I admit it: I feel intensely ambivalent about canvassing. I tell myself why it's hard, and why I don't like it. And then, I force myself to do it and discover, again, that I actually really like it after all.
Why it's fun:
* I get to see all kinds of neighborhoods, from poor to wealthy, that I wouldn't ordinarily see. That's an almost-literal grounding for me, since I seem otherwise to tread only the same familiar paths. It's eye-opening and informative to see such a disparity in my very own municipality.
* I get to be outside, walking in the sunshine. Well, at least we've had sunshine lately. Doesn't look too good for this coming weekend. Still, it's good to be out before the snow flies!
* I get to meet other activists at the campaign office. That's fun, too, since we might not have a chance to see each other normally. Yesterday I ran into a young woman I hadn't seen in several months, only to observe that she is VERY pregnant. We had a great talk about that whole topic, and about what kind of political organizing she might be able to do later, as a SAHM. (With a new baby, she might not be able to do much, I realize. But next summer, she'll be ready to go.)
* I get to do something about a cause near and dear to my heart. Yes, of course, I love to blog and to be in dialogue with everyone here. But you know, it's not quite as satisfying as going door to door to encourage people to take part. It's much more beneficial to me personally and to the campaigns for me and the thousands of other canvassers (and callers) to be taking our message to the streets.
Mostly, though, I do enjoy meeting people, having little conversations, checking in. I had a lovely first conversation my first time out with a black man about my age, who apologized for greeting me in his pajamas though it was mid-afternoon. He explained that it was his birthday, and then after I wished him many happy returns he said he was very grateful for every one, having had a brutal bout with liver cancer only a few years back. So then we were both off and running with our survivor stories, always something I appreciate. In the end, he took a whole stack of campaign lit to hand out in his church congregation (shhhh) in Detroit, and he offered to do poll greeting on election day. These last two wouldn't have happened if someone hadn't reached out to him.
Another day, I had a funny chat with an adorable black girl, maybe about 12 years old, who rolled her eyes when talking about her neighbor down the street with the forest of signs for Republican candidates. She said, "I just don't know why he does that," which was certainly an inspiring sign of engagement from someone her age. Her mom was similarly committed to the Democratic candidates, but more tactful.
I have had conversations with folks not on my official list, but who were resident at the address given. One of them was a white man of indeterminate age, probably younger than I but appearing at least ten years older, who was about to work on his car in the front yard. He said he was likely to vote Republican, so then I asked if he was open to persuasion at all. He hesitated, so then I followed up with observing that Terri Lynn Land hadn't been doing a very good job campaigning. He allowed as how that might be so, and took the lit I had for Gary Peters. So we'll see. Who knows? I think what matters is making the effort. I did not disparage his POV, and in these polarized days maybe that counts for something too.
These are only a few of my encounters, not even all of my favorites, and I've had only a few days of canvassing so far. (Booked for the weekend, though!) I haven't had any hostile reactions, and I've had a pretty good return on those who answer their door, even though this list is not filtered for Lean Dem.
Please join me for a few more tips below the fold.
A week or so ago, tmservo433 posted an excellent diary with canvassing basics. If you go, the campaign staff will give you a script and some talking points, and answer any questions you have. But tms' diary is still a great place to start.
Given the vagaries of the MI weather, that's the other main suggestion I'd offer if you venture out this weekend. Dress in layers and take stuff with you that you can leave in your car. (This is a task that requires driving and parking, walking a bit, then driving and parking some more, etc.) They ought to have water bottles to hand out, and likely snacks, too. Hey--contributions of food and water will be welcome this weekend, so if that's what you can offer to the cause, check with your local office.
When we vote, we win. Schauer's victory, for sure, will be dependent on turnout. Lon Johnson, MDP Chair, is fond of reminding us that nearly 1,000,000 Democrats who voted in 2008 didn't vote in 2010. If we can get only half of them--plus those who are disaffected by Snyder--to vote for our side, we can do it.
And that's the last link I want to include for now: the website for the Michigan Democratic Party. They're--we're--working hard to turn MI blue (sorry, Spartans). The site has a list of every campaign office; likely there's one near you. It makes such a big difference to be part of this effort. Please see what you can do to help out. Let's go win!