Presented by Darden Copeland The Calvert Street Group Grassroots Vs. AstroTurf: The Importance of Field Work in Transit Campaigns

Presented by Darden Copeland

The Calvert Street Group

Grassroots Vs. AstroTurf: The Importance of Field Work in

Transit Campaigns

“If you don't find politics, politics will find you.”

- Pericles

© Calvert Street Group, LLC 2013. All Rights Reserved





“All politics is local.” - Tip O’Neill


Key Themes

Grassroots = Local Politics “Field” is the bastard child of most campaigns

Consultants drive campaigns


• Polling Voter ID calls• Static websites Interactive sites • Identify figureheads Identify volunteers• Identify businesses Build coalitions• Press releases Micro-targeted mail• Glossy direct mail Tear off cards• Social media Social media with a call to action• Voter file Build your own database• Automated phone calls Telephone town halls

Astroturf to Grassroots


• Door-to-door canvassing• Online petitions and surveys• Precinct captains• Absentee ballot program• Citizen groups• by geography• by demographic

Additional Tools


• Grassroots defines “local politics”Engage the citizenry, you can manage the outcome

• Field wins elections Develop a vote total and work backwards from Election Day

• A PR campaign is not a grassroots campaignBe weary of a plan that does not include true grassroots engagement

Conclusion


Questions?


Darden CopelandCalvert Street Group

[email protected]

855-WIN-VOTE

Documents

Presented by Darden Copeland The Calvert Street Group Grassroots Vs. AstroTurf: The Importance of Field Work in Transit Campaigns