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Building a Culture of Empathy | What Are Empathy circles? [1]

['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.']

Date: 2023-07-25

One of the most important aspects of GOTV or Get Out The Vote is canvassing. This can take the form of setting up a table at the local farmers market, walking door to door, open house events, phone banking, and even on social media. This outreach could be a pure nonpartisan activity just to register or assist voters or it could be part of a political campaign.

I’m sure every organization has scripts, pamphlets, handouts, data collection surveys, and talking points that will be used to prepare the team before they hit the streets. I want to add the skill of Reflective Listening and a simple intro script to your GOTV tool kit. The skill is learned through participating in an Empathy Circle and a sample script follows.

Sample Script For Telephone Canvassing

“Hello, can I speak to (voter's name) please? Hello (voter's name) my name is (name). I'm calling on behalf of (organization). I'm calling to find out your views on the (One issue only).” The voter then says something.

This Is Where The Script Changes

After the voter finishes up speaking to that one point, rather than moving to the next talking point the canvasser reflects what the voter said. For example this is how canvasser reflects. “Thank you. I hear you saying you haven't made up your mind on this issue.” Or, “Yes, I hear you saying you do not trust my candidate.” The canvasser would add other details on what they heard the voter say.

Then full stop. The canvasser then waits for the voter to speak again. And they most certainly will. And the canvasser reflects again. This process of giving the voter an opportunity to feel heard allows the canvasser to size up the voter and decide on the next actions. And it builds an initial trust in the voter. Often the best segue is not reflecting but offering up an agreement. After reflecting a bit and listening to the voter often they will say something you can agree with.

It is at this point that you should have a feel if it is worth your time to continue. If they are absolutely opposed to your effort it is time to thank them and say good by. Or, at this time you might launch into your prepared script.

Following this simple process makes your team’s job easier. It solves the initial starting problem of effective canvassing by letting the voter feel heard. And when this occurs there is a better chance that they will listen to you or vote for your candidate or ballet measure.

So how do we train to be good reflective listeners? Well, jump the fold and I will introduce you to the process of empathy circles that can train you to be a good reflective listener. And as a bonus empathy circles can be used to build team unity and solidarity.

A

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[1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/7/25/2183148/-Building-a-Culture-of-Empathy-What-Are-Empathy-circles

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