Massachusetts First

If you haven’t already, read Let’s Get Busy! Part 1

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Once you decide to get involved, go to Massachusetts1st.net.  This site drives our movement. Utilize it. Everything on it is populated throughout its social network. Write op-eds, promote your candidate, and stay informed. Massachusetts First, Citizens for Truth has it all – the good, the bad, the ugly. To find your personalized election information, navigate to the MA1st section and click Where Do I Vote?

Where do you find your America First candidate? Ideally, they find you. If that doesn’t happen, consult your circle of friends, attend school committee and town meetings, poke around local social media chatrooms, and join your Republican Town Committee. If you are not a registered Republican, follow them on Facebook and ask to be on their mailing list.

Once you have a candidate, offer direction and support, build a campaign team, and develop a plan. DO NOT leave this good person treading water!

If you are the candidate, know that running for office with the intent to win takes commitment and energy, both physical and mental. Here is what you need to run an effective campaign:

• A website. Build a simple website on Square Space or WordPress. It must have a home page with a photo and personal/mission statement, a bio, a “Stay in the Loop” email signup, and a “Join My Campaign” section.
• A Facebook and Instagram account. Stay connected and post every day, both campaign-related and personal fun stuff. Let folks know who you are, your family, hobbies, sports – whatever humanizes you. Use more social media platforms if you care to. The more folks you reach, the better.
• An account with an email service such as Constant Contact or manage your list of email addresses in-house. 
• Collect emails at every event, on your website, and on your social media.
• A short, snappy slogan.
• Yard signs. As for placement, prioritize high-traffic areas. I recommend Signs on the Cheap. (See pricing below.)
• Business cards. 500, one-sided, 2-color runs about $35 on VistaPrint. Make your card a mini sign and include the voting date.
• Photos – at least one business and plenty of candids. Take pictures and videos at every campaign stop, be it your campaign or another America First candidate’s event in your district. This is key. America First candidates need to be seen openly supporting one another. Feed off one another’s energy. Cross-pollinate your voter bases. Think of yourselves as an America First Posse.

How to achieve this? I recommend:

• All candidates subscribe to each other’s email list, engage one another on social media, and be aware of their schedule.
• Don’t book an event at the same time as one of your compatriots!
• Attend one another’s events.
• Never step out of your yard, much less attend a campaign event looking like a slob.
• Launch your campaign early. Give yourself plenty of time to get the lay of the land and let folks know you’re running. 

Finally, let Massachusetts First, Citizens for Truth work for you! Stay informed on all things Massachusetts. Write op-eds, submit videos, and contribute to its lifestyle magazine, The State of Us. I know what I’ve laid out is daunting. Running for office is not for the faint of heart. If the challenge energizes you, get going; Massachusetts needs you! Let me be your guide, sounding board, editor, and shoulder to cry on. 

by Laura Tamagno 

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