By: an IM member who loves to phonebank!
At first, phone banking seemed intimidating to me. Calling strangers on my cell phone, worried about stumbling over words, and every other worry you can think of.
BUT we get a script!!! Our cell phones are usually protected so the people we call don't see our phone numbers. There's an easy way of reporting whether:
we've reached a person (yay and they're almost always nice!),
left a voice mail (a script for that, too!),
got the wrong number (oops! Sorry!),
they're definitely NOT a Dem (we'll take you off the list, have a good day!),
the person passed away (I'm sorry for your loss. I'm sure he/she was a wonderful person. Do you happen to be Dem? and go from there).
It's easy. And I find it fun! I've gotten to talk to truly lovely people and sometimes have even gotten to carry on more than just a one minute conversation with them. People are fascinating! Some, I really wish lived closer to me as I'd love to meet for coffee.
Phone banking is an easy way to reach a great number of people in a very short span of time. People are frequently genuinely glad to hear from us! Some aren't aware of how close an election is or what it's for or where/when to vote. We help with that! There is no joy quite like helping others!