This summer I have had the opportunity to canvass with a group working on environmental issues affecting the Gulf Coast region, the Gulf Restoration Network in New Orleans. After spending most of my Freshman year sitting in lecture halls , studying in the campus library or working in front of my computer, it is quite a different experience to be going door to door trying to engage people about the environment.

 One thing I noticed right away is that a typical day is not really typical at all. The experience on a given day largely depends on who answers a particular door.  At that point you have a short window of opportunity to present your message and persuade the person to show her/his support for your cause.

 I like this job because I get to visit many neighborhoods, each one with a different character, and from different economic class.  To persuade that individual that opened the door you have to be a good listener. A message that works well in one neighborhood, or with one individual, may fall flat the next day. But the most important factor for your success as a canvasser is to make that personal connection with your listener. This is not always easy.  It depends on the type of day your listener is having, the current financial situation your listener is facing, their class, race or ethnic group they belong to.

 After canvassing I am a firm believer that this is one of he most genuine experiences of the power of the First Amendment an individual can have.  Mass communication is powerful, but the generic message of the mass media can never achieve the impact of personal contact.  I am enjoying my canvassing experience, it is quite a school.