Select an option
from the left-hand column.

Elections

I want to volunteer on election day

You Rock!

The most important thing supporters can do on election day is get to a polling place and hand out our "How to Vote" flyers.

Looking at our results from past elections we can often get up to (and even over) double our usual vote at polling places that we have had a volunteer working at. It really helps to get our message across, and let people know who we are and what we stand for. And this results in more votes!

If you are able to help, please email us at [email protected].

You aren't running in my state, but I still want to help

Awesome, you can still help!

Unfortunately we can't always run in every state due to either lack of money, or no volunteers to be candidates. If you want to see us run in your state next time perhaps you may want to stand as a candidate?

Even so, you can always donate to help, but also on election day just tweet, post on facebook, generate word of mouth etc.

Perhaps take a look at some of the other options on this page to help, many of those teams and areas will need extra assistance on election day.

I want to be a candidate/run in an election

Stepping up! Great.

This is a pretty big deal, and to be selected as a candidate you will need to undergo a preselection process and be 'elected' by your fellow party members as a candidate first.

Our preselection by-laws are here.

There will be a few hoops to jump through for this one, and it'll require some commitment from you. For more information email the National Council: [email protected].

Press

What is a press release?

Glad you asked!

A press release is a short statement by the Pirate Party (usually under 500 words) on a current issue that is provided to the media. Press releases usually respond to an event and promote the Pirate Party's position on that event (agreement or disagreement, and why).

When appropriate, press releases are used to announce candidates or new policies, and promote existing policies and campaigns.

Press releases are written in a similar style to news articles, but focus on the Pirate Party's position rather than reporting objective facts. Past press releases are available here.

I have an idea for a press release

Awesome, let us know!

Sometimes it's hard to keep track of what's going on, so we appreciate it when people spot something.

Email the suggestion and relevant information to the Press Team: [email protected].

I want to write a press release

Great, less work for us!

Anyone can write a press release and submit it for approval.

The process for press releases is explained here.

If you need any help, please email the Press Team: [email protected].

I want to join the Press Team

Excellent, we can always use writers!

The Press Team's primary responsiblity is writing press releases. Members should have excellent writing and communication skills and be prepared to respond quickly to breaking news events, whether during the day or late at night. Members are expected to advise of their availability.

Details about the Press Team are available here.

Email your application to the National Council: [email protected].

Promotional Materials

I have an idea for a design

Awesome, let us know!

Got a great idea for a design?

Email the suggestion with relevant detail to the Pirate Bureau Steering Committee: [email protected].

I want to make a design

Great, less work for us!

Anyone can design something and submit it for approval.

The process for designs is explained here.

If you need any help, please email the Pirate Bureau Steering Committee: [email protected].

I want to join the Pirate Bureau

Excellent, we can always use more creative types!

The Pirate Bureau creates promotional materials for the Party, like shareable images, posters, and videos. Details about the Bureau are available here.

Anyone can participate in the Bureau's activities, but it is managed by its Steering Committee.

The National Council appoints members to the Pirate Bureau Steering Committee by majority vote.

Email your application to the National Council: [email protected].

Social media

I want to join the Social Media Team

Awesome, we need active promotion!

The Social Media Team oversees the Twitter, Facebook and Google+ accounts. Members respond to public enquiries, moderate discussions, and post updates on Party events and policies. Details about the Social Media Team are available here.

The National Council appoints members to the Social Media Team by majority vote.

Email your application to the National Council: [email protected].

Submissions

What is a submission?

Glad you asked!

A submission is a document tendered to a public inquiry or consultation that argues a position based on the Pirate Party's policies. Usually they respond to proposed legislation, but may cover a wide range of topics for which public and industry bodies are holding consultations. Previous submissions can be found here.

I think we should make a submission

Awesome, let us know!

Sometimes it's hard to keep track of what's going on, so we appreciate it when people spot something.

Email the suggestion and relevant information to the Policy Development Committee: [email protected].

I want to write or help write a submission

Great, thanks for taking on the challenge!

Anyone can write a submission and submit it to the Inquiries Officer and National Council for approval.

The process for submissions is explained here.

Submissions being prepared are announced on the Pirate Party's forum. To check out which submissions are being worked on, see the topics here.

Policy

I have an idea for a policy

Awesome, we welcome new ideas!

If you have an idea for a policy you can choose to write it yourself or refer the idea to the Policy Development Committee instead: [email protected].

