How creative professionals can volunteer for political campaigns
If you work in design, writing, marketing, video or communications, the most useful thing you can give a local campaign is usually your professional skill, not a weekend of door-knocking. Creative Cabinet (formerly Civic Power of Change) matches volunteer creative professionals with progressive candidates for local and state office who need that work and can’t pay for it.
Why your skills matter in local races
Most local races are decided by small numbers. In 2024, 74% of local races and 90% of regional races went uncontested (BallotReady). Where there is a race, it’s often close. John Fredrickson won Nebraska’s Legislative District 20 by 82 votes and flipped a seat Republicans had held for eight years.
Few voters turn out, so the voters who do show up decide it. In 20 of America’s 30 largest cities, fewer than 15% of eligible voters turned out to elect their mayors and city councillors (Portland State University study, 2015). In races like that, a clear message and materials that look professional decide whether voters know a candidate’s name. Candidates the network has supported now lead city councils: Nantasha Williams is Deputy Speaker of the New York City Council, and Melissa Cheatham is President of the Overland Park City Council.
What volunteers do
Volunteers take on defined pieces of work for a campaign, such as:
- writing the candidate’s core message and bio
- designing a logo and simple brand system
- building or fixing a campaign website
- making social media graphics
- writing and designing walk cards, mailers and palm cards
- producing short video
Projects are scoped so a working professional can do them alongside a day job. You’ll know exactly which campaign got your work.
Who volunteers
500+ creative professionals have signed up to volunteer. Volunteers have worked for agencies and companies including Omnicom, Publicis, Edelman, Disney, DreamWorks and Netflix, and include WGA members and people who have worked for Congress and national campaigns.
How to start
- Sign up at creativecabinet.org/volunteer-sign-up.
- Tell us your skills and how much time you have.
- Get matched with a candidate who needs that skill.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need political experience?
No. Campaigns need the same skills you use at work. This work is a great way to build your portfolio, or stretch your skills- candidates often aren’t seeking sophisticated or overly involved project scopes.
Are only specific types of skills needed?
No. Creative Cabinet constantly evolves the skill set volunteers offer based on what candidates need. If you have skills that aren’t specifically in the form but you think would be useful- reach out. This work is a great fit for generalists.
Can I volunteer if I live in a different state from the candidate?
Yes. The work is done remotely, and volunteers support candidates across the country.
Is this paid?
No. Volunteers donate their time.
What kind of candidates will I work with?
Progressive candidates for local and state office, often first-time candidates for seats like school board and city council.
Is Creative Cabinet the same as Civic Power of Change?
Yes. Civic Power of Change is now Creative Cabinet. What is Creative Cabinet?
Last updated November 3, 2026
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