Sunday canvassing in Carntyne

If you were sunbathing instead of campaigning, you missed out!

It's not all hard work

The thing about Yes Provan is that we all like each other. And every time we get a new campaigner, we like them too. We're a friendly welcoming lot. And we like socialising. We obviously don't do it all the time, not even every week (although every campaign day is pretty sociable). But every few weeks or so we'll go for a drink after campaigning just to relax and have a chat.

And it's not about alcohol - plenty of us don't drink and some folk are driving so not drinking. Sometimes it's not the pub we go to but a coffee shop. 

Last night there was an open invitation to Yes Provan people to join Scots Zimbabweans celebrating 34 years of Zimbabwean Independence at Calabash, the African Bar and Restaurant in Glasgow. Graham Campbell is a member of Yes Provan and also Convener of Africans for an Independent Scotland so of course we didn't just enjoy ourselves, we signed up 15 new people and gave out badges.

See! You can mix politics and pleasure.

Today I tried canvassing for the first time - and loved it!

My name is Garry MacDonald and I'm one of the Yes Provan Co-ordinators but I, myself, had until today never canvassed. I would leaflet or work on the street stalls but I had my doubts about canvassing. However, I was convinced by Anne McLaughlin (another of the co-ordinators) to come along on Saturday 19^th April to one of the canvass training days in Robroyston.

There was no pressure as you are ‘teamed up’ with one of the experienced canvassers and go to the doors in pairs. We moved around each canvasser in turn, so that we could learn the various approaches used when speaking to people at the door.

Well, after an hour or so (and because we had an odd number out), I decided to ‘go it alone’ for the remaining hour and I am so glad I did.

It was a fantastic experience and it really built up my confidence in canvassing. It really isn’t frightening at all. Just look at the happy smiling face (I'm front left). Kirsten, second from the right is 17 and she loves it.

So come on, all those of you still swithering about speaking to people, come out to one of the canvass training sessions (or book yourself on one of the workshops - next one Tuesday 13th May) and give it a go, you will be surprised at just how enjoyable it is!!

Get Involved!

Have you thought about getting involved in the Yes campaign but you're not sure what we mean by 'leafleting' (we know it's not really a verb!) and 'canvassing'? Does the idea of 'street work' make you wonder what you're getting yourself into?

Then come along tonight to an informal get together (with some of us in the photo) in Dennistoun and have a chat over a tea, coffee, glass of wine and we'll de-mystify it for you  Everyone welcome - you don't have to live in our area - and no need to commit to anything tonight (or ever).

This is purely to see if there is something you would enjoy doing that will help us win a Yes vote in September. If not, at least you'll have a better idea of what's happening. And if you do get involved, you'll be very very welcome. 7pm to 8pm tonight (Monday) in the Everlasting Arms Ministry, 9 Whitehill St (Duke St end) Dennistoun.