Making the Hard Ask

Recruiting volunteers in person and over the phone is a key part of running a good organizing program, and it can be just as challenging to get a volunteer to come back as it is to get a new person involved. In either scenario, if your conversation includes what we call a “hard ask”, it’s a lot more likely you’ll leave the conversation with a sign-up.  

Characteristics of a Hard Ask

  • Deliberate: Your ask has a clear purpose 
  • Confident: Make eye contact, use a strong voice, and use direct language 
  • Specific: Include a specific request with the day, time, and place 
  • Non-Apologetic: You’re not asking for favors - you’re giving people an opportunity to make a difference

Hard Ask Rules

  • Recognize the self-interest of the person being asked 
    • Volunteers are taking the time out of their schedule, so make sure to highlight self-interest in your recruitment. How will this person benefit from getting involved? 
      • E.g. If you're speaking to a precinct chair: "We need to talk to voters in your precinct during early voting. When can you lead two canvassing shifts? Can you recruit 5 volunteers?" 
  • Ask for something specific
    • You want to make a clear ask so the person knows exactly what you need from them, and can easily plan to be there. If you’re asking someone to do something, they should know where they need to be and what time. 
  • Never just make the ask - give context 
    • Explain why your ask is important and urgent. Tell volunteers how their work will have an impact on the election results. 
  • A successful ask limits the possibility of “no” 
    • Ask a question that forces them to make a choice between options rather than giving a simple yes or no. 
      • For example, "We're phone banking on Thursdays at 6pm and block walking on Saturdays at 10 am. Which shift should I sign you up for—phone banking or block walking?"
  • Pick an effective attitude
    • Even if your first ask doesn’t land, you want to remain upbeat and supportive throughout the conversation. E.g. If the “no” is due to scheduling, let them know you understand how hectic things get, then ask if they can make it out for just an hour. 
  • Don’t give up!
    • If the first ask doesn’t work, move to the next priority, Keep moving through things until you find a match for them. Make people tell you if they have no interest in volunteering. Be persistent and offer two alternatives if they say “no” to the first ask. 

The three types of  “No”

  1. NOT NOW ➔ “We also have events at 9 am and Noon on Sunday. Which one of those can I sign you up for?”
  2. NOT THAT➔ “If you can’t canvass, let’s find a time for you to make calls instead.”
  3. NOT EVER➔ “Okay, we appreciate your support and your vote in November!"

Examples of a Hard Ask

  • “The election is only a few weeks away and we need all hands on deck to reach enough voters to win. We have a block walk this Saturday in Garland at 10 am and Sunday in Irving at 2 pm. Which time works better for you?” 
  • “Thank you for helping us knock doors today! We really appreciate volunteers like you coming out for our weekday shifts. Can I sign you up for the same time next week or does the weekend work better?”
  • “Thank you for voting Democrat! In order to make a difference in this election, we have to have these conversations with as many voters, as possible, in the community. We need more than your vote and we would love to have you join our volunteer team. Can we talk for a minute about how you can get involved with the party or I’ll put you down for someone to follow up?” 

Examples of a Soft Ask

Soft asks provide an easy opportunity for someone to say “no.” Avoid phrases like:

  • “We just launched our block walk program! Would you be able to join a canvass?” 
  • “Do you think you could come write letters this weekend?” 
  • “I know it’s hot outside but could you block walk with us this weekend?”