MiniVAN Volunteer Canvassing Guide

Canvassing runs on volunteers who feel confident with their tools, and that confidence starts before shift day. This resource is built for volunteers heading out to knock doors, walking them through everything they need to get up and running with MiniVAN, from creating an ActionID to logging their first canvass result.

Work through the resource in order. Start with Part 1 for a quick walkthrough of downloading the app and logging in, whether it's your first campaign or you're picking MiniVAN back up after time away. Then move into Part 2, which covers using the app once you're in the field: reading your list and map, planning your route, recording results, syncing your data, and staying safe on the doors.

For volunteers who want to go deeper before shift day, pair this guide with our course on Using MiniVAN for Canvassing, or check out the full Using NDTC for GOTV resource for the complete volunteer-to-shift-day playbook.

What's included:

• Step-by-step instructions for downloading MiniVAN and creating an ActionID

• Guidance on entering a list number and starting a canvass

• A walkthrough of the map and list views, plus how to read canvass-result icons

• Tips for planning a walk route, recording results, and syncing data in the field

• A canvassing do's and don'ts checklist covering safety and best practices