Phone Banking

Choose what you’re phone banking for.
Decide the purpose of your phone bank before you start — this helps shape your script and call list. You can:

• Join an existing MFOL phone bank focused on a campaign, bill, or election. Check the Action Hub or your member emails for opportunities.
• Start your own if something big is happening locally — like a city council vote, a state bill, or an upcoming election where youth turnout matters.

If you’re unsure, start simple: phone bank to help people register to vote or raise awareness about an active piece of legislation in your state.

Define your goal and call to action.
Ask yourself: What do I want people to do after this call?

Examples:

• Register to vote or make a plan to vote
• Contact their legislator about a specific bill
• Sign a petition or join an upcoming event
• Learn more about MFOL’s work in their area

Keep your goal focused and actionable — one clear ask per phone bank makes it easier for both you and the people you call.

Gather your team and prepare.
If you’re hosting a larger phone bank, invite classmates, friends, or other MFOL members to join.

Before you start:

• Create or download your call script (see sample below).
• Share your goal and talking points with everyone.
• Make it fun — play music, keep snacks handy, and celebrate your impact!

Build your call list.

Start with who you already know — your friends, classmates, and family. Personal outreach is powerful and often the easiest way to start meaningful conversations.

If you’re running a larger or more targeted phone bank, you can also pull contacts from:

• Public voter registration lists (available through your state election office)
• Neighborhood directories or community contact lists

Before you start calling, make sure your list matches your goal. For example, if you’re advocating for a new Texas gun safety law, your call list should include people who live in Texas. Targeting the right audience makes your outreach more effective and ensures you’re connecting with the people who can take the action you’re asking for.

Finally, double-check that phone numbers are accurate and that you have permission or a legitimate organizing purpose to contact the people on your list.

Track your impact and share your results.
After your calls, log who you talked to and what actions they took (or promised to take). Use the blue feedback box at the bottom of this page to tell us how it went — upload photos, share stories, or suggest improvements for future phone banks.

Your calls help build youth power, one conversation at a time.

INTRODUCTION:

Hi, is this [Name]?

My name is [Your First Name], and I’m a volunteer with March For Our Lives — we’re a youth-led movement working to end gun violence and make our communities safer. How are you doing today?

PURPOSE:

I’m reaching out today because there’s an important opportunity to take action in [your city/state/the country] — and I wanted to share how you can help make an impact.

Choose the version that fits your phone bank focus:

• If you’re calling about legislation: Right now, lawmakers are considering [Bill Name], which would [explain briefly what it does — e.g., expand background checks, require the gun industry to cover public health costs, invest in community safety]. We’re working to make sure decision-makers hear from people like you who care about safer communities.
• If you’re calling about a local issue or event: We’re organizing around [describe the issue — e.g., new funding for community violence prevention programs or an upcoming city council vote]. Our goal is to mobilize as many young people and allies as possible to show up and make their voices heard.
• If you’re calling about voting or voter registration: With the upcoming election, we’re helping young people get the information they need to register, find their polling place, and make a plan to vote. Our generation has the power to decide what safety looks like — and voting is one of the strongest ways to do that.

ASK:

Would you be willing to [insert action — for example: sign a petition, contact your representative, attend an event, or make a plan to vote]?

• If they say yes: That’s amazing — thank you so much! The easiest way to help is to [insert next step, such as “visit this link,” “text this number,” or “RSVP using this link”]. What’s the best way to send you that info — text or email?
• If they say maybe or need more info: Totally understandable! I can share a quick resource that explains what’s happening and how it impacts your community. Would you like me to send that over?
• If they say no: No problem — I really appreciate you taking the time to chat today.

CLOSING:

Thanks again for your time, [Name]. Every conversation like this helps move our movement forward — whether it’s showing up, voting, or just staying informed.
Have a great day, and take care!