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Free script

Volunteer recruitment script for campaigns

A volunteer recruitment script turns a supporter into a booked shift. The key is to ask for one specific time, not for help in general.

Jump to the scriptDownload as a text file

Free. No sign-up. Change the parts in [BRACKETS].

The script

Change the parts in [BRACKETS] for your race. Read it once, then talk like a neighbor.

  1. Open

    Hi [NAME], it's [YOUR NAME] with [CANDIDATE]. Thanks for signing up at [EVENT]. Do you have two minutes?

  2. Share why

    We're [NUMBER] days out, and the race is close. We need neighbors talking to neighbors.

  3. Make one clear ask

    Can you knock doors with us this Saturday from 10am to 12pm? We meet at [PLACE].

  4. If yes

    Great! I'll text you the address and send a reminder Friday. Do you want to bring a friend?

  5. If not that day

    No problem. Would next Saturday work, or a phone bank on Tuesday night?

  6. If no

    That's okay. Can I check back with you in two weeks?

  7. Close

    Thank you! See you [DAY] at [TIME].

Text message version

Hi [NAME], it's [YOUR NAME] with [CANDIDATE]! We're knocking doors this Sat 10am-12pm at [PLACE]. Can you join us? Reply YES and I'll save you a spot.

Download the script as a text file

Tips that make it work

  • Ask for one shift with a day, time, and place. Vague asks get vague answers.
  • Call within two days of someone signing up, while they still remember.
  • Confirm every shift the day before. It is the biggest lever on turnout.
  • Ask every new volunteer to bring one friend.
  • Keep track of who comes. The people who show up are the ones to ask first next time.

What to say when people push back

Common responses and what to say
They sayYou say
"I'm not good at talking to strangers."Most people feel that way. You'll go with a partner, and we have other jobs too, like making calls.
"I'm too busy."Even two hours helps. Is there one weekend that works?
"I don't know enough about the issues."You don't need to. We give you a short script and a training before you start.
"Maybe."Let me hold a spot for you, and I'll text you Friday to check.

How many volunteers will you need?

Enter your sites and dates. You get your number in seconds and a shift plan to download. No sign-up.

Check how many volunteers you need, free

Volunteer recruitment script questions

How do you recruit campaign volunteers?

Ask supporters for a specific shift soon after they sign up, then confirm the day before. Most volunteers say yes to a clear ask.

What is the best way to ask?

A phone call works best. A text is a good follow-up. Group emails rarely fill shifts.

How many volunteers will actually show up?

Plan for 50 to 70 percent of yeses to show up. A confirmation the day before raises that.

How do I keep volunteers coming back?

Thank them, give them a real job, and ask for the next shift before they leave.

Related

Check how many volunteers you need, free