Canvassing your Neighborhood

The idea of going door-to-door to talk about how the state is planning on cutting your school's budget may sound daunting, but once you're prepared, it's a great way to take action and educate! People listen better with one-on-one conversations, and if you make eye contact, smile, be firm but friendly, as well as truthful, you might gain an ally! IMPORTANT *Remember to always use the buddy system when canvassing!*

I. Plan It
Get a map of the area you want to canvass. It's best if you already know the area a little before beginning. Live on a college campus? Go dorm canvassing. If you do this, plan on doing it for a few nights, since schedules differ daily. Get the people going with you from your club, organization, or friends ready with copies of the map, materials (below), and schedule. A good idea would be to map out a whole neighborhood, and then divide it among teams to take different streets to cover more ground.

II. Prepare
You'll need:

• Clipboards
• Pens
• Literature (Take a look at RTL information on school funding or Proposition 98 or make your own using our logos and graphics.)
• Script prepared in advance
• Flyers with contact information for your state senator and assembly person
• Tally sheets

In your script, be as clear and brief as possible. Start by introducing yourself (not your whole name) and what organization you’re with. Then, ask for the action—would you like to register to vote? Would you like to sign my petition? Would you like to join our mailing list? No matter the answer, remember to say thank you for their time, and always be polite—even if they’re not!

Sample Scripts:
"Hi, my name is ___________ and I'm a student at ___________________. Students at our school are participating in the Right To Learn Day of Action today and going out to tell people about how the politicians in Sacramento want to cut school funding by nearly $5 billion. This would really hurt our school. Would you be willing to call your senator or assembly person to tell them not to cut school funding? I have their phone numbers and e-mail addresses right here on this sheet."

Your tallies will be where you record who told you they were willing to call their senators or assembly people. Your tally could look something like this:

Then, you can keep track of who said yes to follow up and make sure they've called—and who said maybe, so you can talk to them again later to see if they’ve decided to help out.

III. Get on the Street!
Here are some tips while going door to door:

• Knock twice. Sometimes people don't hear the first time.
• Knock, even if there is no car in the driveway. Someone may still be there.
• Smile and make eye contact as soon as possible. They'll be more apt to listen.
• Speak slowly and clearly, in a friendly tone, while keeping eye contact.
• If they are rude, do not be rude back. Just say, "Thank you for your time."
• Always thank the person, whether they agree with you or not.
• Try to hand out some kind of literature if you can.
• Dress appropriately. If it's cold, wear a sweater!
• Bring a hat or visor, a water bottle, and your supplies.
• Put on some sun block.
• Wear good walking shoes.
• Have one person be designated as a driver, especially if it's a hot day, to patrol the neighborhood to make sure everyone is doing okay -- and to reprieve anyone needing a break!