Glossary

Looking for downloads and worksheets? Start at the resource library— every printable shows its review status.

Volunteer

Someone who gives time to help the campaign without being paid. You choose how much you do and how public you want to be.

Team

A small group of volunteers in the same area who divide work so nobody is overwhelmed. Think neighbors helping neighbors, with a rhythm.

3-person team

The smallest full team shape we use: three people covering three lanes — events, social media, and Power of 5 / voter registration. It keeps work balanced.

Lane

A themed area of work (like events or social posts). Each lane has simple habits so the team always knows what “good” looks like.

Power of 5

A friendly way to grow outreach: each volunteer stays in touch with a few people they actually know, with care and follow-through — not blast messaging.

Voter registration

Helping eligible neighbors check their status, register, or update their information so they can vote. We keep it helpful and non-pressuring.

GOTV

Stands for “Get Out The Vote.” Near Election Day it means reminders, rides, and clarity so supporters actually cast their ballot.

Downstream team

A newer team you helped start — often in a nearby neighborhood, campus, or group — so organizing spreads in a healthy, local way.

Upstream contact

The person or team you report lightweight updates to. They are there for coaching and answers, not micromanagement.

Team dashboard

Your online home base: tasks, numbers, resources, and messages in one place so you do not have to hunt through emails.

Action queue

The short list of “do this next” items the system surfaces so you always have a sensible next step.

House party

A small gathering at someone’s home to meet the candidate or a surrogate, ask questions, and invite friends. Intimate and conversational.

Meet-and-greet

A casual event where voters can shake hands, take a photo, and hear a short message. Lower lift than a big rally.

Fundraiser

An event (or small online push) where supporters chip in legally and transparently. The finance team sets the rules; you help host or invite.

County party meeting

A regular local Democratic Party meeting. Good for meeting chairs, picking up materials, and coordinating county-wide plans.

Precinct

The smallest geographic slice elections use for reporting results. Teams often align to a neighborhood or precinct for clarity.

County Clerk

The county official who runs elections locally — ballots, early voting sites, and official information. We point voters to clerk sites for accuracy.

RSVP

French shorthand for “please reply.” It tells hosts how many people to expect for food, seating, or materials.

KPI

Key performance indicator — a plain number that shows momentum (like registrations helped or events hosted). It is a compass, not a report card.

Weekly huddle

A short standing meeting (often 30 minutes) to share wins, pick priorities, and unblock each other before the next week.

Field playbook

The campaign’s living manual for how we organize: roles, rhythms, templates, and examples. Read what you need, when you need it.

Community region

A campaign-friendly way to group outreach for a community (faith, culture, campus, etc.) with respect and local leadership input.