Door-to-Door Campaign
It can be an intimidating prospect, talking to strangers about one of the most hot-button issues of our time. But once you get the hang of it, going door-to-door can be fun and super impactful, especially in the weeks leading up to a big election or policy decision. In addition to educating your community on the issues at hand, it can also be helpful in getting signatures for a petition. Use the event guide below to plan a Door-to-Door Campaign with your group!
Step 1
Select your door-to-door campaign. Here are some questions to consider.
- Is there an important election approaching?
- Is your local government voting on an abortion-related bill, like Fetal Pain or Ultrasound?
- Is Planned Parenthood re-opening its doors in your town?
- Has the abortion facility nearest you had any recent scandals?
- Do you want to take a poll on a certain abortion-related topic?
Step 2
Select your location, date, and time.
- Choose a local neighborhood in which you feel safe; avoid gated communities.
- These campaigns are flexible, as you don’t need permission from anyone. Choose the date that works best for your group, keeping in mind that more people will answer their doors on weekends.
- Don’t go door-to-door any earlier than 10am, or any later than 8pm. If possible, avoid the general “dinner time."
Step 3
Recruit friends and know your topic.
- Recruit friends to go door-to-door with you! Don't go to a door alone, but don’t exceed two people per door; any more would make your target audience feel ganged up on.
- Be knowledgeable about your topic and have talking points ready to go.
Step 4
Gather materials.
- If you’re asking people to sign a petition, have it on a clipboard with a pen, ready to put in their hands.
- If the goal of your campaign is education, have your materials in hand and ready to pass out.
- If you have the time and funds, make a door hanger related to your campaign to leave at houses where no one was home.
Step 5
Get out there!
- If someone answers the door and is rude or doesn’t want to talk, exit gracefully. For example, “Thank you, have a nice day/evening.”
- If you’re trying to get a certain number of signatures on a petition or similar, try not to spend all your time dialoguing with someone who’s pro-choice. Try to exit kindly and thank them for their time.
- If you ever feel unsure about a situation, leave. Your safety is the most important thing.
SFLA Resources to Request from your Regional Coordinator:
- “We Need Legal Abortion (FALSE)" info cards
- “Public Policy” training
- "Apologetics 101" training
Email [yourstate]@studentsforlife.org to connect with your SFLA Regional Coordinator!
Request a Training From Your Regional Coordinator
Click here to request the "Public Policy" or the "Apologetics 101" training for this event from your Regional Coordinator.
Get Involved with Students for Life Action
Polish your public policy skills by getting involved with Students for Life Action. Click the button below to see what opportunities they have to get involved.
Join the Campaign for Abortion Free Cities
Practice your door-to-door outreach and educate your community about life-affirming resource centers through the Campaign for Abortion Free Cities. Click the button below to get involved!
Other Public Policy Event Ideas
Log into SFLAHQ for more resources to Impact Government!
- Attend a Town Hall Meeting
- Organize a Lobby Day
- Meet with Local Lawmakers
- Petition Tabling
- Go Door Knocking
- and many more!