Getting Started with Canvassing

Gentle reader ;-)

I want to support your every effort to get started canvassing ...

On the other hand, I don't want to be guilty of mansplaining or getting in your way.

With that said, let me offer my perspective on a few things for you to consider ...

• Figure out your schedule - will you set a date and time, or a series of dates and times?

  • Maybe try to schedule out 3 or 4 weeks in advance while you can

  • Promote your schedule date/time/rally points at meetings, Facebook, Mobilize (Ed), etc. to draw more volunteers

  • make it easy for volunteers to find the schedule, dates and time, location to join you

  • Coordinate lit bag prep with LCDC Office volunteers who may be stuffing them for you

• coordinate / communicate with other potential canvassers in the area -

  • especially if you are canvassing in a town/village/city other than your own

  • avoid misunderstandings

  • make best use of time of the volunteers

  • Welcome candidates to walk with your team, if convenient

• Include, at the very least for the first two or three times, a "Rally" point - a place to meet up with your canvassing volunteers before you each head out

  • Use the get together to hand out (and record) who has which list

  • Understand which canvasser will be using MiniVAN (and get them set up for their list(s)) or printed lists

  • Agree whether you'll collect printed lists at some specific time and place to rendezvous

  • Hand out and or complete lit bags

  • Remind all of the "rules of engagement", whether this is 

    • a Lit Drop (no contact expected), 

    • community canvass (greet and chat and listen to voters), or 

    • persuasion (anticipate and seek out substantive discussion about voter issues - listening - and helping identify candidate positions in support of or opponent positions in conflict with the voter expressions

  • who to call if questions or issues of any sort arise

    • Include emergency numbers just in case ...

    • discuss how to dis-engage from uncomfortable/hostile encounters

I'll be happy to join you for your rally points to get started, if I'm available, and if you think I could be of some help.

Conclusion

These are just some ideas to help stimulate your thoughts about how to get started organizing canvassing in your community.

I hope it helps.

Contact me and let me know if you have other suggestions, or questions.

Best regards,
Ed Reed