Get involved | Derek For Congress

Thanks for clicking to get involved. You may have read by now that we are running a totally different style of campaign then has ever been run. We are focused on people and community, not money. We don't have fundraising goals like every other campaign to ever exsist, we have volunteer goals. All of our amazing volunteers will get to choose what ways they want to help out with the campaign and we aren't asking anyone to give us a big time commitment. People are busy enough and they don't need some campaign asking too much of them or guilting them into long hours of volunteer work. So, just like every other part of this movement, we chose to do things differently. We are building teams, each with it's own precise mission and we are confident you'll find the best team or teams for you and we won't be assigning you unless you ask us to. Below is a description of each team and the ways those team members can best help our campaign.

Team 1: Campaign Management Team - The Backbone of the Fleming for Congress Movement

Mission Statement: The Campaign Management Team serves as the central nervous system of the Fleming for Congress campaign. This team is responsible for the cohesive integration of all moving parts, ensuring that our messaging, organizational structure, and scheduling remain aligned with our core values. They are the primary filter through which information flows—distilling pertinent updates from the field for the candidate while broadcasting strategic directives back to the specialized teams. From staffing tables at local events to managing high-level logistics, this team ensures that every minute of our "hustle" is spent with maximum impact in the 5th District.

Core Responsibilities:

Master Scheduling: Managing the candidate’s calendar and coordinating the master schedule for all other teams to prevent overlaps and gaps in coverage.
Cross-Team Synchronization: Acting as the direct liaison between Field Operations, Communications, and Finance to ensure the left hand always knows what the right hand is doing.
Resource Allocation: Identifying where volunteer time is most valuable and directing team members toward the highest-priority tasks.
Operational Infrastructure: Maintaining the digital ecosystem of the campaign, including Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Calendars, and Forms).

Who Should Join: We are looking for natural leaders and "organizational architects." If you have experience leading teams in the private sector or community organizing, this is your home. Ideal members are:

Communication Pros: Able to translate complex needs into clear, actionable instructions.
Tech-Savvy Organizers: Experts in managing digital workflows and remote collaboration tools.
Strategic Thinkers: People who can see the "big picture" while managing the smallest details of a daily itinerary.

Team 2: The Finance & Treasury Team
The Compliance & Integrity Core
Mission Statement: The Finance & Treasury Team is the safeguard of the campaign’s resources and the guarantor of our transparency. While federal law requires a designated Treasurer, this team operates as a collective of financial stewards dedicated to keeping the campaign "above board" and fiscally disciplined. From tracking every grassroots donation to managing reimbursements and overhead, this team ensures that our financial house is in perfect order. Our goal is to prove that a working-class campaign can meet—and exceed—the gold standard of federal financial reporting.
Core Responsibilities:

Ledger Management: Maintaining meticulous records of all incoming contributions and outgoing expenditures using professional-grade tools like QuickBooks.
FEC Compliance: Compiling and filing the mandatory quarterly reports for the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to ensure 100% legal transparency.
Reimbursement Oversight: Managing the "paper trail" for volunteer expenses and campaign costs to ensure every dollar is accounted for.
Audit Readiness: Maintaining a "continuous audit" posture so the campaign is always prepared to defend its financial integrity against the incumbent’s machine.

Who Should Join: We are looking for "numbers people" who value accuracy and ethical standards. You don't need to be a career political accountant; we want real-world experience. Ideal members include:

Financial Professionals: Bookkeepers, Accountants, Controllers, and Office Administrators.
Budget Specialists: Anyone who has managed a business P&L or a complex household/non-profit budget.
Software Experts: Individuals fluent in QuickBooks, Excel, or specialized financial tracking software.
Detail-Oriented Patriots: People who believe that the "Power of the Purse" starts with honest bookkeeping at the local level.

Team 3: The Field Operations Team
The Frontline & Boots on the Ground
Mission Statement: The Field Operations Team is the face of the campaign in the 5th District. Our mission is direct engagement: meeting voters where they are—at grocery stores, malls, small businesses, and on their own doorsteps. This team doesn't just "spread the word"; we build the foundation of the campaign by securing the 2,000 verified signatures required to get on the ballot. We aren't here to make "cold calls" for money; we are here to invite our neighbors to join a conversation about the future of their community.
Core Responsibilities:

Signature Collection & Management: Leading the charge to secure and verify the 2,000 signatures needed for ballot access.
Canvassing & Door-Knocking: Walking the neighborhoods of the 5th District to hand out flyers, place mailers, and engage in face-to-face dialogue with voters.
Small Business Outreach: Visiting local shops to connect the candidate—a fellow small business owner—with entrepreneurs to discuss their specific needs.
Volunteer Deployment: Coordinating the "20-minute shifts" for supporters at high-traffic tables and community events.
Logistics & Material Distribution: Managing the physical side of the campaign—folding mailers, hanging posters, and handling post office runs.

