Getting involved, Part III
In the previous entry in this series, I passed on tips for how local groups of Kucinich supporters can get organized at the precinct level and obtain lists of voters in their precinct. So what does your precinct committee for Kucinich do with these names? Outreach, of course. You will need to have people going door-to-door (canvassing) or making telephone calls.
Jennifer Sherer, who is organizing for Dennis in Iowa City, posted some tips for volunteers to the Kucinich4President email list. Some parts of her message were specific to Iowa, so I've tried to extract those parts that apply to any location. The focus here is a script for volunteers who are canvassing or calling, with notes on how to use it.
Please follow the extended entry link to read the tips.
TIPS AND TALKING POINTS FOR CANVASSING/PHONE BANKING
Establish Who You Are/Ask For Who You Want to Speak With
. Your Name
. Where you live
. Who you're with
. Their Name
Hi, my name is Jane Doe. I live in your precinct/neighborhood at 123 Main Street and I'm a volunteer for the Kucinich for president campaign. Are you/may I speak with John Smith?
Quickly and Briefly Give Them a Reason to Want to Hear What You Have to Say
. Introduce yourself as a volunteer in their precinct
. Introduce Dennis as the clearest Democratic alternative to current administration
. Find out where they're at (politically)
Hi John. Again I'm a volunteer here in your precinct and I'm contacting fellow [caucus goers/primary voters] in the neighborhood about Dennis Kucinich. We're building an exciting grassroots campaign here in [name of state here] as more and more people get to know Kucinich on the issues and see that he offers the clearest alternative to the current administration on all issues. Have you had the chance to find out about Dennis Kucinich yet?
Here, either the conversation will end or continue.
If the person is already an excited, Kucinich supporter, connect them with the campaign:
. Give them local contact information and make sure they know about any regular volunteer meetings in the area
. Tell them we will contact them in the near future (record them as a supporter and/or volunteer on your list).
If the conversation goes something like, "I'm not interested" or "I support another candidate," don't prolong the conversation but still leave them with something:
. Don't be pushy.
. If possible, leave your number should they have questions, or invite them to an event . encourage them to at least find out a little about Dennis.
. Thank them for their time.
OK, just in case you do have questions about Kucinich in the future, you can reach me at 555-1234. Thank you for your time. Goodbye. OR OK, I'll let you go. However, I am hosting a neighborhood coffee [or whatever] for people to find out more about Kucinich on September 1 at 6:00 p.m. at my home at 123 Main Street, and you're welcome to join us to find out more. Thank you for your time. Goodbye.
IF CANVASSING, BE SURE TO STILL LEAVE LIT./FLYER WITH PERSON.
If the conversation continues, connect the person with Dennis.
. Who is Dennis
. Where does he stand on issues they care about
. How can they find out more and/or get involved
Dennis Kucinich is a Democratic representative in the House of Representatives from Ohio. He is co-chair of the Progressive Caucus. He has dealt with both domestic and international issues on a daily basis. What issues are of most concern for you, Mr. Smith?
. Briefly give Kucinich's position on the issues the person mentions using what you know, referring to the " Ten Points" flyer or whatever lit piece you may have. If you don't know the answer to a particular question, don't worry-just remind them that you are a volunteer and offer to check with the campaign and get back to them, and recommend the www.kucinich.us web site as a resource.
If you would like to find out more about Kucinich and this grassroots campaign, I am hosting a neighborhood coffee [or whatever] for people to find out more about Kucinich on September 1 at 6:00 p.m. at my home at 123 Main Street. OR Dennis will be speaking in Iowa City on [date, time place]. I encourage you to read more at www.kucinich.us.
OR- if the person doesn't specify any issues, introduce those you feel most comfortable talking about: (condense as you see fit)
Dennis Kucinich is a Democratic Representative from Ohio. He is co-chair of the Progressive caucus in the House of Representatives. He led the contingency of Democrats who voted against giving President Bush authorization to go to war in Iraq, and has continued his opposition to the Bush foreign policy. Kucinich has also put forth bold proposals for our domestic agenda including single payer, universal health insurance, a WPA style jobs program, and
redirecting 15% of the Pentagon budget to improvements in education. Dennis is actively fighting for the repeal of the Patriot Act and has made workers' rights and environmental protections priorities in his platform. I encourage you to read more at www.kucinich.us
We're inviting people from our precinct to meet at our home next Sunday to watch a brief video of Dennis speaking, to talk about the campaign and answer any questions people may have. Would you be interested in attending?
Great we'll see you then. We live at 123 Main Street. Do you know anyone else in the precinct/neighborhood who would be interested in attending the meeting?
Conclusion
Do you have any questions I can answer?
Here's some literature on Dennis/invitation to event.
Thank you for your time. Goodbye.
Record keeping/follow up
[You should have a place on your list of names to record notes and indicate levels of support, or keep notes on a separate page if it is easier for you.] Note any questions or needs people have. Indicate each person's current level of "support" using the following scale:
1V=Definite Kucinich supporter; interested in volunteering
1 = Definite Kucinich supporter
2 = Leaning towards Kucinich
3 = Undecided
4 = Leaning towards another candidate
5 = Definite supporter/volunteer for another campaign
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