How to Run an
Effective
Canvass In
Your
Community
Who is at the front of the room?
• Emily Ruf – AFSCME TBA – NE
• Nicole Collazo-Santiago – AFSCME TBA – SW
• Skyler Johnston – AFSCME TBA - NW
Introductions
• Who are you?
• Where are you from?
• Organization?
Canvassing.
• Topics
– What is canvassing?
– Why is canvassing important?
– Who should go canvassing?
– What do you need for a canvass?
– How do I train new canvassers?
– Where/when should I go canvassing?
– What do I do at the door?
– What do I do with the information I gather?
– Tips.
What is Canvassing?
• Canvassing is:
Going door-to-door to evaluate,
educate, and motivate voters.
Why is Canvassing Important?
• Canvassing is important because:
Face-to-face communication is the
most effective campaign tool.
Who should go canvassing?
• Who should canvass?
Anyone that is down with the cause.
• Recruit from friends, family,
neighbors, co-workers, and people in
your circle.
What do you need for a canvass?
• Supplies
– Where am I going?
• Lists
• Maps
• Vehicles
– Comfort/Safety
• Flashlights
• Ponchos
• Buddies
• Water
• Folders
• Clipboards
• Pins
How do I train new canvassers?
• Do not assume a volunteer knows
how to canvass.
• Make them familiar with the script.
• Make them familiar with the area they
will be walking.
• Make sure they know how to record
their data.
• Ask for and answer questions.
Where/when should I go canvassing?
• Canvass where it makes sense.
• Rural canvassing is hard and time
consuming.
• Most people work. Plan for that.
• If you are a candidate: you should be
knocking on 15-20 doors an hour.
What do I do at the door?
• Have a script.
– Know what you are going to say.
• Do not read from the script!
– No one likes to hear a robot at the door.
• Have a conversation.
– Talk with the voter.
– Do not talk at the voter.
What do I do at the door?
• Sample Script:
“Hi, my name is Ben and I am in the neighborhood talking to likely
voters about the School Board.
How do you feel about the proposed cuts to the school’s Fine Arts
programs?
• “Love ‘em”: Ok, thanks for your time.
• “Hate ‘em”: Me too, that is why I am out today. Would you be willing
to attend the School Board meeting next week and have your voice
heard by the administration?
–
–
“No”: Ok, well make sure to tell your friends and family about the meeting. It is
very important we get as many people there as possible or the Fine Arts
programs may be gone for good.
“Yes”: Wonderful! The meeting is next Wednesday at the High School Auditorium
at 6:00pm. Make sure your friends and family know about it too!
Thanks for your time, have a great day.
What do I do at the door?
• Conversations should be no longer
than 5 minutes.
– You have lots of doors to get through
and try not to get bogged down.
• Stay safe.
– If a situation is unsafe, i.e. big dog,
scary house, do not go to that door.
• Try to go with a partner.
– Many hands make light work.
What do I do with the information I gather?
• Record all of your responses.
– If you don’t write it down, it didn’t
happen.
• Make sure to go back to people that
were not home.
• If someone was rude or adamantly
against your cause, you do not need
to go back there.
– Don’t poke the bear!
Tips!
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Rattle gates.
Drink water.
Comfy shoes.
Take a partner.
Know where you are going.
Yard signs lie.
No more than 5 min/door.
RECORD EVERYTHING!
Questions!!!!
• Ask now or forever hold your peace.