If you choose to write a policy or amendment yourself, the Committee can review it and give you feedback. As a member, you will automatically be notified of the next Congress or Policy Meeting where proposals can be presented for consideration.

I want to write a policy

Initiative is great!

If you have an idea for a policy you can choose to write it yourself or refer the idea to the Policy Development Committee instead: [email protected].

If you choose to write a policy or amendment yourself, the Committee can review it and give you feedback. As a member, you will automatically be notified of the next Congress or Policy Meeting where proposals can be presented for consideration.

I want to join the Policy Development Committee

Excellent, hope you're not illiterate!

The Policy Development Committee researches and drafts new policies, reviews policy proposals from individuals, and prepares submissions on government proposals and discussion papers. Members should have a good understanding of Party policies and the laws and practices that impact them.

Details about the Policy Development Committee are available here.

Email your application to the National Council: [email protected].

Technology

I want to join the IT Team

So, you're a nerd.

Details about the IT Team are available here.

Email your application to the National Council: [email protected].

I want to join the Programming Team

Great, we're always working on innovative projects!

The Programming Team develops software and tools that promote participatory democratic principles and assists in the operation of the Party. All software produced by the group is open source.

Details about the Programming Team are available here.

Email your application to the National Council: [email protected].

Meetups

I want to attend a meetup

You're a people person!

Local meetups are generally a social event held in pubs or cafes.

Check the Events Calendar and also the forums to see if there are any in your area.

I want to organise a meetup

You're a people person and an organiser too!

Local meetups are generally a social event held in pubs or cafes.

If there are no meetups in your area and you would like to organise one, please email the National Council to discuss details and advertise the meeting to the members: [email protected].

Also consider starting (or reviving) a thread for your area in the Local Crews category of the party forums.

Disputes

I want to join the Dispute Resolution Committee

It's a messy job, but someone has to do it!

The Dispute Resolution Committee is the last resort for resolving internal disputes.

Three Dispute Resolution Committee Members are elected at the National Congress for terms of approximately two years. Nominations must be submitted in advance of the National Congress, which occurs every July. Members are notified at least 42 days in advance of the National Congress and informed of how to nominate themselves.

Only Full Members and Permanent Resident Members are able to be elected to the Dispute Resolution Committee.

Detailed information can be found in the Party Constitution.

Leadership

I want to join the National Council

Whoa, watch out Napoleon!

The National Council is the primary and paramount administrative body of the Pirate Party.

Nine Councillors (the President, Secretary and Treasurer, their deputies, a Registered Officer and two Councillors) are elected at the National Congress for terms of approximately one year. Nominations must be submitted in advance of the National Congress, which occurs every July. Members are notified at least 42 days in advance of the National Congress and informed of how to nominate themselves.

Only Full Members and Permanent Resident Members are able to be elected to the National Council.

Detailed information can be found in the Party Constitution.

I want to be an Officer

Get into your fatigues, Mayo.

Officers lead committees and teams or fulfil other specialist roles within the Pirate Party.

With the exception of the Policy Development Officer, all officers are appointed by the National Council for an indefinite period. The National Council does not ordinarily take applications for Officer positions unless it has formally announced a vacancy and invites applications.

The National Council usually invites a member to take up an Officer position where they display an appropriate aptitude and enthusiasm and there is a relevant position being created or vacated. Thus, active participation and involvement within the Party is likely to lead to an appointment.

The Policy Development Officer leads the Policy Development Committee and is elected annually at the National Congress. Nominations must be submitted in advance of the National Congress, which occurs every July. Members are notified at least 42 days in advance of the National Congress and informed of how to nominate themselves. Information on this position and committee is available here.

I want to be a State or Territory Coordinator

Great, we need more troops on the ground!

The National Council appoints State or Territory Coordinator to organise the Pirate Party on a state or territory level with the goal of ultimately establishing a registered state or territory branch. You do not need to be a coordinator in order to hold a meeting, however.

The National Council does not ordinarily take applications for Coordinator positions unless it has formally announced a vacancy and invites applications.

The National Council usually invites a member to take up a Coordinator position where they display an appropriate aptitude and enthusiasm and there is a relevant vacancy. Thus, active participation and involvement within the Party is likely to lead to an appointment.

More information is contained in By-law 2013-01 and National Council Resolution 2011-4.