Appendix 11

Canvassers' Guidebook

 The Community Congregation

 CANVASSER GUIDEBOOK

 Lawrence Lieder

Stewardship Drive Chair

123-4567

Your Stewardship Drive Team Leader is:

 ________________________________________                _______________________

Name                                                                                      Phone

Your role as a canvasser is a critical element of a successful Stewardship Drive.  You were asked to take on this responsibility because we trust your commitment to The Community Church.  We have confidence in your desire to perform this function in an effective and timely manner.  We appreciate your willingness to step forward in response to this request.  Thank you!

 Please do not hesitate to call your Team Leader or me if you have difficulties or questions.  The Stewardship Drive this year is critical to the healthy development of our church.  Importantly, its success will depend in large part on whether our members feel that their own aspirations to find fulfillment will continue to be met by the programs and opportunities afforded through The Community Congregation.  Let’s work together to hear and respond to those callings.  We are here to support you in the effort.

MAKING THE APPOINTMENT

Make your appointments early.  You have two weeks to complete your calls.  Give people two alternative specific times and ask which is better.  (For Example, “I’ve got Wednesday and Thursday evenings open.  Would one of those work better for you?”)  Usually they will choose one.  If you ask “What would be a good time for you in the next two weeks?” they will respond by scheduling in the second week or even on the last possible day.

 A financial commitment is important in this stewardship drive.  A conversation is equally important.  We want you to spend time with members in a relaxed setting, like their home.  Avoid canvassing at church or in the parking lot where there are distractions and interruptions.

 Do not let the Commitment Card out of your control.  Under no circumstances should you mail it out.  The second best alternative is to fill it out for them based upon a phone conversation; you can then ask if you could drop by to get them to sign it.  That’s an opening to spend a few minutes in conversation.

 There is an area on the Commitment Card for notes.  Write down any information you gain when talking to them about TCC.  Also keep notes on any attempts to contact them.  This will be very helpful in coordinating your efforts as well as to us in the mop-up phase if you do not get through to them -- for example, “4/27, 7:20, not home”. 

BEFORE THE CALL

 Review the information card.  It will usually indicate the names of the entire family, the number who are members of TCC, when they joined, whether children are in the religious education program, and the status of the current stewardship commitment.  This will be helpful to have in mind as you discuss their involvement with TCC.   Note:  This information is confidential and should not be discussed loosely with others.

 Review the Vision Budget with the person(s) you will call on in mind.  What are they most interested in?  Know the key items you will solicit their thoughts on.

 Before arriving, take a moment to center yourself on the challenge ahead of you.  You are going to guide a discussion in which the person you are visiting will make an informed responsible decision in a non-judgmental atmosphere of trust and respect.  The size of their pledge is not your responsibility – only the integrity with which you facilitate this discussion.

DURING THE CALL

 Bring the following with you: Information and Stewardship Commitment cards, Preliminary Vision Budget,    Questions and answers on pledging, and the Suggested Giving Table. 

Hand the person(s) the preliminary budget and allow them to look it over.

 You may have taken a highlighter to particular areas of the budget ahead of time.  Call attention to those details.  Find out what else is important to them for inclusion or expansion.  Ask for permission to make a note of their comments or concerns.

 Hand out a copy of the Giving Guide.  Be prepared to discuss your own giving in general terms, such as identifying your support level.  Ask the person which level they consider themselves.  Be willing to discuss with them, if they wish, the basis for the Giving Guide.

 Fill in the Stewardship Commitment card with them and have them sign and date it.

REPORTING BACK

 We would like to have contact with you six times during the Stewardship Drive:

            Saturday, March 17                10:00 - 12:00  Important training with our consultant.

            Sunday, April 15                      Kick-Off lunch at 12:30.  Pick up packets.

Wednesday, April 19              Telephone check-in with Team Leader

Saturday, April 22                    Coffee and donuts.  Turn in completed cards.

Wednesday, April 26               Telephone check-in with Team Leader

Sunday, April 29                      Final canvasser meeting.  Turn in remaining cards.

 If you will miss one of the contact times or meetings, please call your Team Leader to provide an up-to-date report.