While President-elect Barack Obama continues to focus on the transition to the White House, his former campaign is reaching out to the people who helped get him elected.

Obama Reaches Out To Volunteers For Input Through Survey

Those who volunteered their time and their energy to help put Obama in the White House are getting their chance to explain why.

An online survey has been sent to people who volunteered for the Obama campaign. The four page questionnaire asks the volunteers to describe their campaign experiences and share input on the issues that are important to them.

"What inspired me to volunteer was that it was a historical election overall, so I just wanted to give my part,” volunteer Tushunda Wright said.

One of the last acts of the Obama campaign organization is to survey volunteers about the issues they want to see the Obama administration tackle first and to find out whether they'd be willing to help move those initiatives forward in a grass roots way.

"The fact that he's trying to establish a base, even after being elected with the people that worked for him means a lot, because it means he actually cares about the opinions of the American people,” Elizabeth Hagedorn said.

The survey is a combination of research and recruitment, but more importantly to some volunteers, it's a chance to be heard.

"I think that's a good idea, it motivates people to get more involved, especially the people that volunteered already - I think that's an awesome idea,” Wright said.

Even McCain campaign volunteer Christopher Wiley believes the survey is a good idea as long as the information is put to good use.

"I hope that whatever he's planning with it, he actually gets it done. It's good to say and ask, but are you really gonna take that information and are you gonna really run with it,” Wiley said.

Both the campaign organization and the Obama-Biden transition team are encouraging people to provide their comments and offer ideas on a wide range of subjects through their Web sites. There is no word on exactly how that information will be used.

The Republican Party is also reaching out with an online forum called “Republican for a Reason.”

The party’s chairman said he wants to listen to the American people as a way to help the party re-group after the election.