Hosts and Hostesses
You should have hosts and hostesses to greet the volunteers when they come through the headquarters door to set and maintain a congenial and friendly atmosphere. They will do such things as sign in the volunteers, give them their identification badges, give them their canvass kits before they meet the instructors, serve them refreshments, and answer any general questions the volunteers may have.
WHAT SHOULD THE INSTRUCTORS DO?
The Instructors are perhaps the most important people in your organization. The Instructors inform the volunteers-- in groups of 10 to 20-- of the program goals and instruct them in how they will help carry out these objectives. The Instructors must be friendly, articulate individuals who will train and instill in the door-to-door volunteers a firm understanding of their mission. The Instructors could be teachers or professors, veteran Republican office-holders, or Republican leaders who have captured the imagination and following of others.
Walkin’ Willie Sez
"You know, you really have to tell these folks - the volunteers - just what to do and how. After all, most of them are doing this door-to-door canvassing for the first time. Many of them have some fears and doubts. You can help calm these fears and give them confidence with clear-cut and concise instructions."
"Also, never allow them to go out canvassing alone. ALWAY8 8END OUT TEAMS OF TWO TO GO TO THE SAME DOORS. One person makes the process look "empty" and doesn’t give the impression that the effort is a Party effort. Also, that person may need help in writing down information or gathering material to leave at the door. Although two people should appear at the door, it is a good idea if only one person does the talking and questioning while the other listens and assists where necessary. The teams can take turns in this procedure."
"More than two or maybe three people at a door gives the appearance of a "gang" and may well intimidate the person or persons being canvassed."
"When instructing your volunteers at headquarters, make it as simple and direct as possible and don’t take a long time or you’ll lose their attention. 5 minutes should be enough time. Just tell ‘em what they need to know, give them the canvass materials, and send ‘em on their way."
