Phone calls are the most effective way you can increase Democrats' chances of winning in 2018. Four things you need to know about our phone banks:

1. We’re not trying to convert Republicans. Our phone banking focuses on getting Democrats and and those likely to vote Democratic registered and to the polls.

2. We’re not calling random strangers. We use the Michigan Democratic Party’s sophisticated database to identify and target Democrats, likely Democrats, and Independents who are likely to vote Democratic in 2018. They're not rude, and you'll already know a lot about who you call before they pick up the phone.

3. We’re not asking for money. We have diverse goals: we recruit new volunteers, encouraging voter registration, inform about candidates, and make eligible voters can get to the polls on election day. We don't ask for money.

4. We support you. At each event, you will be given a “script.” You won’t have to dream up what to say. The scripts are geared toward our goal for that event, whether it be recruiting volunteers, asking people to commit to registering to vote, or, as we get closer to Election Day, ensuring that registered voters get to the polls.

Each event has at least one team leader, who will explain the process, answer questions, and help in any way she or he can. We are also working on a set of tips and best practices to help you if you do encounter an unexpected situation. For example, if someone asks you a question to which you don’t know the answer, a great response is: “That’s a great question, but I’m not sure what the answer is. I will find out and be sure that someone gets back to you with an answer soon.”

Still not sure? Come hang out with us and see for yourself. Phone banking dramatically increases our chances of winning in 2018. Before you decide you’re not comfortable making some phone calls, be sure you know what you’re saying “no” to . . . and consider the repercussions.