Download Word document
Thank you for volunteering your time to phone-bank and raise funds for RefuseFascism.org!
Don’t be nervous about calling strangers. If they gave a phone number, they want to be contacted about this movement.
When you ask someone to donate, you are giving them a meaningful way to help stop a fascist America. By giving, a person concretely strengthens RefuseFascism.org’s ability to mobilize the one force that can drive out the Trump/Pence Regime: millions of people in sustained nonviolent protests. By giving, a person makes a commitment about what kind of person they want to be and what kind of world they want to live in – and joins a community fighting for the same.
If you are not comfortable at first asking for funds, practice with a friend. Also, consider: aren’t you glad that someone at some point asked you to get involved?
Take time to read through and think about the whole script before you start calling. Use it as a guideline to keep things focused on and on track, but don’t feel straight-jacketed by it. Feel free to put things in your own words. Also, If, someone asks you something you don’t know how to answer, don’t worry. Let them know you are a volunteer and that you will share their question or idea with the organization, and then return to what you called to talk about by using the script.
Take notes about what people say. Write down things that come up often. Write down questions you have a hard time answering. Write down answers that you gave that you think others could learn from. Send these notes to: [email protected]. This way, we can learn from each other.
When people commit to donate or get involved, pin down exactly how they will do so. Follow up with the National Office to make sure their donation comes through, or else call them back in a couple days to remind them and help process their donation.
Finally, if you haven’t yet, you should also consider making a donation. Even better, if you are able. sign up to become a monthly sustainer.
Together, we can raise the funds to reach the millions to stop a fascist America!
Your prep work
- Read the RefuseFascism.org Call to Action and the announcement for the November post-midterm election protests.
- Have both handy, plus any talking points you’ve made for yourself as you make phone calls.
- Have paper to take notes during your conversation that will help you recall the main points and any actions the person agreed to take and anything you said you’d do, e.g. send them a link to an article that addresses their questions.
Phone Banking Script (October 10, 2018):
[[YOU]] Hi, may I please speak with _____? This is _____ and I’m a volunteer with Refuse Fascism.
If they don’t remember RF, explain:
[[YOU]] RefuseFascism.org is a movement of people coming from diverse perspectives, we are united in our shared recognition that the Trump/Pence regime poses a catastrophic danger to humanity and the planet. We are working to drive this regime from power. At some point you signed up with us, maybe at a protest, online, or on the street.
Then:
[[YOU]] Do you have time for a quick chat?
If NO:
[[YOU]] When would be a good time to call you back?
[Arrange a time that you are both available and make a note/set an alarm on your phone, etc. to call them back.]
If YES:
[[YOU]] First, we want to thank you for your previous involvement and support. It’s awesome to have you as part of this movement to drive out the Trump/Pence regime. Have you been receiving our emails? [Confirm email address if they are not getting emails and follow up to correct that.]
Briefly describe the effort we’re inviting them to participate in:
[[YOU]] We are in the middle of a nationwide fundraising and organizing campaign to build nationwide protests beginning the day after the midterm elections because, no matter who wins a fascist regime will still be in power. Our protests will declare:
In the Name of Humanity, The Trump/Pence Regime Must Go!
We are calling to get you involved in this because we are not living in “normal” times. Trump’s “Make America Great Again” program is fascism. It is wrapped in the flag and Mike Pence’s Bible taken literally. It is ugly “America First,” white supremacy, misogyny, and xenophobia. And now they have locked in a pro-fascist majority on the Supreme Court!
Listen to their response.
Often people will “agree” but also recast what you are saying into narrower terms – like, “Yeah, Trump colluded with Russia.” Where you think they are onto something, you can agree, but also pull back the lens for them to see the bigger scope of the problem and why, therefore, it cannot be solved through the normal processes.
