Things You Didn't Know About Phone Banking
I get it– talking on the phone is awful, especially if you’re calling a stranger. It can feel like you’re imposing on their life, and you might find you’re telling yourself a story that no one wants to hear from you… and they ESPECIALLY don’t want to hear from you if you’re calling about a political campaign.
But I invite you to think about it a little differently.
Because if you’re like me, and if you’re reading this blog it’s likely you are, chances are good that you actually do want to hear about ways you can support causes and candidates you care about.
And the reality is that calling people and talking to them, one on one, is one of the most effective ways of mobilizing a movement. Most people are sick of emails and texts; these strategies often feel impersonal and end up in spam filters.
So if you’ve ever considered attending a phone bank, here are some things to think about!
Phone banks work because they build personal connections. Real human interactions can happen over the phone, and a direct conversation can build trust and understanding. This personal approach is much more effective than other digital outreach methods, like email or social media, because it fosters immediate, two-way communication.
Phone banking allows for tailored conversations. As a volunteer, you will be trained on tailoring your message based on each voter’s response. This is something that no tv ad or letter to the editor can do! During the training portion of the phone bank, you’ll learn how to adapt your script as you discover whether the voter is supportive, neutral, or even hostile to your issue or candidate, allowing for more effective and persuasive conversations.
Data Collection: Phone banking is not just about persuading people; it’s also a way to gather valuable data. As a volunteer, you’ll be helping the campaign track which voters are supportive, undecided, or need more follow-up. This information is crucial for targeting resources and planning future outreach strategies.
Training and Scripts: Many people imagine that they might show up at a campaign office, be handed a phone and a call list, and be left to their own devices. But in the vast majority of cases, that won’t happen! You’ll be trained by true experts who will make sure you understand who you’re calling, what the goals of the phone bank are, and how to have an effective conversation. You’ll be able to practice until you’re comfortable, and someone from the campaign will be right there in case a voter has a question you don’t know the answer to. AND you’re empowered to hang up at any time if it’s clear the conversation isn’t going well.
Effect on Voter Turnout: Studies have shown that personal outreach like phone banking can have a huge impact on voter turnout, especially when the call is from a volunteer, not a paid staff member. This is because voters feel a stronger connection when they know someone is volunteering their time for a cause they believe in. In many cases, if a voter has promised a real person that they’re going to turn out on Election Day… they feel committed to that promise and will follow through.
I hope this has helped dispel some of the myths you might have heard about phone banking! There are lots of ways to get involved in issues you care about, and phone banking is an amazing way to make an impact using your voice.