Phone banking works best when callers understand why they are calling, who they are calling, and what a good outcome looks like. Organizer's phone banking tool uses preview dialing, meaning callers see the contact record before the call is placed. Calls can be made via VOIP directly through Organizer or by volunteers dialing from their own phones. The scripts below cover issue advocacy calls, relationship-based targeted outreach, consent language for opt-in texting, and script variants for different voter segments. Before launching, load all scripts into Organizer and run a practice session where callers role-play both receptive and resistant voters.
Phone Banking Script: Issue Advocacy
Use for advocacy calls, petition drives, event outreach, or GOTV pushes.
Volunteer: Hi, may I speak with [VOTER FIRST NAME]?
Volunteer: My name is [CALLER NAME] and I'm a volunteer with [ORGANIZATION]. I'm calling because we're working on [ISSUE], and I wanted to take 60 seconds to talk with you about it.
If they say they are busy:
Volunteer: Totally understand. Is there a better time I can reach you this week? [Log callback date and time in Organizer.] Or I can just leave you with a quick note on where to find more information if that's easier.
Issue framing:
Volunteer: Right now, [OFFICIALS] are making decisions about [ISSUE] that will affect [WHO IS AFFECTED]. We need people like you to [SPECIFIC ACTION: sign a petition / contact your representative / come to a meeting on DATE]. Would you be willing to do that?
If yes:
Volunteer: That's great. I can [connect you to your representative right now / take down your information to follow up / send you a text with details]. Which works best for you? [Log as Committed in Organizer. Capture phone or email for follow-up.]
If undecided or asking questions:
Volunteer: I hear you. The short version is [ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY OF WHY THIS MATTERS]. We're not asking you to do anything dramatic, just to [ACTION]. If you're not sure yet, can I send you some information by text or email?
If no:
Volunteer: That's okay, I appreciate you taking the time. Have a good evening. [Log result in Organizer. Mark as Refused or Not Interested as appropriate.]
Voicemail:
Volunteer: Hi, this message is for [VOTER NAME]. This is [CALLER NAME] calling from [ORGANIZATION]. We're reaching out to neighbors about [ISSUE] and would love to connect. You can call us back at [NUMBER] or visit [WEBSITE] for more information. Thanks for your time.
Phone Banking Script: Targeted Relationship Calls
Use for follow-up calls to prior contacts, grasstops outreach, or any call where relationship context matters. Review the contact record in Organizer before placing the call.
Opener with prior contact:
Volunteer: Hi [VOTER NAME], this is [CALLER NAME] with [ORGANIZATION]. We spoke previously about [ISSUE]. I wanted to follow up and see where things stand for you.
Opener for new targeted contact:
Volunteer: Hi [VOTER NAME], this is [CALLER NAME] calling from [ORGANIZATION]. I'm calling because [REASON THIS PERSON WAS SELECTED: you attended one of our meetings / you signed our petition last year / you've been involved with community organizing in your area]. I wanted to reach out personally.
Build the conversation:
Volunteer: We're at a critical moment with [ISSUE]. [BRIEF CONTEXT UPDATE.] I wanted to ask you personally whether [SPECIFIC ASK: you'd be willing to speak at our next meeting / you'd be open to connecting with other leaders in your area / you could help us reach others in your network].
Listen without interrupting. Take notes. Then:
Volunteer: That's really helpful. It sounds like [PARAPHRASE WHAT THEY SAID]. Given that, do you think [REFINED ASK] might be something you could do?
Close:
Volunteer: I really appreciate you taking the time. I'll make a note of [WHAT YOU DISCUSSED] and follow up by [METHOD] within [TIMEFRAME]. [Log full notes in the Organizer contact record immediately after the call.]
Consent Language for Opt-In Texting
Before texting anyone, confirm they have opted in to receive texts from your organization. This is both a legal requirement and a best practice. Never send unsolicited texts, and always include opt-out instructions in every message.
Collecting Consent During a Phone Call
Volunteer: Before I let you go, I want to make sure we can stay in touch. We send occasional text message updates about [ISSUE / EVENTS / ACTIONS]. Would it be okay if we sent you texts at this number? You can opt out anytime by replying STOP.
If yes:
Volunteer: Great. I've noted that here. You'll hear from us when there's something important to share. And again, just reply STOP at any time if you'd like to stop receiving messages. [Log as Text Opt-In in Organizer. Confirm phone number is recorded correctly.]
If no or uncertain:
Volunteer: No problem at all. Is there another way we can stay in touch, maybe by email? [Log as Text Opt-Out. Offer email as an alternative. Do not send texts to this contact.]
Script Variants by Segment
Use Murmuration's issue and turnout scores to segment your calling universe before each shift. Match the approach to the contact's history and likely engagement level.
| Segment | Script Guidance |
|---|---|
| High issue score, prior commitment |
Lead with acknowledgment of their past support. Reference specific action they took if notes exist. Make a higher-level ask, such as co-hosting, recruiting others, or taking a leadership role.
|
| High issue score, no prior contact | Use the standard advocacy script. Issue framing will resonate. Move to the ask quickly. Offer texting and email follow-up. |
| Low issue score, voted in the last election | Do not lead with the issue. Lead with the local impact angle. Keep framing concrete and neighborhood-level. Do not push hard on first contact. |
| Never voted or sporadic voter | Focus on voter registration or a simple, low-barrier action. Save the full advocacy script for after they have taken a first action. |
| Soft contact from prior campaign | Review notes before calling. Reference prior interaction. Ask whether their thinking has changed. Do not re-explain the context they already have. |
Resources
View the Organizing and Advocacy Playbook as a PDF
Background Information
Advocacy Action Plan Phase-Learning
Advocacy Action Plan Phase-Planning
Advocacy Action Plan Phase-Implementation
Advocacy Action Plan Phase-Execution
Advocacy Action Plan Phase-Reflection