A few days ago I received a call from someone for the Barack Obama campaign. Just so you know, I am all about President Obama, I’ll be voting for him, and I have donated to his campaign. At some point in the distant past I MAY have said I was interested in volunteering. But if I did it in the past 6 to 12 months, I don't remember doing so. Anyway, so I get a phone call the other day:
Danette (D): Hello?
Obama Campaign Organizer (O): This is Blah Blah with the Barack Obama campaign. I am the organizer for your district.
D: Oh! Great!
O: Several months ago you said you would like to volunteer. I was wondering if you would like to grab a cup of coffee to talk about volunteering (he also had a short spiel about how important it is that President Obama gets re-elected).
D: Great! I totally agree! But here’s the thing. I’m currently working full time, am just starting my last 5 classes of grad school, and am in an internship. I would LOVE to volunteer for the Obama campaign starting in July but I just can’t help out right now. Is there any way you could call me in July? (just so you know, I was completely serious. I actually would LOVE to volunteer anytime after graduation)
O: Well Danette, there are lots of ways to volunteer that don’t take much time at all. Why don’t we meet for coffee now and we can discuss ways you can be involved that don’t take much time.
D: I really can’t right now. But like I said, in July if you need help with knocking on doors, fundraising, phone calls, or licking envelopes, I’m your girl.
O: But Danette, we need to get organized now. I would love to meet with you for coffee and discuss ways in which you can be involved…
Click. I hung up.
I felt bad doing so, but seriously. If you have someone who is saying they will help out in a couple of months take that for what it is and move on. Don’t be obnoxious and continue to invite someone who doesn’t drink coffee to come meet you for a cup when she already said she doesn’t have time.
