I signed up to call some people on behalf of Barack Obama. Unfortunately, I really, really hate talking to people I don't know so I'm having some reservations. Someone say they'll do it with me so I don't feel so weird. Please?
I won't be making calls, but a friend of mine (and his son) are in Iowa City making calls -- Feel free to give him an email to join in over there. He's older (about 55), but super nice. His son is early 20's and works for the campaign. I know they are both making calls and would be more than willing to help you along. =) His email is chaircrusher@gmail.com Just tell him Mike Davis sent you over. ;)
You should give them a call..... doing phonebanking isn't that bad. There is a script along with answers to most questions, other people around for support, and usually food. The first 2-5 calls are scary, but once you get over the initial fear, it is quite easy (and gets boring after 2-3 hours!) good luck
OH my god i'm so glad you wrote this. My boyfriend works in a democratic office where they do phone banking, and at some point while I was in portland I explained to him that shit like that is TERRIFYING to me. And he didn't get it. It's the entire experience of entering an unfamiliar environment, doing unfamiliar things and (worst) talking to unfamiliar people. terrifying.
HOWEVER. The experience of working in this office leads me to say "do it." it won't actually be very frightening at all. If it's anything like the one I went to (and I bet it is) there will be lots of old people, a few young people, snacks, and a lively but not overwhelmingly social atmosphere. Some people will be very good at talking to people on the phone, but most people won't be great, and many people will be rude, but it won't matter.
If you want to do it, do it. you'll feel better about yourself after you do.
And on a more serious note, yes it is completely and utterly terrifying. I will leave a store empty-handed rather than ask a salesperson where something is so much do I really hate talking to people I don't know.
I just signed up online for a do it from home kind of thing. Doing it with other people sounds like it might be easier. Maybe I can arrange for that to happen.
i've done it a couple times. the first few are TERRIFYING...but mostly people don't answer their phones- or are semi-nice to you, since you open with "i'm a volunteer with the obama campaign" the first guy that answered when I was calling was drunk or high, or both, which was pretty hilarious.
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HOWEVER. The experience of working in this office leads me to say "do it." it won't actually be very frightening at all. If it's anything like the one I went to (and I bet it is) there will be lots of old people, a few young people, snacks, and a lively but not overwhelmingly social atmosphere. Some people will be very good at talking to people on the phone, but most people won't be great, and many people will be rude, but it won't matter.
If you want to do it, do it. you'll feel better about yourself after you do.
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I just signed up online for a do it from home kind of thing. Doing it with other people sounds like it might be easier. Maybe I can arrange for that to happen.
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also i would totally do barak calls with you if i were not well over 1000 miles away.
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the first few are TERRIFYING...but mostly people don't answer their phones- or are semi-nice to you, since you open with "i'm a volunteer with the obama campaign"
the first guy that answered when I was calling was drunk or high, or both, which was pretty hilarious.
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