Who Should Join: This is the home for the "Average Joe" who wants to take action. Whether you have a specialized skill or just a spare 30 minutes and a pair of walking shoes, you are valued here. Ideal members include:

The High-Energy Extraverts: People who enjoy meeting strangers and talking about the vision for the district.
The Local Connectors: Those who know their town’s busy corners and have relationships with local business owners.
The "Get-It-Done" Crew: Volunteers who aren't afraid of a little "elbow grease"—from stuffing envelopes to walking a three-mile route.
The Newcomers: If you’ve never worked on a campaign before but want to see real change, this is your starting line.

Team 4: The Communications & Media Team
The Digital Bullhorn & Independent Narrative
Mission Statement: The Communications & Media Team is the engine of our visibility. Since we refuse to take "big money" or rely on traditional party machines, we win through relentless, coordinated action and Independent Messaging. This team is responsible for crafting the "Fleming for Congress" voice across every platform—from local newspapers and radio to TikTok and global podcasts. Our goal is to create a digital presence so undeniable that the media and influencers are compelled to take notice, ensuring our Left-of-Center, grassroots message reaches every corner of the 5th District.
Core Responsibilities:

Influencer & Podcast Outreach: Leading a "Relentless Outreach" strategy—coordinating volunteers to email podcasters, YouTubers, and political influencers simultaneously until the Fleming name is synonymous with the race.
Social Media Management: Executing a daily presence on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and X. This includes joining local community groups and political forums to share our platform directly.
Content Creation & Strategy: Drafting the "Desk of Derek Fleming" letters, campaign emails, and social posts. They also create downloadable PDFs and toolkits so supporters can print and distribute flyers locally.
Press & Editorial Outreach: Pitching interviews to local newspapers and targeting local op-ed sections to keep our independent policy proposals in the public eye.
Inquiry Management: Acting as the campaign's "Front Desk" for digital communication—responding to emails and messages with speed and clarity.
Local Print Partnerships: Negotiating with district-based print shops to secure community-supported rates for our physical campaign materials.

Who Should Join: We need people who are well-spoken, digitally savvy, and persistently persuasive. If you have 20 minutes a week to send a few high-impact emails, you have a place here. Ideal members include:

The Digital Native: People who live on social media and understand the algorithms of TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit.
The Persuasive Writer: Individuals who can draft a compelling pitch or a sharp response to a policy question.
The "Relentless" Outreach Crew: People who don't take "no" for an answer when pitching for a podcast or interview spot.
The Designers: Anyone who can help format a PDF or social graphic that looks professional on a grassroots budget.

Team 5: The Coalition & Interfaith Partnership Team
The Cultural Bridge & Policy Feedback Loop
Mission Statement: The Coalition Team ensures the Fleming for Congress campaign is built on the shared values of the 5th District’s diverse ethnic and religious communities. We recognize that faith and heritage are the primary lenses through which many voters view policy. This team is tasked with building deep, respectful partnerships with Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and other faith communities, as well as our vibrant Hispanic, Black, Asian (including Indian), and Middle Eastern populations. We aren't just looking for votes; we are looking for the advice and feedback that ensures our platform serves everyone.
Core Responsibilities:

The "Council of Faiths": Creating a rotating advisory group of religious leaders (Imams, Rabbis, Priests, Ministers, and Temple leads) to discuss the ethical and community impacts of your policies, such as the Veterans Housing Initiative.
Ethnic Heritage Outreach: Dedicated "desks" for the district’s largest populations:
- South Asian/Indian: Focusing on small business hurdles and education.
- Middle Eastern/Arab: Focusing on civil liberties and community safety.
- Hispanic/Latino: Addressing housing integrity and local economic growth.
- Black/African American: Focusing on systemic reform and wealth-building.
Direct Feedback Sessions: Hosting "Listening Circles" at community centers and places of worship. The goal is for you to hear their messaging before you craft yours.
Multi-Lingual Literacy: Ensuring all major policy papers are professionally translated into Spanish, Mandarin/Cantonese, Portuguese, Arabic, and Hindi/Gujarati.
Holiday & Cultural Presence: Representing the campaign at Diwali festivals, Eid celebrations, Rosh Hashanah events, and local Church feasts to show you are a neighbor, not just a candidate.

Who Should Join:

The Faith Liaison: Individuals active in their local congregation, mosque, temple, or synagogue who can facilitate introductions.
The Heritage Advocate: Proud members of the Indian, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, or Black communities who want to see their specific needs addressed at the federal level.
The Cultural Translator: People who understand the nuances of community messaging—knowing how to talk about family values or entrepreneurship in a way that resonates culturally.
The Community Connector: Natural "joiners" who are already respected voices in Malden, Waltham, Framingham, or Arlington.

