(4 min read)
We have a lot of experience helping campaigns and organizations knock doors. Many of our staff are former campaign workers and community organizers. Here is a list of tips and tricks we learned from our experience, so you can get the most out of our canvassing tools.
Download the MiniVANual
Preparing canvassers to use MiniVAN
Good training materials help your canvassers hit the ground running.
View this sample Mobile Canvassing Guide
Read more about canvassing with MiniVAN
Share our video
Your volunteers are eager to support your work. Consider creating your own guide or video featuring your candidate or someone from your organization to walk participants through MiniVAN. Their enthusiasm will motivate volunteers to show up on time and bring a great attitude to the door.
Training canvassers in your staging location
Hosting a training for your volunteers before a canvass is a great opportunity to ensure they’re comfortable using MiniVAN and excited to volunteer. The goal of these trainings is to boost their confidence and prepare them for likely conversations they'll have on doors.
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Keep your training short, simple, and upbeat
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Print out screenshots of the app to walk everyone through the steps of their canvass, from downloading the app or syncing their results
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Read through your script(s)
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Have more experienced canvassers role play conversations on doors. Just be sure to review what they will explain or share beforehand.
Sending reminder emails or making confirmation calls
The day before a canvass, send a reminder email with instructions on how to download and get started with MiniVAN. If you don't have email addresses for everyone, or want to go the extra mile, get them on the phone!
When you send your message or talk to your canvassers, ask them to:
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Download MiniVAN from the Apple or Google Play store or, if they've used MiniVAN before, update the app
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Run any pending software updates on their device
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Create an ActionID to log in, if they're comfortable doing this on their own. If you are using a Daily Access Code, your volunteers will be prompted to enter it after they log in.
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Bring a well-charged smartphone or tablet and, if possible, a charger
It's also a good idea to reassure less tech-savvy canvassers and let them know that:
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There will be a training beforehand
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These steps are not required before showing up
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You expect to have other new canvassers (if this is true) or that you have new canvassers all the time
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They can partner with a more experienced canvasser
Also, if you're providing snacks and water, letting people know can help them feel welcome.
Sending your canvassers out on the doors
If you can, have your canvassers enter their list number before they head out so you can resolve any questions or concerns before they're in the field.
The following tips are applicable to list canvassing:
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If someone prefers to canvass with a partner, have the two canvassers enter the same list number. This is called Team Canvassing, and can be helpful during GOTV when you might not have time to refresh turfs between canvasses.
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MiniVAN defaults to a Map view but your canvassers can toggle to the Household view. Map view uses more battery than Household view does, so your users will be alerted in the app to switch to Household view if their battery is running low.
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Selecting Find My Next Door will show canvassers all houses, ordered by distance. With the closest houses at the top of the list, canvassers can quickly get started on the most efficient route.
Improving your canvass experience
Reinforce re-shift ask
The best volunteer is one you already have, so be sure to include a mobilize URL in your MiniVAN campaign. Your volunteers will be prompted to sign up for the selected event when they finish canvassing. Choose to link to a specific event or a list of events.
Pair new canvassers with experienced canvassers
Share positive canvassing stories that include great experiences on MiniVAN and pair newer or less tech-savvy volunteers with seasoned ones who are comfortable showing them the ropes. Many people use smartphones every day, but helping those who may not will create a more welcoming space, help build trust, and validate new tools.
Create a phone charging station
Have a power strip with multiple phone chargers available for your volunteers to use. There should be chargers for iPhone, Androids, and tablets.
Invest in a few tablets
Mobile canvassing saves your campaign money you may otherwise have to spend on printers, toner, and paper, as well as time and energy with data entry. Re-invest these savings in your canvass operation by purchasing a couple of tablets. This will ensure all volunteers are able to participate in your canvass, even if they don't own a smartphone or feel comfortable using their own device.
Phone data is not required to use MiniVAN. Canvassers can download the list and sync the results back using WiFi. If canvassers don't have a signal at any point during their canvass, MiniVAN will queue up data when they're off the grid and will be able to sync the data when they get back in range.
Make a decision and commit to it
If you're switching from paper canvassing to mobile canvassing, make a total transition. Let your team and volunteers know that your canvass is a mobile operation. Don't offer the option to continue using paper walk packets.