[1]Swing LeftSwing Left
Hi John,
[ [link removed] ]Ground Truth starts with a simple idea: before Democrats try to
persuade voters, we first need to listen to them. Through this innovative
program, Swing Left volunteers talk with all voters in swing House
districts (not just the “likely” voters), engaging in substantive
conversations that focus on listening openly and non-judgmentally to
voter’s concerns.
When people hear that, the next question is often, “Okay, but what does
that actually sound like in practice?”
If you’re available later today, January 24th at 1 PM EST, the best way to
see how Ground Truth works is to try it yourself at a phone bank!
[ [link removed] ]Here’s a link to RSVP.
[ [link removed] ]Sign up to phone bank
These conversations are designed to feel natural, and focus on
listening—to build trust and unearth insights often missed by traditional
canvassing.
Here’s how a typical Ground Truth conversation goes:
First, you’ll start by introducing yourself and being transparent about
why you’re getting in touch. You’ll explain that you’re a volunteer with
Ground Truth, which is helping Democrats make sure we’re spending less
time talking and more time really listening, and hearing opinions from
everyone. You can make this tailored to you. The most important thing is
curiosity and openness.
Then, you’ll proceed to ask the first question on the script, “Would you
say things in this country are headed in the right direction, or on the
wrong track?” If the voter is open to conversation, you can ask a follow
up question and ask them to elaborate. Afterwards, you’ll then move on to
the following questions, both on a 0 to 10 scale, to better understand
what their voting plan is.
1. How likely are you to vote this year?
2. If you do vote, how likely are you to vote for a Democrat?
These aren’t “gotcha” questions. They’re just a way to understand where
someone is starting from. What matters most is the follow-up:
* “Why is that the right number for you?”
* “What keeps you from being all the way a 10 or all the way a 0?”
That’s often where people start to open up.
From there, the conversation becomes more open-ended. You might ask
questions like:
* “Have you always felt this way about voting?”
* “What issues are you thinking about most right now?”
* “Is there something that if a politician could make happen, would make
a big difference in your life?”
Deep listening means staying attentive, not corrective, so if you ever get
stuck, “Tell me more about that” is always enough.
Before wrapping up, you’ll reflect back on what you heard to make sure you
understood the voter correctly. Then you’ll ask for contact information so
campaigns can follow up later.
The note-taking part at the end of a conversation is one of the most
important parts of Ground Truth. Using a new app that Swing Left helped
design, you’ll record longform notes that capture what the voter said.
Those data-rich insights are then passed along to Democratic campaigns and
state parties, helping fill gaps in the voter file and strengthening their
messaging and outreach.
[ [link removed] ]If you’ve been looking for a meaningful way to get involved this year,
consider signing up for the Ground Truth phone bank today, January 24 at 1
PM EST.
[ [link removed] ]Sign up to phone bank
If you’re nervous about volunteering, that’s okay! We’ll train you, give
you scripts and support, and make sure you feel prepared before you ever
talk to a voter.
Ground Truth conversations are about showing up with curiosity and
respect—and giving voters a space to be heard.
If that kind of organizing resonates with you, we hope you’ll join us to
help Democrats win!
— Swing Left
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