We are building Team Pocock!
Even between election campaigns, there’s lots of ways to support David’s work as an Independent Senator for the ACT.
The Team Pocock volunteering program includes opportunities to:
- Support David’s community events, like Town Halls, with activities like letterboxing;
- Engage with our Canberra community by hosting stalls at community events;
- Support David’s work as a sitting Senator by attending parliamentary briefings, volunteering in the Electorate Office or door knocking for constituent feedback on important policy issues;
- Connect with others in the Team Pocock community; and
- Much more!
You don’t need any previous volunteering experience - just a shared passion to see politics done differently and in a way that puts people first. Our dedicated team and experienced volunteers are here to support you and provide all the training you may need.
There is a place for everyone in Team Pocock. If you have specific accessibility requirements or would like to have a chat about how you can get involved, please email [email protected].
We’d love to have you join us!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. I work for the Australian Public Service. Can I still volunteer?
- Yes! The Australian Public Service Commission advice makes clear that APS employees are able to participate in political activities and join political parties. This includes the full range of campaign activities, such as letterboxing, door-knocking and handing out how-to-vote cards.
- While volunteering, it’s important to consider any potential conflicts with your official duties. Make sure to maintain impartiality and avoid wearing political material at work, be sure to clearly separate your volunteering activities from your official role, and don't use government resources. APS guidelines on the topic are here.
2. I am under 16 years of age. Can I still volunteer?
- Yes! We welcome volunteers of all ages. If you are under 16 and want to volunteer without a parent or guardian present, your parent or guardian will need to provide written consent - they can email us at [email protected].
3. Can I still be involved if I don’t know much about Australian politics?
- Yes, absolutely. We welcome volunteers of all knowledge levels. Many of our volunteers are also doing this for the first time. We’ll provide training and support to help you get started.
4. I’m not sure I want to have a public-facing role. Are there still things I can do to help?
- Yes, we strive to make volunteering with Team Pocock as inclusive as possible. Things like letterboxing or putting posters up at local shops ahead of David’s events don’t involve a lot of interaction with the public but are still super valuable. You may also like to have a more behind-the-scenes coordination role. Please email us at [email protected] to have a chat about what activities may be the best fit for you.
5. How much time in a week do I need to spend volunteering?
- The time you commit is totally up to you. You can spend as little as 1-2 hours on a stall occasionally, wear a Team Pocock t-shirt to the gym, or give a whole day to some of our bigger events. We are grateful for any amount of time you can contribute.
6. I’ve previously volunteered for a different political party/candidate. Can I volunteer for David?
- Yes, we welcome volunteers from all political backgrounds. If you’re excited about supporting David’s work and keen to get him re-elected, we’d love to have you on the team. Your previous volunteer experience can be an asset in contributing to David's work.
7. Can I still be involved if I don’t live in the ACT?
- Yes, you can. While there may be more volunteer opportunities in the ACT, we have ways for people outside the territory to contribute. If you live in surrounding areas like Queanbeyan or Jerrabombera, you are most welcome to come join us. You can also donate and buy merch to support the cause.
8. I work for the Australian Electoral Commission. Can I still volunteer?
- Unfortunately, no. Political neutrality is required of all AEC staff. More information can be found on the AEC website.
