Tales from a Phone Bank Newbie

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Tales from a Phone Bank Newbie

by:

ashthom

Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at 2:16:00 PM EDT

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This is my first year phone banking. At first I was very apprehensive. I had experience making calls in the past and did not enjoy it. Someone handed me an excel spreadsheet and said, call these people. I dialed with apprehension always worrying if the person would be rude or if I would trip over the words in the script. I was also alone, just me, my phone, and 2 hours to kill.

When I started my internship with Planned Parenthood I worried it would be the same. Regardless I was passionate about reproductive health so I went with it. I was surprised by how much I grew to enjoy phone banking!

Here is why I LOVE phone banks!

Phone banks are a place to connect. You get to meet other people in the community who are passionate about your issue. This leads to good discussion and new friendships. I have met some amazing people at phone banks, and they inspire and motivate me to continue working hard to protect women’s health.

Phone banks are delicious! I can’t say this for all phone banks, but ours feature food, and GOOD food! As a recent vegan and promoter of healthy living the food doesn’t just taste good, it is good for you. The food adds to the feeling of comfort and being in a welcoming place.

You DON’T get yelled at, much. At first I thought phone banking involved getting yelled at. Sometimes you do, but usually it’s too funny to upset you! Most of the people are too busy to talk so you politely tell them thank you and I think they appreciate that. People are used to telemarketers who will do ANYTHING to blab on and on about their service or product. We aren’t like that. We are there to support voters, and if they don’t have time we completely understand. Also when you get yelled at, you have room full of supportive people they. Take a few minutes off, get a cookie, and then get back when you are ready!

Now when you actually get someone on the phone there are a couple things that could happen…

You get to talk to awesome supporters! These are fun calls. You get to thank the voter for their support, and hear about their stories and experiences. At the phone bank we have heard of many different experiences from women in Ohio. While you don’t know these women very well, you feel more connected to your fellow Ohioans.

You get to convince people! Some calls will be people who are on the fence. They support women’s health but for some reason not completely sure they support your cause. This is where you get to educate. You can provide information about current policies in your state or stories you know of women who are hurting because politicians are not supporting our needs. Sometimes they will change their mind, sometimes they won’t. The good thing you got to provide correct information on your issue to the voter. That is very impactful.

You get a sense current opinion within your state around an issue. People respond to the phone bank message in different ways. It helps me learn what people in Ohio are going through and what they are concerned about. If I want to work to improve women’s health it is important to know the current culture surrounding this issue in the state.

All in all, I feel like phone banking makes me part of the political process. Voting is important, and I plan to vote, but there is more you can do to be engaged in the election. I have had a rewarding experience phone banking and I encourage other people to get involved as well. Find your issue or candidates, sign up and get calling!

November 2^nd will be here before you know it! It’s time to step up and get the right people elected!

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