KNOCK ON WOOD: TIPS FOR QUALITY (AND QUANTITY) DOOR-TO-DOOR OPERATIONS – PART II

In the first part of this series, I provided several tips for preparing to go out door knocking.  A successful door-to-door operation depends upon the right people and transportation, quality lists, literature and maps, and a tactfully-branded volunteer.

In this part of this series, I will begin the discussion on maximizing efficiency while on the ground.  In this post, I will highlight the key players involved.  This discussion will assume a team of seven, enough to fill a minivan.

KEY PLAYERS

Let’s take a look at the profile of the key players involved on the ground:

Campaign Staffer – The importance of leadership and direction cannot be understated.  While some volunteers may have some experience going door-to-door, a campaign should never assume.  In addition, some methods or approaches may have changed since the last time a volunteer worked on a campaign.  The campaign staffer’s job is to:

• Explain in detail what the campaign wishes to accomplish.
• Provide instructions for how to go about achieving that goal.
• Overview best practices for door knocking.
• Review the map with the team driver and communicate any important local information that would be useful to the team.
• Provide all literature, maps, lists, gas cards, yard signs, water and food (as applicable).
• Encourage the team to do their best and thank them for their support.
• Be available by phone in case the team gets lost.
• Greet and thank the team when they return, ensure all data is appropriately recorded, and all leftover materials are returned.

Driver – The driver plays an integral role in door-to-door operations.  Minimum suggested qualifications are as follows:

• Be at least 21 years of age (25, preferred) and have a valid Driver’s License and proper insurance documentation. (Note: Most rental car companies require that drivers be at least 21 years of age and at least 25 to drive without an additional fee.  There are no age requirements for personal vehicles).
• Possess a level of maturity to ensure the safety of all team members and who is willing to help the campaign meet its stated goals.
• Be in good enough physical health to drive.  (Note: The role of the driver can be given to someone who is not able to walk long distances, but all drivers should be physically able to endure several hours of residential driving with frequent stops and movement in and out of the vehicle.)

The driver has many key responsibilities.  Specifically, the driver should:

• Continually monitor the progress of the team including whether they are achieving goals and the overall attitude and health of the team.
• Encourage the team to keep their energy up and praise them for their progress.
• Plan out the route of the operation in the most efficient means possible.
• Monitor gas consumption and refill during scheduled breaks.
• Shuttle the door knockers from their last location to the start of the next, helping them cover ground when possible.
• Promote the safety of all team members.

Door Knockers (List Keepers) – Each group of two door knockers should designate a list keeper, three in total.  This individual is responsible for recording the necessary response information for the campaign.  The campaign may wish, for example, to record information such as which addresses received literature, houses that contained supporters of their candidate, supporters of their opponent, or undecided voters, houses with yard signs, etc.  Responsibilities include:

• Recording accurate and legible data from their own knocking efforts and that of their partner’s.
• Directing their partner what doors to knock on if the partner does not have a copy of the list.
• Staying in communication with the driver as to the progress of the team.
• Ensuring that the team has enough literature each time exiting the van.
• Keeping themselves and their team member hydrated.
• Practicing safe door knocking techniques.
• Encouraging the entire team in their efforts.

Door Knockers (Team Members) – Last, but certainly not least, there will be three individuals leftover to help carry out the operation.  Responsibilities include:

• Communicating accurate response data to the list keeper.
• Ensuring the team has enough literature each time exiting the van.
• Keeping themselves and their team member hydrated.
• Practicing safe door knocking techniques.
• Encouraging the entire team in their efforts.

Part III of this series will provide tips and tricks for hitting the door-to-door ground running to ensure maximum result.