Many right now are outraged about Kavanaugh, but this outrage is focused mainly on the allegations of sexual assault. Refocus the biggest danger about Kavanaugh, his decades long record as a political and legal warrior for fascism, and the impact this will have on women, LGBTQ people, Black people, immigrants, the protection of the environment, and so much more – all as part of the fascism now being imposed. THIS must be stopped and RF has a plan to do so.
Whatever comes up, listen actively and respond in a way that helps refocus people on the qualitative threat of fascism we are facing, and use this to pivot to the next big point:
[[YOU]] This emergency will not – and cannot – be stopped through the normal process of elections. Think about it: Would a “Blue Wave” really temper the belligerent bigotry of Trump, a man who lashes out and bludgeons past every obstacle? Could a “Blue Wave” reverse the fascist judges already packed onto the courts? And what if the Republicans win? The Trump/Pence regime – and their whole fascist party – will be even more emboldened to “run the table” and lock in their nightmare.
Don’t shy away if this controversial. People are being bombarded 24/7 to think the elections are “the most important way to change things.” But this is not true! Because the stakes are so high, we have a responsibility to struggle with and change how people see this. If they are on our list, they want this nightmare to end so we should dive into what it will really take. Use the questions above (would a “blue wave” temper the bigotry of Trump… could it reverse the fascist judges already packed onto the court… and if the fascists win…). Challenge people to work through where focusing everything into the elections will lead – and contrast that with the solution RF is organizing for.
Important: Don’t let this discussion go too far before bringing in the solution RF has identified and which they should join in actively working for.
[YOU]] Fascism can come to power through the normal processes of elections and laws, but it cannot be removed from power in that way.
But there IS a way to stop the Trump/Pence regime. A determined struggle of the people that doesn’t yield and won’t be provoked can create the kind of political crisis that compels their removal from power. We are talking about massive protests that don’t end after one day – but come back day after day after day, growing to millions raising the demand: THIS NIGHTMARE MUST END: THE TRUMP/PENCE REGIME MUST GO!
They may want to respond. If they raise questions (like, “Protests haven’t worked,” or, “Who would you have replace them?” or, “But people in this country will never do that,” see the additional notes at the end for answers). But, again, don’t let things drag out before moving on:
[[YOU]] Right now, we are building for nation-wide protests, beginning the day after the midterms to demand that the Trump/Pence Regime Must Go! Protesting the day after the midterms, when the whole country will be thinking about what the elections mean for Trump’s future, will put before the people the truth: no matter who wins, the only real way to stop the Trump/Pence regime will be through determined struggle in the streets.
Millions hate what is happening, but they don’t know about this solution. This is why we are asking you to make a financial donation today, so we can push this message out all over society. Every dollar you give today will be doubled, thanks to a generous donor. I hope we can count on you.
I’d like to ask: How much are you willing to commit to give today?
Be silent and wait for them to respond before you speak again.
How to Instruct People to Process a Donation:
If they say YES they will donate:
Thank them! Let them know how they can pay:
Online with credit/debit card at donate/refusefascism.org
Venmo funds to @Refuse-Fascism
Paypal funds to https://refusefascism.org/donate/
Check/money order to Refuse Fascism Send to RefuseFascism.org,
305 W. Broadway #185, New York, NY 10013
Can be tax deductible if made to Alliance for Global Justice, “Refuse Fascism” in the memo line [very important!] Mail to the same address above.
If they say they will donate by check, ask them:
Can you let me know what the check number is and the amount so we can record it? That will go a long way to giving us an idea of what our budget will be in the crucial weeks ahead.
If donating on line:
Can you let me know what amount that will be so we can record it? That will go a long way to giving us an idea of what our budget will be in the crucial weeks ahead.
If they say they just gave to RF:
Thank you! What compelled you to give? [Very important for us to learn from]
See if there are other ways for them to contribute, e.g.
Become a regular sustainer
Invite friends to donate (the most effective approach in fund raising is the personal one!)
