Hello Volunteers!

We have a favor to ask. If you are free today at 5:00 PM PT, please attend our "Intro to Phonebanking" zoom meeting. If you're not free, it will be recorded and we ask that you watch it later.

Why are we asking you for this favor? Because over the years of doing voter outreach work, we have found that phonebanking is the most misunderstood tactic of all the work we do. It is also the most impactful form of voter outreach, after canvassing.

Multiple research studies conducted over the years have shown that 2-way conversations have the most impact. So by allowing misconceptions about phonebanking to continue, we are doing our collective work a disservice. Please read below some of the most common misconceptions about phonebanking vs. the reality.

One example we hear frequently, is, "I don't like it when strangers call me, so I'm not going to do that to someone else." The reality is that we are very fortunate here in Marin because the county's voter education efforts are excellent and access to voting is easy. For people who live in many part of the state and the country, a call from a volunteer is often a very welcome form of assistance.

So how about it? Will you come and listen with an open mind? Then, with accurate and complete information, you will be better able to decide if you might consider giving this crucial tactic a whirl. In the final stretch to November, phonebanking will be a hugely important determinant of Dems success. SIGN UP HERE FOR INTRO TO PHONEBANKING TONIGHT AT 5 PM PT.

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT PHONEBANKING

MISCONCEPTION: No one answers their phones anymore.

REALITY: Actually, a reasonable number of people do answer. Plus, the new automated dialing tools we use allow you to have many more conversations with voters, and even a few conversations with potential voters can make a difference. Most elections these days are won by very narrow margins. Even when people don’t answer, we are leaving voice mail messages which dramatically adds to the number of households we reach with vital voter information.

MISCONCEPTION: Unsolicited phone calls annoy people. I don’t like to be called, so I don’t want to bother others.
REALITY: Calls about elections are often well-received and appreciated. Many people live in places without clear voter information, or simply do not have the time to keep up with election news. They often appreciate the information a phonebanker provides.

MISCONCEPTION: Republicans won’t be convinced to change their minds.
REALITY: We don’t call Republicans. We call Democrats and Independents to make sure that they are aware of an upcoming election, where they can vote, and how the candidate for whom we are calling will act on issues they care about.

MISCONCEPTION: I don’t know anything about the candidate so I won’t be able to answer questions on their backgrounds and positions
REALITY: It is fairly rare for conversations with voters to get that detailed. However, you’ll be provided with an overview of their positions. If you don’t have an answer, you can refer them to the campaign’s website or request that a campaign staffer get back to them.

MISCONCEPTION: I’m not comfortable talking to people I don’t know.
REALITY: You're not alone. Most phonebankers feel that way. But they plunge in anyway and find that it gets easier over time. We do many things in life that take us outside of our comfort zone. That’s a good thing for personal growth. And, in this case, it’s a good thing for our country.

We hope to see you today at 5:00 PT! SIGN UP HERE.

The IndiMarin Steering Committee - Betty, Amy, Laurie, Joy, Andie, Betsy and Susan