Getting Started with Phone Banking

Phone banking is one of the most flexible ways to volunteer — you can do it from your couch, your kitchen table, or anywhere with a phone and an internet connection. Here's how to get started.

What Is Phone Banking?

Phone banking means calling voters on behalf of a campaign. You follow a script, have a short conversation, and record their response. It's like canvassing, but without the walking.

Campaigns use phone banking for:

• Voter ID — finding out who supports your candidate

• Persuasion — sharing information about issues and candidates

• GOTV (Get Out the Vote) — reminding supporters to vote

• Event recruitment — inviting people to rallies and events

What You Need

• A phone — your personal cell phone works perfectly

• Internet access — to use the ActionGrid dialer and see your script

• A quiet spot — background noise makes it harder for both of you

• Water — you'll be talking a lot!

• 30-120 minutes — most phone bank shifts are 1-2 hours

Caller ID

When you use the ActionGrid dialer, the caller ID shows the campaign's phone number, not yours. Your personal number stays private.

Setting Up

• Sign up for a phone bank shift through ActionGrid

• When your shift starts, open the shift page on your phone or computer

• Tap Start Calling to load the dialer

• You'll see the script and voter info on screen before each call

• The system dials for you — just wait for someone to pick up

The phone bank shift page where you begin your session

The dialer interface once you start calling

Your First Session

First time phone banking? Here's what to expect:

• Many calls go to voicemail — that's totally normal

• You'll probably feel nervous for the first 3-4 calls, then it gets easy

• Most conversations last 2-5 minutes

• People are generally polite, even if they disagree

• You'll find a rhythm pretty quickly

The script view with voter info displayed alongside your talking points

Call controls let you manage the call and record responses

Pro Tip

Practice reading the script out loud a few times before your first call. It helps you sound natural instead of like you're reading.

Next Steps

• Making your first call

• Phone banking best practices