Host a gathering at their home, congregation, book club, etc. to discuss Call to Action & strategy
Come to our social gathering this weekend!
Be prepared to respond to their objections, e.g.:
“I don’t have any money right now.”
No amount is too small, starting at $5. Then inviting your friends to join you in support RF. Can be very powerful. And if they absolutely can’t give now, there are MANY ways they can contribute: share emails, share posts on social media, come to our gatherings and let us know what skills they have to contribute, etc.
“I’m giving to x, y, z progressive candidates.”
See “Stop waiting for a hero” for the argument about why elected officials MUST work within a system that is incapable of stopping T/P, who WILL still be in power after the Nov elections.
“I give to Planned Parenthood, immigrant rights group, etc.”
Yes, this regime is going after life and death resources of so many people. We’ll never be able to save them one by one. That’s why the movement to DRIVE them from power is critical and your financial support is so vital.
If NO because of a political disagreement, listen closely and respond with the attitude of encouraging them to consider. Do this in a civil fashion while being consistent on the fact that this is frankly the ONLY way that the horrors of this fascist regime can be brought to a halt, horrors that you know this person also opposes deeply. That’s our starting point, while we urge them to look more deeply into the RF strategy and analysis [refer to articles on the front page of RefuseFascism.org]
At the end of the call, PLEASE ASK FOR REFERRALS!
[[YOU]] One last but very important thing – do you know anyone who would be interested in what we are doing here at Refuse Fascism? Friends or relations who want to join or support the resistance? Someone who has let you know how upset they are about this daily nightmare, who would benefit from becoming active in the struggle to drive this regime out?”
[[YOU]] Thank you for taking the time to talk, and to support this movement. We are stronger with you.
************
Throughout the whole call, utilize active listening and respond to their questions and ideas, provide more information about local plans for the Blitz.
But remember – you have a limited amount of time to get to the “ASK” so you need to regain control of the conversation. One way to do that is to jump in and agree with them: “YES! You are so right, in fact that’s why we’re reaching out to you to 1) make a donation while we have a $5000 matching grant and/or 2) become a regular sustainer at any level and/or 3) come to our gathering this coming weekend,” etc.
What impact can their donation have?
- $100 for stickers for campus saturation
- $250 social media campaign
- $500 week’s cost for RefuseFascism.org website & email messages to the national movement
- $5000 covers key functions of the National Office that’s absolutely essential to develop a national movement
************
A few additional notes for frequently asked questions (mentioned above).
If they say something along the lines of “protests haven’t worked”…
[[YOU]] We are not talking “protest as usual” where people go back to their normal life the next day even as as immigrant children are put in cages, the courts are remade, etc, etc. Picture tens of thousands in several major cities coming back day after day after day, growing to hundreds of thousands and eventually millions – and there are millions who hate this regime – raising the demand that the whole regime must go! This would inspire people all over the world and could create the kind of political crisis among those in the ruling structures of society that those who do not like what the Trump/Pence Regime is doing but who currently are under attack and going along could be compelled to remove the regime from power. [You could also tell them about the way this was done in South Korea, Armenia and elsewhere.]
If they say something like “But people will never do that in America”…
[[YOU]] This is nonsense! Millions have already taken to the streets over and over – the problem is that they have not set their sights on driving out the regime and they have gone back to their lives after a day. This shows the potential, but it also shows there is work to do – which is exactly why we are calling YOU!
If they say something like, “Then who or what would replace this regime?”
[[YOU]] It is very likely that many different individuals and social forces would come forward with many different ideas as to what is to be done, and the views of those millions who enter into political life will go through changes. Big questions about what gave rise to this grave menace and what kind of society do we want to live in will be thrashed out. Two things can be said for sure: one, the regime must be replaced by someone who is NOT a fascist, and the struggle must not stop short of that; and two, that if we do succeed in driving out this regime, the masses of people will be in a much stronger position to go forward toward a much more just society.