Shift Lead Guide

You've been asked to be a shift lead — congratulations! This means someone trusts you to keep things running smoothly. Don't worry, it's not as daunting as it sounds. This guide covers everything you need to know.

Your Role as Shift Lead

As a shift lead, you're the point person for your shift. You're not the boss — you're the facilitator. Your job is to make sure volunteers have what they need to do great work. Here's what that looks like:

• Welcome volunteers as they arrive and make them feel included

• Run the briefing — explain the goals, the script, and the territory

• Check in volunteers using the ActionGrid check-in tool

• Assign walk lists or phone/text lists to each volunteer

• Be available for questions and troubleshooting during the shift

• Wrap up with a debrief and make sure data is synced

Your shift lead dashboard — see who's here and what's assigned

First Time Leading?

Arrive 15 minutes early, introduce yourself to everyone, and remember that nobody expects perfection. Your enthusiasm and organization matter more than experience.

Checking In Volunteers

When volunteers arrive, you'll use the check-in tool to mark them as present. This matters for two reasons: it tracks attendance for the campaign, and it unlocks the volunteer's assignments for the shift.

• Open your shift from the Shift Lead panel in ActionGrid

• You'll see a list of everyone who RSVP'd for your shift

• As each person arrives, tap the check mark next to their name

• If someone shows up who didn't RSVP, tap Add Walk-In to add them on the spot

The dashboard updates in real time, so the event organizer can see check-in progress from anywhere.

Tap the check mark as each volunteer arrives — walk-ins welcome too

Handling No-Shows

It happens — some people don't show up. Don't take it personally. Here's how to handle it:

• Wait 10-15 minutes past the start time before marking someone as a no-show

• Tap the No-Show option next to their name

• Redistribute their assignments among the volunteers who did show up

• If you're short on people, let the event organizer know — they may be able to recruit last-minute help

Assigning Walk Lists

For canvass shifts, walk lists are the heart of the operation. Each walk list is a set of addresses for a volunteer to visit.

• After checking in your volunteers, go to the Assignments tab

• You'll see available walk lists for your turf, each with an address count and estimated time

• Drag a walk list to a volunteer, or tap Auto-Assign to let ActionGrid distribute them evenly

• Pair new volunteers with experienced ones when possible — it makes a huge difference

Assign walk lists by dragging or let Auto-Assign handle it

For phone bank or text bank shifts, the process is similar but uses contact lists instead of walk lists. The system automatically distributes contacts so no two volunteers call or text the same person.

Pairing Tip

If someone says it's their first time canvassing, pair them with a veteran. Have them shadow for the first few doors before going solo. This builds confidence fast and means better conversations at every door.

Track progress in real time during the shift

End of Shift

When the shift wraps up, there are a few things to take care of:

• Gather everyone for a quick debrief. Ask: What went well? Any interesting conversations? Any issues?

• Collect materials — if you distributed physical materials (clipboards, flyers), get them back

• Sync data — make sure every volunteer's ActionGrid app has synced. If anyone was in an area with spotty signal, have them connect to Wi-Fi and sync before leaving

• Thank everyone — seriously, a genuine thank-you goes a long way. Acknowledge specific contributions if you can

• Submit your shift report — tap End Shift in the Shift Lead panel. You'll see a summary of doors knocked, contacts made, and hours logged. Add any notes and submit

The shift report captures your team's total impact

You Did It!

Running a shift gets easier every time. After a few, it'll feel like second nature. Your volunteers are lucky to have you leading the way.

• Learn how to create your own events

• Communicate effectively with your team