Do more, with less

There are so many ways you can help your local Lib Dems to campaign more effectively, whether you're a party member or just like what we're doing for you locally. You can deliver leaflets, have a stakeboard in your garden, put a poster in your window, and you can donate (to name but a few options). There are however some less obvious ways to help your local party, whether as a member or supporter, that can have a massive effect on their election chances. Why not consider something from the list below, especially if you prefer to keep your support for the Party a private matter:

• Send in your photos - Local parties are always producing content for Focus leaflets and for campaigning on the internet. Getting the perfect photo sometimes gets pushed down the list of priorities when it comes to highlighting the important issues affecting local people. Letting your local party make use of photos you've taken, be they of casework or of local points of interest, can be a great way to do your bit without pounding the streets for hours on end.
• Lend us your technology - Campaigning on the doorstep is becoming more and more focussed on the use of technology. Tablets and phones running Android or iOS are now being used far more often than clipboards to collect information from the public. To make really effective use of these, simple things like giving your local party access to your WiFi connection on election days can make the difference between coming a close second and pulling off a stunning victory.
• Talk about us - It can be extremely daunting talking to people about voting Lib Dem, but talking about us can make a huge difference. Doing simple things like retweeting local Lib Dem campaigners or liking your local party's Facebook page (or their status updates) can help to spread our message and can help us to identify who among your contacts may be interested in helping the Party. More people knowing what we're up to can only ever be a good thing.
• Talk to us - We're only as effective as the information we have. If you spot a local issue it's easy to assume that others have spotted it too. You may be right, but tell us about it just in case. The more we hear about an issue the better we can prioritise getting it fixed. It also allows us to find out who wants it fixed and tell them what we've done to make things better. Listening is what we're here for, and no-one knows your local area better than you do.
• Add your name - Surveys, market research, and petitions may seem to flood into your inbox, but they can sometimes serve a very useful purpose. Elections are becoming far more focussed on information from huge databases. Local parties can't always afford to pay for access to such information but, if you sign petitions and complete local surveys carried out by the Lib Dems, that information can help your local party to campaign much more effectively in your area.
• Come and say Hi - There's few things more disheartening than a lonely street stall or a photo opportunity with a lone Lib Dem looking serious and pointing at something. If you see your local campaigners in the street, or you hear about an event in your area, simply turning up and saying Hi can make a huge difference. Something as simple as seeing you chatting to your local Lib Dems could encourage others to get involved or simply join in the conversation.

The list above isn't an exhaustive list, but it should give a few starting points. Helping out your local Lib Dems doesn't have to be all about giving up lots of time, or handing over your hard earned money. It can be far more fun and can be far less time consuming too. Of course we love having people volunteer in all of the traditional ways, but not everyone has the time or the confidence to do so. Why not try one of the things listed above to show your support, or use your expertise to support your local Lib Dems in the way that works best for you.