Here are some ideas for a “best practices approach” to canvassing. The goals for this effort are to build networks, enhance cohesion and ensure institutional knowledge.
I start from the belief that Democrats generally benefit from a large, committed volunteer base and a deep reservoir of good
will. I think that effective canvassing mirrors the way we interact with friends and people we respect and trust: we don’t try to convert them or pressure them into adopting our beliefs—because that’s not how trust is built. When people encounter issues that truly resonate with them, they respond best to conversations grounded in respect, not persuasion.
We can provide people with the means to respond, but not tell them what they should do or think. And why should we? We have incomplete knowledge of their situation, and we are not in a position to provide good, targeted granulated advice.
I think that when people see an opportunity to act, they will. We need to provide a lot of attractive opportunities so that they are able to act. ( end of rant. )
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A Note on The Development Process
This whole approach was developed on the fly. I believe this is an essential foundation that guided the development of every aspect of the event and especially the promotional materials for the canvassing.
I didn’t spend weeks carefully crafting just one detailed flyer and then getting it printed. I printed 4 x 8 inch cards as daily “editions” changed from day to day to reflect my conversations with people at their door.
I only distributed each edition to a dozen people at a time and that process allowed me to continually update the cards. Since I had very good notes of each door I visited I could return to them with important new info.
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My intent here is to outline the practical nature of the approach, meaning, how is this implemented. Secondly, what are the tools I think we need to do this.
I’m not using any walksheets or maps generated by the VAN or WAVES. I create my own maps through a recon and census of the areas I decide to work in. That may sound daunting but it truly isn’t because of the extended time available to me by starting in January.
First, I identify the most likely friendly houses based on clues such as political signage, an electric vehicle, A2D2, friendly bumper stickers on cars, BLM signs and education yard signs. Whatever looks positive. I often include addresses with Wee Free Libraries in front of their house.
Then I add these addresses to saved maps ( in google maps ) that include important notes about the addresses that I add on the fly. Google maps is part of a collaborative suite that includes google docs, drive, gmail and groups. Because the information that is gathered can be easily transferred between these tools, it is relatively simple to generate spreadsheets, documents and email. These are now highly reliable and personally controlled records that I may use for a very broad range of canvassing efforts. These maps are extremely easy to share with others who want to drop lit.
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General Outline and Notes
Maps
Art and Graphics
Neighborhoods, Locales and Areas
Shared Interests as Canvass Focus: Expo 2025
FollowThrough: An Invitation Canvass ( Expo 2025 ) provides continuous future contacting and canvassing. Reports, Updates and FYIs.
Paper and Materials: Why CardStock and Index Stock
Tools and Essentials: Puppy, WCDP Stamp, Post-It Notes, Google Maps, Notepad or notepaper, write upside-down pen or pencil.
The relaxed and casual nature of this kind of canvassing is possible because of:
1- The luxury of an early start.
2- It is not a candidate focused campaign and relevant throughout the campaign cycles.
3- A conservative expectation for the number of face to face contacts– Less than 6 contacts are the goal for each outing.
4- Allowing time to listen is essential
5- Walking very slowly allows plenty of time for making notes somewhere. There may only be 3 or 4 houses to knock on any linear block.
6- “On the fly” allows for inexpensive promo and info materials.
For Further Development: these are ideas for things to push out to the canvassed audience post event, either in person, eSomething, or USPS.
The point of this is to foster a sense of follow through, and commitment to the canvassed audience. I want them to feel like there is a lifeline of sorts.
General FollowUp and News related to the event
A form for questions from the canvassed audience
Communications in general on any topic
Detailed Information
Event Report
Event Afterwards
For Further Information
Links to Materials Covered at Event
Links to Groups and People Featured at Event
WCDP Upcoming Events and Calendar
General Upcoming Events to Promote