Member-only story
How activists innovates to create a free peer-to-peer (p2p) canvassing app using existing platforms.
Personal connections make a big difference. Especially in peer-to-peer canvassing where volunteers encourage their friends to register to vote.
How can volunteers be equipped to easily collect details for a campaign from their friends? A little research and creativity led to the development of a mobile app using free existing software services. How can this fast, low-cost approach to innovation be applied to other campaign needs? Hint: No new software has to be developed.
The trade-off is similar to deciding whether to get a custom-fitted suit or choosing one that is ready-made. There is a lot more time, expense and effort involved with a custom made suit. A ready-made one is usually good and at a fraction of the price.
Background
Peer-to-peer (P2P) canvassing relies on volunteers to use their social connections to encourage their friends to vote. Research indicates that “voting can be contagious; the more people in your network who vote, the more likely you are to vote”.
People are reluctant to share all their contacts or online address books with a campaign. Instead they prefer to selectively contact their friends and upload only data those who are interested.
