Tip Sheet Packet

As a neighborhood Democratic Volunteer, you know your neighborhood best. You are a local "opinion maker." This means your neighbors may come to rely on you for information about the Democratic Party, candidates from your area, and local issues.

When contacting voters over the phone, your conversations with your neighbors will be invaluable. You will learn about the economic make-up of your area, what issues are important, what messages people are receiving from our candidates, and how the voters feel about the Party.

Inside our Canvassing Tip Sheet, you'll find all you need to talk to your neighbors - a canvass script, a phone script, and tips that will make your experience more effective.

---

Why is Canvassing Important?

Face-to-face voter contact is the most effective way to meet people, exchange information, and talk about the Democratic Party and candidates. If you have a walking list from your state or local party, it will contain house-by-house information with registered voters, party affiliation, and whether or not they have voted in the last four elections (including local elections). This will tell you who the registered Democrats in your precinct are - and which houses may not have any registered voters. If you don't have a walk list, distribute the doorhanger to people in your neighborhood. Make sure you follow through on all requests for information.

Why is Phoning Voters Important?

Contacting voters by phone is a quick way to reach large numbers of people, and a good way to follow up on interactions you have while canvassing. If you have a phone list from your state party, you may use it to reconnect with voters on Election Day, or to call through a list of your neighbors after you have distributed door hangers. Keep in mind that voters may be receiving several calls from different groups, and that many people don't appreciate unsolicited phone calls.

Recruiting Volunteers

While you are canvassing and calling voters, you will meet people who want to participate in the Democratic Party. Keep them in mind for the following jobs and volunteer opportunities:

• Neighborhood Leaders/ Precinct Committeeperson / Block Captains
• Volunteers: Precinct / Headquarters
• Voter Registration volunteer
• Election Day volunteer

"Service" is the Key Word to Remember in Neighborhood Organizing.

The voters in your area will come to rely on you and the Democratic Party for answers to their questions about the Party, where we stand on the issues, and information about candidates and local issues.

1. Meet everyone. Start a relationship.
2. Let them know "they are not alone," that there are Democrats and others in the area that agree with them.
3. Find out what issues are most important to them and talk with them about the Democratic Vision.
4. Make sure everyone in the house is registered to vote.
5. Recruit volunteers.
6. NEVER try to convince someone you are right and they are wrong. We'll never gain support trying to convince people they are wrong.
7. Listen to their feedback.

Let them know you're a Democratic resource for them, and there are Democratic activities they can take part in and candidates they can vote for who share their values.