Team 6: The Congressional Youth Committee (CYC)
The Next-Gen Vanguard & Digital Movement
Mission Statement: The CYC is the heartbeat of our campaign’s future. We recognize that the policy shifts we fight for today—from housing integrity to structural tax reform—will impact the youngest members of our community for the longest period of time. This committee is a dedicated space for voters ages 17 to 24 to have their voices heard, their advice considered, and their energy channeled into meaningful change. We aren't just looking for your vote; we’re looking for your insight on how to build a Massachusetts that works for the next generation.
Core Responsibilities:

The "First Vote" Initiative: Leading outreach at local high schools in the 5th District. We are specifically looking for Rising Seniors who will be 18 by November 3, 2026, to help them register and show them that an Independent vote is a vote for their own future.
University & Grad Student Liaison: Building a network across our local hubs—from Waltham and Medford to Framingham. Whether you are an undergrad at Tufts or a Grad Student preparing to enter the workforce, this team ensures your specific hurdles are part of our platform.
The Social Media Engine: Driving the campaign’s presence on TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. We need young creators to help translate "Washington-speak" into clear, high-impact content that resonates with people who are tired of the same old partisan scripts.
The Youth Brain Trust: Hosting regular "Policy Jam Sessions" where the candidate joins the committee to hear direct feedback. You tell us how the current system is failing your generation; we work together to refine the solutions.
Mobilization & Turnout: Making sure the "youth vote" isn't just a statistic. This team manages peer-to-peer outreach to ensure every young voter in the district knows when, where, and why to show up on Election Day.

Who Should Join:

The High School Senior: Ready to take the first step into civic life and make their first vote count.
The Campus Connector: Students at local universities who want to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world independent politics.
The Digital Storyteller: Creative minds who live on social media and know how to build a community through a screen.
The Grad Student: Those finishing their advanced degrees and looking for a candidate who understands the economic reality of the workforce they are about to join.

Master Scheduling: Managing the candidate’s calendar and coordinating the master schedule for all other teams to prevent overlaps and gaps in coverage.

Cross-Team Synchronization: Acting as the direct liaison between Field Operations, Communications, and Finance to ensure the left hand always knows what the right hand is doing.

Resource Allocation: Identifying where volunteer time is most valuable and directing team members toward the highest-priority tasks.

Operational Infrastructure: Maintaining the digital ecosystem of the campaign, including Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Calendars, and Forms).

Who Should Join: We are looking for natural leaders and "organizational architects." If you have experience leading teams in the private sector or community organizing, this is your home. Ideal members are:

Communication Pros: Able to translate complex needs into clear, actionable instructions.

Tech-Savvy Organizers: Experts in managing digital workflows and remote collaboration tools.

Strategic Thinkers: People who can see the "big picture" while managing the smallest details of a daily itinerary.

Ledger Management: Maintaining meticulous records of all incoming contributions and outgoing expenditures using professional-grade tools like QuickBooks.

FEC Compliance: Compiling and filing the mandatory quarterly reports for the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to ensure 100% legal transparency.

Reimbursement Oversight: Managing the "paper trail" for volunteer expenses and campaign costs to ensure every dollar is accounted for.

Audit Readiness: Maintaining a "continuous audit" posture so the campaign is always prepared to defend its financial integrity against the incumbent’s machine.

Who Should Join: We are looking for "numbers people" who value accuracy and ethical standards. You don't need to be a career political accountant; we want real-world experience. Ideal members include:

Financial Professionals: Bookkeepers, Accountants, Controllers, and Office Administrators.

Budget Specialists: Anyone who has managed a business P&L or a complex household/non-profit budget.

Software Experts: Individuals fluent in QuickBooks, Excel, or specialized financial tracking software.

Detail-Oriented Patriots: People who believe that the "Power of the Purse" starts with honest bookkeeping at the local level.

Signature Collection & Management: Leading the charge to secure and verify the 2,000 signatures needed for ballot access.

Canvassing & Door-Knocking: Walking the neighborhoods of the 5th District to hand out flyers, place mailers, and engage in face-to-face dialogue with voters.

Small Business Outreach: Visiting local shops to connect the candidate—a fellow small business owner—with entrepreneurs to discuss their specific needs.

Volunteer Deployment: Coordinating the "20-minute shifts" for supporters at high-traffic tables and community events.

Logistics & Material Distribution: Managing the physical side of the campaign—folding mailers, hanging posters, and handling post office runs.

Who Should Join: This is the home for the "Average Joe" who wants to take action. Whether you have a specialized skill or just a spare 30 minutes and a pair of walking shoes, you are valued here. Ideal members include:

The High-Energy Extraverts: People who enjoy meeting strangers and talking about the vision for the district.

