Dorm Storming

This is another great way to get your message out. The approach is similar to tabling.

First, create a one-page flyer or leaflet to hand out to students. The same general guidelines apply as discussed in our Action Campaign: Flyers & Posters & Quartercards. Since most students will not read the entire piece, you want the main message to be large and clear. However, the piece should have more information for people who are interested. At the very least, it should contain the following sorts of information: a) how much money is in politics, b) why this is a problem, c) what we can do about it, d) something about Democracy Matters both as a national movement and your local group, and e) who they can contact to get involved.

You then divide up your group. Everybody agrees to take a dorm (or more). You select a couple of nights. People go door-to-door in the dorms (in teams if they want to). At each door, you want to have some short prepared speech. For example:

“Hi. My name is ____________. I am part of a new student group called Democracy Matters. We are trying to get students on our campus involved in fixing our political system by changing the way we fund political campaigns. Did you know that?.. (a couple of your favorite facts). Students on campuses all over the country are getting active. On our campus, we have a group. We are doing?? Here is a flyer that explains the issue and our group. It also has information on how you can get involved.”

You then want to hand them a flyer. You might also consider giving them one for their roommate. This is a great way to start a conversation among roommates!

Or you can ask them to sign a petition, or write a short letter to their elected representative which you will take and mail for them. Have sample letters with you (see Democracy Matters’ letter writing campaign instructions). Or you can ask them to email their representative (contact Democracy Matters staff for information on this procedure).

Sometimes people worry that they will be asked a question that they cannot answer. PLEASE STRESS TO YOUR GROUP that this is a good thing. It is a chance to get educated. If you get asked a question you should follow a simple four step process:

1. Write the question down and promise the person that you will get them an answer (get their email address).
2. Email us the question.
3. Email our response to the person.
4. Email our response to the rest of the Democracy Matters group so everybody can learn!

Dorm canvassing (or neighborhood canvassing around your college or university) is a great way to involve people and show them your commitment to this important issue. Remember the goals: (1) to educate people about the issue and your group, (2) to build a membership base, and (3) to get the members of your group active.