-19 outbreak, our work to elect North Carolina Democrats must go on. Here are some resources for campaigning while social distancing! Please keep them internal. Feel free to send this to other democrats but please don’t share on social media. This guide covers Digital Organizing, Fundraising, and Messaging and provides helpful links to official Health Resources. 

DIGITAL ORGANIZING

Digital. Is. Organizing — and the best part is, everyone can be a digital organizer! Here are a couple of things you can do right now to get started:

• Talk about the ways you are “flattening the curve”
  • We are all in this together! Tell your friends and family about the ways you are following the Governor’s commonsense recommendations and being responsible. You can also post about it on social media and remind your friends how we all have a role to play to “flatten the curve.” Post a picture of the puzzle you and your family is doing, a walk you take to get some fresh air, or the homecooked meal you’re making. Remember: social media is a place to show off who you are. Be authentic and personable. 

   

• Use your email list for good 
  • Use your email lists (your campaign list or personal list) to send out important information and resources relating to COVID-19. The CDC website and the Governor’s website are good tools, you can also find resources on the NCDP COVID-19 response page. Then let people know how you and your campaign are staying active right now and ask for help! 

   

• Take out your phone and record a “selfie video” for your social media 
  • We could also use a little light at the moment — and we’re all looking for ways to connect. Take out a video and tell your online community what you are up to. Check out this sample script, this guide for how to perfect your selfie video, and then send it to us so the NCDP can promote it on our social media!

After that, check out these resources for building your online community!

Next, check out these resources from our other Democratic and liberal organizations!

FUNDRAISING

During this turbulent time in our country, it can be difficult to ask for donations. That said, there are still ways to appropriately fundraise during this coronavirus outbreak. Consider this an opportunity to think outside the box and explore ways that would not traditionally seem possible like hosting a virtual fundraiser or do an old-fashioned letter-writing campaign.

Below are some examples of fundraising methods that are appropriate at this time:

• Virtual Fundraisers – don’t let the traditional, in-person dinners be your only method of fundraising. Consider taking it online and host a virtual fundraiser. Tell your guests to order-in and actively participate in this medium.
• Direct Mail Campaigns – While it may seem old-fashioned to some, the right ask in a sensitive situation can give you the chance to raise money through this method. Remember – you can always ask people to donate through a link online when you send a letter as well.
• Call Time – This is a great time to check-in with some of your donors while daily activities may be put on pause. This also gives you a chance to sure up their support in the coming months ahead. Make sure to call first as a friend, and second as a fundraiser.
• Digital Fundraising – Digital fundraising can take the form of peer-to-peer texting, email fundraising, or other online methods that allow you to maintain a healthy social distance and still solicit donations.

Ask your supporters through online surveys what they want and need during this time. Or ask them what type of policy priorities they would like to see when it comes to combatting the coronavirus.

If you have already planned events and you are considering cancelling, make sure to think through the full process of what that entails. Take a look at some suggestions from the Institute of Fundraising for some of their suggestions.

MESSAGING

• Be Present. Continue to communicate with your constituents and voters about the importance of this election. Some things you can do right now:
  • Share information from trusted sources such as the CDC website and the Governor’s website. Verify information before sharing it – do not spread misinformation from untrusted outlets.
  • Use your digital and social media channels to share trusted information, give video updates about the status of the campaign or your local area, or share positive local or state announcements.
  • Email supporters with updates about how they are campaigning during this outbreak and/or share ways to help their local community (any such email should not include donation requests).
• Be Aware. Be sensitive to the growing health crisis even as you continue to campaign. This is a global health pandemic and people are anxious, fearful, and possibly hurting economically. However, this is also an opportunity to present leadership to local voters. 
  • The best messaging is informed messaging. Many news sites have removed their paywall for coronavirus coverage, making stories and content free to all. Be sure to not only stay up to date with statewide, national, and international news organizations, but also verify facts and sources before you rebroadcast their message.
  • Highlight and lift up good news from your community – the work of local heroes and emergency workers, steps people are taking to stay connected, and more
• Root Your Message in Opportunity for All. Your message should be rooted in inclusion, empowerment, justice, and opportunity for all. This is a time to emphasize our values of interdependence, mutual solidarity, shared purpose, and collective action.

HEALTH RESOURCES

Be a helpful, reliable and consistent source of information on email and social media. Check out these official resources: