by Sue Savoy, Progressive Massachusetts Western Norfolk County
On Saturday, May 4, Progressive Mass Western Norfolk County co-hosted a Canvasser’s Training at the Norfolk Public Library. Other co-hosts included the Bellingham, Franklin, Medfield, Milford, and Plainville Democratic Town Committees. Justin Bates of Progressive Mass Salem provided a dynamic training, inspiring local activists to knock doors this election season and beyond. Justin Bates was the campaign manager for Massachusetts Senator Becca Rausch’s successful 2022 run for the State House. Twenty-two people attended the training.
Door knocking is a time-tested strategy.
Justin discussed the barriers to canvassing and asked participants to consider their personal ideals when preparing to knock on doors for candidates and political issues. In today’s divisive political climate, many folks reported being nervous about going door to door. Justin noted that targeted planning can result in energizing and positive results, especially when planners design turfs (house-by-house walk lists) to include friendly doors based on voting history.
Justin explained that door knocking is a time-tested and highly effective strategy for energizing voters. During the Freedom Summer of 1964, for example, it was a central tactic used by civil rights activists, many of them college students, to register Black Missisipians to vote. Participants in the canvasser training took time to share personal stories in small working groups about what brought them to activism. They then reflected upon their most important values that led them to the training, and finally, practiced crafting their canvassing messages leading with those values.
Kevin Kalkut of Norfolk, candidate for 9th Norfolk State Representative shared the importance of canvassing to make personal connections with voters and inspire them to vote on election day.
Leading with personal values sends a clear message to voters.
Participants reported feeling excited to hit doors following the training. Leading with personal values is a potent way to feel empowered and send a clear message to voters on the issues we care about. After the training several of the attendees spent the afternoon knocking on doors for a progressive school committee candidate.
Canvassing training is offered by groups including Swing Blue Alliance, and you can find many examples on Youtube, including this introduction to canvassing from Indivisible Brooklyn with AOC.
Sue Savoy is on the Steering Committee of the Progressive Massachusetts Western Norfolk County Chapter.
Republished from Progressive Mass website.
