5 Pro Tips for Door Knocking
by Kate Isham
Never-Fail Summer Canvass Checklist
Once you get over the initial intimidation of talking to a stranger, canvassing is not only one of the highest impact volunteering activities you can do for a campaign--it's also one of the most fun and rewarding, helping you make face-to-face connections with your neighbors impacted by shared issues here in MA.
But canvassing feels a little less rewarding with sunburn or a dead phone! Many times I've cursed my foolishness for neglecting to bring a snack or a large enough bottle of water. So we've provided a checklist you can pull out every time you're about to hit the doors so you can focus on those 1:1 conversations.
1 - A bag that fits on your belt or a good-quality backpack
A typical canvassing shift lasts at least two hours, so you don't want to be carrying a lot of weight. You'll have to carry your cell phone and lit in your hands for most of your shift anyway, so there's not much point in bringing a huge bag--instead, a small pouch that fits on your belt or a fanny pack is a more practical choice. If you do choose to bring a backpack, a lightweight bag or one with straps that distribute weight across your chest is going to be more comfortable than a heavy leather or canvas bag that looks nice.
2 - A water bottle that carabiners to your belt and a snack
While most campaigns will have bottled water at the rendezvous, a water bottle with a carabiner is going to be easier to carry and sturdier. If you're on team backpack, bringing a big water bottle of your own lets you carry enough for the whole shift instead of having to restock partway through.
Also--eat a big breakfast before you head out for your canvass, and if you'll be knocking past lunchtime, bring a snack. Granola and protein bars are a classic for a reason--lightweight, fit in a pocket, and pack a lot of calories.
3 - A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses--or a raincoat!
It's hard to oversell how much comfort a shade-providing hat can bring you. Ones with larger brims make a bigger difference--and can keep rain off your head as well as sun. Sunscreen and sunglasses are also a must on a day with sunny skies. If you're willing to brave the elements, a good slicker will be more comfortable and keep the rain off better than trying to wrangle with an umbrella on top of your phone and lit.
4 - Mask and hand sanitizer
Even when you're outside, it's best to make the person behind the door as comfortable as possible by keeping your mask on when you knock. (And that goes double for apartment buildings!) Hand sanitizer is good idea beyond just COVID considerations--you're touching a lot of doorbells!
5 - Battery bank
While the miniVAN app has become less of a battery hog than it was in its early days, GPS and checking your phone before each door will take its toll. Bring a battery bank so you can recharge once you're done on the doors. Pro tip: turn your phone screen-down on your clipboard or stick it in your pocket between knocks. The darkness will lower your screen brightness and save battery without having to turn off your screen between each door.
Once you have this checklist in hand, you'll never show up at a canvass again cursing that you left your favorite hydroflask or spare power bank at home. And knowing to bring a brimmed hat or a rain jacket can be the difference between a positive canvassing experience and one with a few more ups and downs, though a field organizer is usually more than happy to lend an umbrella or a bottle of sunscreen!
Canvassing is one of the most rewarding, positive, and high-impact ways of volunteering and a great way to get your weekly exercise in while making a difference in politics at the state level!