The Local Connectors: Those who know their town’s busy corners and have relationships with local business owners.

The "Get-It-Done" Crew: Volunteers who aren't afraid of a little "elbow grease"—from stuffing envelopes to walking a three-mile route.

The Newcomers: If you’ve never worked on a campaign before but want to see real change, this is your starting line.

Influencer & Podcast Outreach: Leading a "Relentless Outreach" strategy—coordinating volunteers to email podcasters, YouTubers, and political influencers simultaneously until the Fleming name is synonymous with the race.

Social Media Management: Executing a daily presence on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and X. This includes joining local community groups and political forums to share our platform directly.

Content Creation & Strategy: Drafting the "Desk of Derek Fleming" letters, campaign emails, and social posts. They also create downloadable PDFs and toolkits so supporters can print and distribute flyers locally.

Press & Editorial Outreach: Pitching interviews to local newspapers and targeting local op-ed sections to keep our independent policy proposals in the public eye.

Inquiry Management: Acting as the campaign's "Front Desk" for digital communication—responding to emails and messages with speed and clarity.

Local Print Partnerships: Negotiating with district-based print shops to secure community-supported rates for our physical campaign materials.

Who Should Join: We need people who are well-spoken, digitally savvy, and persistently persuasive. If you have 20 minutes a week to send a few high-impact emails, you have a place here. Ideal members include:

The Digital Native: People who live on social media and understand the algorithms of TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit.

The Persuasive Writer: Individuals who can draft a compelling pitch or a sharp response to a policy question.

The "Relentless" Outreach Crew: People who don't take "no" for an answer when pitching for a podcast or interview spot.

The Designers: Anyone who can help format a PDF or social graphic that looks professional on a grassroots budget.

The "Council of Faiths": Creating a rotating advisory group of religious leaders (Imams, Rabbis, Priests, Ministers, and Temple leads) to discuss the ethical and community impacts of your policies, such as the Veterans Housing Initiative.

Ethnic Heritage Outreach: Dedicated "desks" for the district’s largest populations:

South Asian/Indian: Focusing on small business hurdles and education.

Middle Eastern/Arab: Focusing on civil liberties and community safety.

Hispanic/Latino: Addressing housing integrity and local economic growth.

Black/African American: Focusing on systemic reform and wealth-building.

Direct Feedback Sessions: Hosting "Listening Circles" at community centers and places of worship. The goal is for you to hear their messaging before you craft yours.

Multi-Lingual Literacy: Ensuring all major policy papers are professionally translated into Spanish, Mandarin/Cantonese, Portuguese, Arabic, and Hindi/Gujarati.

Holiday & Cultural Presence: Representing the campaign at Diwali festivals, Eid celebrations, Rosh Hashanah events, and local Church feasts to show you are a neighbor, not just a candidate.

Who Should Join:

The Faith Liaison: Individuals active in their local congregation, mosque, temple, or synagogue who can facilitate introductions.

The Heritage Advocate: Proud members of the Indian, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, or Black communities who want to see their specific needs addressed at the federal level.

The Cultural Translator: People who understand the nuances of community messaging—knowing how to talk about family values or entrepreneurship in a way that resonates culturally.

The Community Connector: Natural "joiners" who are already respected voices in Malden, Waltham, Framingham, or Arlington.

The "First Vote" Initiative: Leading outreach at local high schools in the 5th District. We are specifically looking for Rising Seniors who will be 18 by November 3, 2026, to help them register and show them that an Independent vote is a vote for their own future.

University & Grad Student Liaison: Building a network across our local hubs—from Waltham and Medford to Framingham. Whether you are an undergrad at Tufts or a Grad Student preparing to enter the workforce, this team ensures your specific hurdles are part of our platform.

The Social Media Engine: Driving the campaign’s presence on TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. We need young creators to help translate "Washington-speak" into clear, high-impact content that resonates with people who are tired of the same old partisan scripts.

The Youth Brain Trust: Hosting regular "Policy Jam Sessions" where the candidate joins the committee to hear direct feedback. You tell us how the current system is failing your generation; we work together to refine the solutions.

Mobilization & Turnout: Making sure the "youth vote" isn't just a statistic. This team manages peer-to-peer outreach to ensure every young voter in the district knows when, where, and why to show up on Election Day.

Who Should Join:

The High School Senior: Ready to take the first step into civic life and make their first vote count.

The Campus Connector: Students at local universities who want to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world independent politics.

The Digital Storyteller: Creative minds who live on social media and know how to build a community through a screen.

The Grad Student: Those finishing their advanced degrees and looking for a candidate who understands the economic reality of the workforce they are about to join.

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