CANVASSING WITH EMPATHY (A.K.A. Deep Canvassing) is a method of voter outreach that involves having authentic, empathic conversations with individuals about how they want government to serve them. Unlike traditional canvassing (which uses a script designed to persuade constituents to support a candidate or cause), CANVASSING WITH EMPATHY fosters a more in-depth and genuine way of connecting with voters to discuss the importance of electing leaders who represent one’s values and interests.

The purpose is to build sincere relationships with voters by actively listening to their beliefs and experiences and by sharing personal stories to foster common ground, empathy, and mutual respect.

SWING LEFT and INDIVISIBLE groups are partnering to conduct multiple trainings and canvassing efforts in key swing districts across the U.S., including Oregon’s critical 5th congressional district. The goal is to repair what’s broken in Democratic organizing by rebuilding trust and restoring faith in our electoral process. We want to hear from voters about their top concerns, and we want to make sure that candidates running for election address those concerns directly!

This is a 2-hour ZOOM event that includes role playing and examples of how to canvass. A zoom link will be sent ONE WEEK before the training to everyone who signed up.