Why an organization should consider a canvass to fulfill its mission
Should a progressive, non-profit organization utilize a canvass as part of its strategy to reach its goals? The face-to-face conversations and over-the-phone interactions that the canvass provides are among the most powerful methods of interpersonal contact available. Many advantages spring from this most basic, yet in today's world, quite radical form of communication.
- Grassroots Advantage
- Generate New Members
- Stable Funding Base
- Education and Outreach
- Generate Letters, Postcards, Phone Calls, Turnout
- Staff Development Program
Grassroots Advantage
The canvass is based on the philosophy that real political change should come from the grassroots up to the leaders. Non-profit organizations rely on their members for political clout: the more members, the more influence and pressure that can be put upon elected officials or business leaders to create the needed change. The canvass talks to thousands of people each day. The public is educated and called to action on issues that needs citizen participation to make the difference.
Generate New Members
The canvass gathers supporters through the phone and field. Hot contacts and potential leaders are identified. Organizations have built large member bases of people from diverse backgrounds, in geographically important areas. The data program tracks members' development. Political success depends on the canvass to identify and bring thousands of new members into the organization.
Stable Funding Base
The advantage of being member-funded is that an organization is not beholden to institutions that might expect political consideration in return for their financial contributions. An organization financially supported by its members will have its mission and issue work in line with the wishes of the contributors. The canvass allows organizations to be true to the people, not special interests.
Education and Outreach
A key function of the canvass program is the sharing of information, one-on-one, canvassers to members of the public. Often the issues the canvass works on are not covered adequately in the mainstream news, so the canvass is a powerful and respected voice on critical issues in the community. In addition the canvass identifies "Hot contacts" -- people who want to get more involved with campaign. All members of the organization are kept regularly updated and called upon to actively participate in campaigns.
Generate Letters, Postcards, Phone Calls, Turnout
The canvass does a "Call to Action" each time a member or supportive person is contacted. Calls to action may include having the individual send a postcard, write a letter, make a phone call, or attend an event or meeting. These are very effective political tools for demonstrating citizen support on issues.
Staff Development Program
The canvass has an extensive training and development program for staff. There are many opportunities for canvassers for career development. The canvass provides excellent training in the areas of issue advocacy, outreach and fund raising. Today's canvassers become tomorrow's leadership staff.
Without the dedication of the PAN staff to what they do, none of us would be as successful as we are in our local communities.