Community Sweep
St. Christopher House Community Sweep
Sweep Goals:
The goals of the community sweep are to increase the mutual awareness and connectedness of St. Christopher House (SCH) and the local neighbourhood.
Sweep Objectives:
1) Outreach programs, events and activities. Connect people in need of services or at risk.
2) Identify emerging issues and issues that are inadequately served.
3) Recruit community volunteers.
4) Collect contact information for people interested in SCH and the neighbourhood
5) Provide opportunity for members, staff and board to expand their knowledge/connections to SCH .
Note: The sweep generally tries to focus on the quality of the interactions we have with people from the neighbourhood rather than the quantity of people we meet.
What is “sweeping”:
Volunteers, program members/participants and staff will be paired and grouped to go door to door in the neighbourhood or locate themselves outside of stores or buildings that are frequented by local residents (i.e. food stores). Pairings or groupings will attempt to match individuals with broad/general knowledge of SCH with sweepers who are new to SCH or have a program specific background.
<>In groups of six or more, sweep teams will target different neighbourhoods or stores which are representative of SCH catchment area and/or of special interest to programs. Where possible, each team will be comprised of staff and volunteers with a range of knowledge and language capacities. It is hoped that sweepers are able to engage people they encounter in “friendly” conversations that inform and connect people to services they need and SCH, or, when no one is home or non-communicative, to leave a basic information package.
Safety and Security:
Almost all households are welcoming and friendly, or at worst, politely indifferent. The majority of households will have no one at home. It is unlikely that anything unpleasant will occur but it is better to be prepared than hope for the best. There may be some hostility against social services generally and poverty services specifically that we may encounter during the sweep. You may or may not feel you are able to converse with a hostile/aggressive person depending on your knowledge of St. Christopher House and the issues at hand. It is best to politely withdraw. As a volunteer you are talking about SCH, you are not talking for SCH . Sweepers are not expected to defend or justify anything about SCH they are unable or unwilling to take on. If someone persists in challenging you, ask for their name and contact information and a senior staff person will follow-up with them.
<> Sweepers are encouraged to not enter households that are intimidating and to withdraw from situations that become hostile. The sweep is not a test of endurance, commitment or bravery. If any situation makes you uncomfortable, don't continue. Sweepers are encouraged to participate at whatever level you feel comfortable. Some sweepers have canvassed before so they may feel more relaxed in a cold call and can be asked to take the lead on households that are disconcerting. Ultimately, there are more households than sweepers so go wherever you want as long as they have not already been approached by other sweepers.
Generally:
1) Don't enter houses where other sweepers are unable to see you for an extended period of time. Try to have your conversations in the front door as much as possible.
2) Don't approach houses or apartments with front entrances in the basement, side or back of the house which has an obstructed view from the street.
3) If someone becomes hostile or aggressive in their questions or demands you can:
a) acknowledge their opinion, indicate you need to move on, thank them for their time.
b) indicate that you are a volunteer and give them the name of a co-ordinator or manager they can call with a specific concern question or concern
c) whatever feels right
Making a Cold Call:
It is a bit unsettling and unusual to knock on a strangers door and initiate a conversation. For many households it's equally or more unsettling. There is no easy or sure fire way to overcome the initial awkwardness. It gets easier the more you do it. An optional script has been developed for beginners.
In making contact with people it is important that householders get something from the conversation. The worst thing you can do is indicate you are there to help people and then say you can't help them. It is impossible to be prepared to deal with every request, but it is important to do some problem solving even if it is only information or a referral (see attached community resource book).
From past experience we know that the following will help put householders at ease:
- indicating you are part of a larger group canvassing the neighbourhood
- indicating you are not asking for money or canvassing votes
- using your own words and approach
Data Collection and Follow-up:
It is important to complete the data form as much as possible even if it is basic information. In households requiring follow-up, it is important to get as much information as possible if a staff or volunteer will be following up. At the debriefing after each sweep, please make sure that a household form requiring immediate follow-up is highlighted and brought to the attention of a member of the Community Sweep organizing committee.
When someone asks for help with a problem that requires follow-up, if possible, invite the person to meet you at SCH and then introduce them personally to the most appropriate person. It can be intimidating to visit our sites and the personal contact that has been established can help to overcome fears people might have for social services. On the forms please indicate the neighbourhood you canvassed and any general impressions or feedback you have on the sweep or neighbourhood.
