How to Build a Powerful Deep Canvass Program
Session Type(s): Training
Training Tag(s): Grassroots Organizing/Campaigns
Starts: Friday, Jul. 14 2:45 PM (Central)
Ends: Friday, Jul. 14 3:45 PM (Central)
Room: PDR #2
Deep canvassing is the only field tactic that has been found, through extensive study, to change voter attitudes and behavior long-term, both in person and on the phone. Join us to learn more about the latest in deep canvassing and to receive training on the aspects of how to build a power-building and persuasion program. We’ll share key case studies that demonstrate how deep canvass programs have been built to create change and build power on a variety of issues and contexts.
Trainers
Drew Frye
Drew’s passion is building massive volunteer teams to take strategic action in the progressive issue-based organizing space.
Drew began his decade of experience in deep canvassing as a volunteer in college at UCLA fighting for gay marriage with the LA LGBT Center’s Leadership LAB. After organizing a cohort of fellow students, Drew became a full-time staff member at the LAB from 2015-2017, developing and implementing deep canvasses on trans rights, abortion, voter turnout, and more. In the years since Drew helped develop the first deep canvass on prison abolition, and during the 2020 presidential election he ran a remote campaign with SURJ in Georgia that led to 34,000 deep canvass-style phone conversations.
Today Drew supports labor unions and nonprofit organizations to employ the tools and learnings of deep canvassing in issue based organizing. Residing in his home of Santa Cruz California, Drew spends his free time rock climbing, surfing, and walking among redwood trees.
Heather Schmucker
Heather is a queer organizer, storyteller, and trainer working on unceded Peoria land in Chicago. She began her career at the intersection of arts and social justice as producer for About Face Theatre, Chicago’s LGBTQ+ theatre company. In 2017, she transitioned into work as an organizer on electoral campaigns up and down the ballot with a focus on digital organizing. In 2019, she trained in deep canvassing with New Conversation Institute and Planned Parenthood of Northern New England where she knocked her first door to have a conversation with a stranger about abortion. Before joining the Deep Canvass Institute full-time earlier this year, Heather served as the Director of Career Development at Arena where she coached current and aspiring campaign staffers on their job searches. Heather will nerd out with you anytime about reality television, emergent strategy, mutual aid, or documentaries on any topic.