Questions about volunteering for Obama...

[parabolabear]

It's my first free weekend in a LONG TIME and I'm going to the HQ in Manhattan tomorrow with four friends. None of us are old enough to vote. We can still make calls and do data entry jobs, right? We won't be only allowed to make coffee runs or anything like that? I called the HQ yesterday but got the machine - just want to double check that we can do the dirty work!

Also...what are your personal any tips for making calls? We'll be making registration AND persuasive calls - I know I'm gonna start off doing data entry because I'm afraid I'd screw up terribly on the phones or sound like a bumbling fool. What sort of things do people usually ask? What are some good ways to begin or end the conversation other than "good morning/afternoon, I'm calling on behalf of Barack Obama's yadda yadda yadda"? Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated!

Thank you in advance and have a great Columbus Day weekend, DU :)

[NightWatcher]

1. they'll put you to work and train you how to do it well. Cool pic

dont worry, and have fun the Obama groups are great people.

[grantcart]

2. they will know exactly what the best job is for you

there are no 'small jobs' in a great campaign


if you call or canvass don't try and convince anybody - ask questions and people will tell them why they want to vote for somebody then you can help guide them to their decision.

have fun

you will remember this for decades into the future - these are officially the "good old days".

[parabolabear]

4. ahhhh i was nervous before but now i'm just excited! n/t

[lisa58]

3. good for you - let us know how it goes - there will be plenty for you to do...

...they have a script you will work from when making calls - don't worry - just care about the person you are calling and you'll be fine.

[livetohike]

5. Thank you for volunteering

If they put you to work making phone calls, you will be given a list of people (and their numbers) to call. You will also be given a script to read from :-). It's easy, just try to sound like you would when you're talking to a friend. And smile while you are talking, it really does come through on the phone.

Have fun!

[parabolabear]

7. thanks! i know this is mentioned on the website but i can't get over it...

if they ask me a question about the Obama/Biden policy on "issue X/Y/Z" and i dont have the answer...according to the Obama website, it's okay and i'm not expected to know everything, i can just direct them to a place where they CAN get that information...according to my brain, it will reflect badly upon the campaign or something like that!

[livetohike]

9. They should have "Issue sheets" available for you to use

It's broken down into categories with a paragraph or two for each. Like this:

Economy:


Environment:


Education:

etc. You'll be fine :-). You can just read right from the page. If they put you on the phones and they don't give you an Issue sheet, just ask for one.

[FLyellowdog]

6. They'll train you.

You'll have a script to go by when phoning. This is only necessary until you feel more comfortable with talking to strangers. I try to use a nice, clear, moderated voice and I don't call the other person by their name until I've identified myself (I'm not trying to fool them into thinking it's a friend calling.You MUST identify yourself as working for the Obama Campaign.)

Be courteous even if they say things that are unkind. Most of the people aren't hateful, but every now and then you'll get a repug who is less than nice. Just thank them, say something like have a nice day or have a blessed day and hang up.As you talk,you'll be making notes on a prepared spreadsheet or something of the sort.

If you ask them about what issues they are interested in, have information in front of you that you can refer to if need be. If you can't answer their questions, ask if you can have someone else call them later with the information they want. Then see that you pass that request on to someone else in the office.

I also ask if they need transportation to the polls. If so, make those arrangements if your district is doing that.Remind them not to wear campaign items to the polls if your state has a law against "passive electioneering."

It's fun and really does work to move the campaign ahead. Good luck and thanks for your help.

[parabolabear]

8. this is so helpful! thank you, really :)

[tigereye]

10. good for you!

it's fun and easy, I'm sure you all will do well. I've been making phone calls for candidates for years and most people are polite or if they don't want to talk to you, will simply hang up or just tell you no thanks. But most people are very nice.


My 12 year old has already helped out on the 2006 campaign (labelled canvassing packets) and put together yard signs (this year)


:thumbsup: