Another first-time campaign worker here.

[MissouriTeacher]

I just got a call from the Kerry campaign asking me to help them so some canvassing on Saturday. This is my first time ever helping out with a campaign, and I have to admit, I'm a little nervous. I'm not afraid of getting doors slammed in my face or yelled at. I can handle that. It's more, what do I do if I get an honest-to-God undecided willing to listen what I have to say? Can I adequately convince them to vote for Kerry?

My natural response when someone tells me they're undecided is something along the lines of..."What?! Are you friggin' crazy?! How could you even consider voting for Bush?! Moran!!"

I think I need to come up with something better than that though. :)

[Redneck Socialist]

1. Don't sweat it

I've found that most folks are not really all that interested in talking in depth. It's more, "hi, how ya doin'? Here's some lit, 'thanks,' have a nice day," than anything else. You are correct though you need a better line then "What?! Are you friggin' crazy?!" I'd suggest using whatever issue is most important to you and talking about that if people actually want to talk. I think canvassing is fun, but I'm kinda crazy that way.

Good luck and thanks for getting involved.

[NMDemDist2]

2. i usually ask them what is their most important issue and if it's some-

thing I'm not to up on, I ask if I can follow up with more info (get their email or phone and be sure to follow up)

most folks are just glad to see us dems on the streets :)

have fun it's been a rewarding experience for me and I'm out again tonight and 3 times a week from now til Nov.

[steph_in_az]

3. Don't worry, you'll be fine.

I too am a 1st time volunteer and I have the same fears. Just stick to the issues and when you don't know how to address a question encourage them to log on to the Internet so they can read it for themselves. In my area we are on focusing on reaching out to voters and encouraging them to vote by mail, it's called the "Great Chase" campaign, we are also only focusing on registered Democrats, which really helps. I praise you for volunteering and remember, we aren't politicians, we are normal everyday people that are just fed up with the Bush administration and are willing to get out and walk the streets to prove it and change it. Good Luck!
By the way, you may ask your campaign headquarters for brochures to hand out to swing voters.
Again, Good Luck

[Neecy]

4. fear not...

The Missouri Democratic party will give you some basic run-throughs on how to canvas, and you'll have some talking points provided for the undecided based on what issues are important to them this year.

I just did a canvassing workshop with the MDP and they have some excellent people organizing the canvas. I think they'll be canvassing every weekend this month, so you'll get lots of chances to do it. Hopin' for good weather for you!

Come back and let us know how it's going...and I think it's GREAT that you're getting involved. We're gonna turn MO blue this year.

[crispini]

5. People are nice.

Don't worry about it. I canvass a LOT and people are usually nice. It helps to be a cute unthreatening female also. :)

Mostly, just listen to THEM. Approach them from the attitude that "You are a person intrinsically worth of respect." Engage them with a human attitude. If they really ARE undecided, they probably are also pretty uninformed on what's been going on. If they want to listen to you, tell them stories. Tell them your personal stories about what you think is good about John Kerry.

And, the campaign will probably have a script for you to use and will give you opportunities to practice with it beforehand. We usually do that... and we're not the Kerry campaign.

[seabeyond]

6. be honest and if you dont have answer

tell them about johnkerry.com.

the key repug talking points, flip flopping
weak on defense
liberal spending
87b
iraq vote.

review those view. about the only thing anyone knows about kerry

also two tours in duty.
enlisted a second time to go into the worst fighting on swift boat
well documented