Canvasser updates from Corb

May 30

Canvassing tips from Robert & Mary

Robert & Mary with Corb

We have both been pretty successful in obtaining signatures so Corb asked him if he would be willing to help mentor some of the newer canvassers, give them some tips.

So we sat down and brainstormed some tips that really work for us and wrote them down, in case anyone wants to try them.

Here they are:

Be visible!! Signage/tables make a difference. If you have a car, you can make a heavier sandwich board style or buy a frame to slide in a poster and carry a small folding table. Tape a smaller sign above your head on a light pole. The bigger you are, the more attention you will attract. For those using public transit, and walking around to collect signatures, smaller signs can be worn front and back, strapped over your shoulders like a walking billboard (kudos to Alina who did this back at the end of February). If nothing else make sure you have the logo on the back of your clipboard and hold it up, logo facing out!

Come prepared with adequate supplies! Carry more than one clipboard, lots of signing sheets, pens. If you have a table, lay out multiple clipboards and also hold one in your hands with our logo etc visible at a higher level. We do 3 down and 1 up. (At the Oilers game I was holding mine up above my head to be seen above the crowds.)

Show up early! 20–30 min before you “need” to be there. If an event starts at 7:30 and the master sheet says the shift is 6:30–7:30, be there at 6:00/6:10 to give yourself time to scope the area and get all set up so you are fully ready to take your signatures BY 6:30.

Use your collective time wisely. Spread out. Many people are hesitant to work alone and sign up to work together at events. BUT 100 signatures at a table with 3 people is only 33 each for a whole day/afternoon etc. when each of you could possibly get 100 if you split up. If you set up separate tables at more than one spot, even at the same location, chances are you will get more than just that 100 (ex Robert in pedway, Mary outside, both at the Citadel). Downside is you have no one to keep you company — but that just forces you to try to talk to the people coming past you! 😉

Seize the moment. Take EVERY opportunity that's offered to you. This campaign is short lived. You can get back to your regular hobbies etc after it is done… in the meantime, choose to spend your time on WNC.

Actively look for other opportunities. Check your local areas for parking lot fairs, big sales at big stores that will draw potential signers… and be willing to try things out of your comfort zone. (ex I usually stand at a table in one spot and let people come to me, but if I am at an event where people are forced to wait in a lineup, I will take my clipboards & walk the line.)

Don't stand together. If you team up with someone, watch each other in case one of you needs assistance, but stand far apart (opposite sides of the street, opposite ends of the building, one on the corner, one across from the door) so that you are taking advantage of multiple flows of traffic coming from different directions.

Stand and engage! Sitting in a chair and waiting for people to come to you is not as effective as making eye contact, interacting… standing also makes you more visible.

Don't be afraid to use your voice. Lots of people will turn their eyes away, look down as they pass you, afraid you are trying to sell them something — but if you call out (not yelling but in a loud firm voice), “water not coal petition,” “help protect our water,” “Corb Lund's petition,” “stop additional coal mining,” etc, they will hear you and some will turn and come back. Don't be obnoxious or aggressive, but use a big voice and be heard!

Have fun! Interact with the people around you in all kinds of ways: smile and wave and notice something special about them, be happy to be doing what you are doing. People will respond. 😉💗