Citizen Works - Tools for Organizing

Executing a Campaign

Each campaign, like each student body, is unique, and requires a different arrangement of tactics. Following are tips on how to effectively execute specific tactics--tabling, canvassing, using the media, and building a coalition. These should be seen merely as tactics, though, to be used after being clearly laid out as a step toward your campaign's final goal(s). Furthermore, these are only a few very basic tactics; other tactics include creating a website, engaging in some sort of protest or civil disobedience, petitioning in community centers, directly lobbying decision-makers, and registering voters. The possibilities are essentially infinite--be creative, and don't be afraid to try new things!

Tabling

"To table" means to set up a table in a central location, sit there or stand in front of it, and try to entice people to come, look over your information, and hear what you have to say. Tabling can be used as a petition-signing or letter-writing station, as a tool to educate and recruit students unfamiliar with the group or campaign, or as a means to collect donations. It doesn't require a large number of volunteers, but as an ongoing activity it can use many volunteers. It is a great way to involve new volunteers and members--it is easy enough for anyone to pull off and they'll get excited about the group and learn a lot in the process.

· There will probably be other tables around, and you will be competing with other groups for people's attention. You'll need to be active - stand in front of your table, don't slouch behind it. Clipboard in hand, go up to people and get them to sign a petition or give them a handout.

· Don't make the 8 ½ X11 mistake: having a tiny scrap of paper taped to the front of your table with 'your organization' scrawled on it. If a passerby has to squint, you've already lost them. Stitch three sheets together and create a gigantic banner, use cardboard boxes to make a huge prop,

· Location is key. Set up your tabling operation in a high traffic area like outside of cafeterias/snack bars, in the mailroom, or outside the gym.

· Table during times that you know people will pass by. You want to talk to as many people in as little amount of time as possible.

· Get the appropriate permission. The official(s) you need to talk to will vary by school and by location.

· Always have group sign-up sheets ready for anyone that expresses interest. And put one or two names at the top to start out--no one wants to be the first. (Follow this same tactic when collecting money--start out with a few dollars in a transparent jar.)

· Have informational material (e.g., flyers) out. Remember that a large colorful banner will help tell people why you're tabling.

· Work in teams. Arrange your tabling schedule so that you always have between two and three people at your table--ideally one experienced person, and one or two new volunteers. Another effective tabling method is to have one person catching the flow of people and directing them to the table, while another person talks to them in detail, and shows them how to write the letter, sign the petition, etc.

· Be interesting and inviting! Give out candy, condoms, or lemonade, play music, wear costumes relevant to your campaign, be creative.

· Do not pitch two petitions, letters, etc., at once--it may be confusing.

· Don't spend too much time talking to one person, but don't cut people off either. A minute or two should be the longest you talk to any one person. And, don't waste your time arguing politics with people that obviously disagree with you.

Canvassing

Canvassing means going door to door, either on campus or in your community (depending on your campaign and its goals) and pitching a campaign, passing out literature, offering a petition, raising money, or all of the above. If you want to ask for money, you should canvass off campus, and you need to get a permit; contact the town clerk. They have to give you one--canvassing is a form of free speech protected by the Supreme Court.

Canvassing is one of the most fun, active tactics you can use. It will bring a lot of volunteers into your group, but it can also turn some shy people off. - and, importantly, remember that it is essential that whoever is leading the volunteers is very friendly and enthusiastic about canvassing.

Dorm canvassing is a great tool, if used properly, to both recruit and retain volunteers. It gives new volunteers or those bored with tabling or passing out flyers the opportunity to have fun with a large group of enthusiastic people. And it gives those volunteers, properly trained and armed with a clipboard and good informational material, the opportunity to personally reach out to many new people and establish a basis for further contact.

Remember, also, to have other tactics available for volunteers who are nervous about talking to strangers.

In order to successfully canvass your school, your group should make a specific plan, set goals, and train and motivate all involved volunteers. Every canvasser should be courteous and respectful of others' privacy, and they should have a canvassing rap that is concise, informative, upbeat, and receptive to questions and suggestions.

· Gather together a large group of canvassers. With about 10 or 20 people you can cover a large area and have fun.

· Have all canvassers meet at a central location and pair up. Teams of two work best--like tabling, with one experienced member and one new volunteer.

· Create a detailed plan before setting out. Predetermine what dorm(s) you will be covering. Assign canvass "turf" to each team (i.e., the floors or rooms that they will cover).

· Set goals for how many rooms/floors you want each team to canvass. Remind everyone to keep this goal in mind when talking to people.

· Give sign-up sheets, flyers, and other informational material, on clipboards, to each team.

· Make sure everyone knows what they are expected to do and try to motivate everyone before sending them off!

· Spend time talking to people who seem interested in your campaign. Avoid wasting time arguing with people that just want to argue - you're probably not going to convince them and you could be using that time more productively talking to someone that is interested.

· If running an electoral campaign, take down the names, dorm rooms, phone numbers, registration status, and e-mail addresses of those individuals supporting, leaning supporting, and undecided on your candidate.

· While you are talking to them, personally invite all interested students to the next meeting, and try to get their name and e-mail address, so you can remind them again later.

· Leave information under the door for people who aren't home--be sure that your flyers include information about your next meeting.

· Have everyone meet at a designated time at your central location to wrap up the canvassing effort. Find out what worked and what didn't and pick up extra flyers and sign-up sheets.

Utilize the media! ->