63 Magazine - Issue 4

September 19, 2016
6:30 AM
Start my day. Today I need extra energy, so I make sure to eat breakfast.
8:30 AM
Arrive at the office and follow up on any emails from overnight or that morning. Print off any
needed materials and updated lists for the event. Most of my prep I do the day before, but I make
sure I have my event supply kit stocked with clipboards, pens, tape, stickers, staff credentials,
string/safety pins, and signs for Table A/Table B/Reserved/ADA Seating.
10:00 AM
Arrive on-site and hold a walk through with the Advance team. They walk us through the
procedure for checking people in through security, signing people into the event, logistics for the
photoline, ADA assistance and tracking things we need to be aware of (such as crowd count or any
malicious actors).
10:30 AM
Set up the organizing and political check-ins. Advance shows up the day before to set up the entire
venue. We’re responsible for training volunteers at the event to make sure that we get everyone
checked in efficiently and on-time. We also collect information so we can follow up about voting
early or volunteering if we couldn’t get them to sign up for a volunteer shift at the event itself.
11:30 AM
Doors open and I start to float around. Members of the political team will help check in our
participants. We check in anyone who is a part of the pre-program and super-volunteers. These
people may have the chance to meet Senator Kaine before or after the event! I spend my time
shuffling people around and getting them prepped for security (for when the principal arrives).
1:45 PM
Pre-program starts. It’s my job to make sure these people are backstage and ready to go. In the days
leading up to the event, I will assist in identifying locals who are interested in saying the Pledge of
Allegiance, singing the National Anthem and introducing Senator Kaine.
2:15 PM
Shortly after the pre-program, Senator Kaine arrives and greets some volunteers as well as local
elected officials and Democratic leaders backstage. I assist in keeping this process moving to keep
the entire program on schedule.