Criticisms of CWA

Naturally, I need to find criticisms that people may have towards my social change group. I was searching on the internet and found this comment from somebody here in Austin.


Comment by John S. from Austin, TX on 12/19/2008 (yelp.com):

"You know, I know this guy got tricked into working a shitty job FIGHTING THE MAN and MAKING A DIFFERENCE that has him getting doors slammed in his face all day every day, but at dinnertime I don't need some douchebag in a jungle explorer hat trying a trick me into signing a petition (in lieu of a donation), then telling me I'd be billed next month when I CAN pay. Well trained, I'll give him that, and really bizarre. Avoid these guys like the plague (same with Grassroots Campaigns, Inc.) but, if you have to talk to them, try to convince the person knocking on your door to find a better job."


Interestingly, his ideas fit well with my stereotype of door-to-door civic advocates. Jaymie's account was very positive overall. John's is on the exact opposite end. He makes CWA canvassers seem evil. Are these people utilizing well learned and practiced persuasive tactics to get that one monetary thing from me?

So is their main positive also their main negative?

Positively, canvassing (as CWA has said) is meant to personally connect with the people. Canvassers want to create that strong bond with the homeowner. They are not underhanded about what they want from you. They just want you to listen to CWA's mission and to tell you how you can help further their goals legislatively and politically. Writing a letter to the local congressman is what my social change group focuses on, not the money.

Negatively, canvassers have been trained and practiced well on effective rhetorical persuasive tactics. They know which words and ideas to hit on in order to grab your attention. They visit you at the one place you can't escape. In public, you could easily walk away. But your home is where you live, you don't want to just get up and leave it because someone is invading your space. So, you are trapped. Also, violating social norms may be a mistake and slamming that door may feel good at the time but is easily regrettable. Ultimately, canvassers know exactly what they're doing and saying to get you to fess up that money. They could care less about the letters, even though they emphasize that the most.

So who is telling the truth? Or, are they both right?