Canvassing Survey

Here's the survey questions I sent to this weekends canvassers (from our group)
1. Have you ever canvassed before?
2. What preconceptions did you have prior to going out?
3. What was your experience overall? Good or bad?
4. Was the training helpful?
5. Would you do it again?
6. Do you have any tips or advice for others who have never canvassed?

Here's some responses (some of them are shortened...):
Henry:
1. Yes I have canvassed before.
2. No preconceptions
3. Great to be out talking with folks
4. Training is always helpful, you never know when you are going to learn something new.
5. Yes I will do it again.
6. It is a great way to help change government and talk with regular people about common problems.

Nanette:
1. I canvassed in California--this was quite different--I liked the organization of this one--less wasting time on folks who clearly will not vote for Obama. The definte Obama supporters welcomed us--and were for the most part interested in the campaign---only two undecideds welcomed us and seemed interested--I think the other "undecideds" had already made of their minds but were being polite--My main issue would be that we need better maps so we can see where we are going--
4. the training was helpful and the script was helpful--
5. We'd probably do it again.--It might be good if the information we were leaving had some method of sticking to their doors--
6. maybe bring some scotch tape--a lot of folks weren't home....

Mike A:
1) never canvassed before
2) I thought we'd be doing a much harder "sell'" trying to convince voters to change their minds
3) very good experience
4) the training was useful... but much more helpful was going out the first time with someone who had been there before and could lead the conversation
5) I'd be glad to do it again
6) try it!

So I'm urging EVERYONE to try it at least ONCE. Both phonebanking and canvassing. It's a lot more fun than you would think..and it's a lot easier than you would think. You're definitely not debating with someone to change their mind, you're letting them know that you're a volunteer and that you care enough to spend your free time talking to people to try and get Obama elected. That personal touch really could sway voters all by itself...which is the point of reaching out to these undecided people. This weekend the main focus in PA is going to be Voter Registration since their deadline is MONDAY!