Support a Campaign

There are a variety of ways you can help a specific candidate; a local, state, or national party committee; or an outside interest group prior to Election Day. Volunteering your time and resources to a campaign is the next step in political involvement.

Volunteering

Personal Services

One of the best ways to be politically active is to volunteer your time to a campaign. Political candidates need help making phone calls, passing out fliers, and other activities associated with their campaign. Not only do you get to know the candidate's views, you also establish a personal connection with the candidate and his or her campaign staff. To learn more about volunteer opportunities contact the candidate's campaign office. If you would like to volunteer your services to the Democratic or Republican parties, information can be found on both of their respective websites.

Home Events

Congressional campaigns are routinely holding fundraising events in your state and district prior to the elections. Attending an event is a great way to take the extra step in building relationships with candidates who support ASHA positions on key issues.

Interested in maximizing your involvement with a candidate? Consider hosting an event benefiting their campaign in your home or nearby restaurant. Campaigns are used to helping individuals organize such events and can work with you in scheduling a time and location.

Making a Financial Contribution

Contributing to an Individual

Federal election law allows an individual to contribute up to $2,400 per election to a federal candidate or the candidate's campaign committee. The limit applies separately to each election—primary, general and runoffs. $10,000 per calendar can also be given to a state or local party committee.

Contributing to a Political Action Committee

An individual may also contribute up to $5,000 per calendar year to a political action committee (PAC) that supports federal candidates. A PAC is an organization representing a specific cause or interest that raises funds to support the political campaigns of key legislators.

ASHA sponsors ASHA-PAC to provide financial support to congressional candidates who recognize the importance of speech-language pathology and audiology services and who demonstrate concern for the rights of all citizens to receive these services. Contributions are made to the ASHA-PAC by ASHA members and are entirely voluntary.

Illegal Contributions

Foreign nationals, federal government contractors, corporations, associations, and unions are prohibited from contributing to federal candidates.