Collecting during the general election campaign
The snap general election, in early June, means that Christian Aid Week this year will fall bang in the middle of the election campaign. This has happened before, and we know that it offers us a great chance to raise the profile of Christian Aid Week.
Collecting during the general election campaign
The snap general election, in early June, means that Christian Aid Week this year will fall bang in the middle of the election campaign. This has happened before, and we know that it offers us a great chance to raise the profile of Christian Aid Week.
As a charity, we must be strictly party-neutral. Supporters who help us to raise funds in Christian Aid Week are our representatives, so we need them to act accordingly.
Please see the ‘Do’s, don’ts and FAQs' below to help you seize opportunities and avoid potential pitfalls!
Do
- Do make clear you’re not a political canvasser! Chances are, people will be glad to talk to someone who’s not just after their vote!
- Do be friendly and respectful – a smile costs nothing but goes a long way.
- Do explain you’re a local volunteer (and use the badges that say so). People respond well to their neighbours doing something charitable.
- Do tell people about Christian Aid’s work, and the theme of this year’s week. People like to know what they’re being asked to support.
- Do encourage people to attend any local Christian Aid Week events that are happening – a great chance for them to learn more about Christian Aid and the churches in their area.
- Do dress comfortably – it’s hard work after all!
- Do distribute red envelopes.
Don’t
- Don’t get drawn into a political debate on the doorstep. If asked, answer questions where you can (see suggested answers below), but avoid any heated discussions.
- Don’t get frustrated – some people will support us, others won’t. Channel your energy into talking to the ones who do/will.
- Don’t identify yourself as supporting a particular party. Our supporters cover the whole political spectrum, and it’s important we are seen as neutral.
- Don’t worry if you don’t have all the answers. There are key messages on the red envelope, and you can also point people towards our website.
- Don’t wear any identifying markers for a particular political party or carry political leaflets at the same time as doing your house-to-house collecting.
- Don’t distribute any party-political materials at the same time. This would breach charity law.