Use and throw-out canvassers - Canvasser RAAP Employee Review

1.0
30 Jan 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Able to choose your own days. Ability to call out same day if needed. Outside most of the day and plenty of exercise. Self-paced. Occasional meetings with other non-profits to build more of a community and learn about other causes. OK money if you can handle it.

Cons

Management doesn't utilize great employees. Despite what they tell you to begin with, there is not much room to move up or even do internships/volunteering with other aspects of the organization. They basically use up employees until they burn out, and then fire them or say it was "their choice to leave", instead of promoting or hiring from within. Not a lot of appreciation. Canvassers would get pulled in for "talks" every time one night was below the goal, even though the goals were averaged over the week and these canvassers would still reach weekly goals. They put too much pressure on the employees to always always always raise more, even though there are many factors outside of a canvasser's control, and didn't give much in recognition for hard work or raising lots of money. Some canvassers that were held up for raising extremely high amounts of money were later found out to be defrauding the organization. "Keep it positive" mantra. Obviously, there are encounters with many cruel people whilst doing door-to-door fundraising, but canvassers were not allowed to talk about anything bad that happened on their nights. We had to just pretend that everything was positive, leading to many burnouts from not being able to vent or get support from each other. Some backstabbing coworkers who were more concerned about their image rather than making RAAP a more effective and hospitable place to work. Canvassers are sent out in unsafe conditions. Management was not open to suggestions on how to make the organization better.

Explore other reviews about RAAP

5.0
20 Apr 2016
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I am genuinely happy to come into work everyday. I am making a difference, breaking the silence on sexual assault, making money for those who really need it, and making money for myself. They do higher from within my boss started as a canvasser, the CEO started as a canvasser, and I was promoted after 3 months. The staff is very supportive, cultured, and passionate. Briefings mix things up and allow you to learn about your community. My communication skills and confidence have soared. I have thicker skin and have trained myself to think positively. You can meet amazing people around Denver and hear incredible stories.(the networking opportunities are endless when you are talking to 50 people a night)

Cons

It should be no surprise that breaking the silence on sexual is no easy task. You need to have thick skin and empathy which is hard for some to balance. There are many emotional self disclosures when knocking on doors but that is why we are out there fighting the good fight. The work does not stop if it rains, snows, or hails because we are basically super heroes fighting rape (people invite you in). These factors can lead to turn over when folks are newer to canvassing because it is not for everyone.

2.0
18 Nov 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Excellent cause, supportive staff members, attempts to be emotionally supportive of canvassers, clear explanation of hours required, interesting co-workers, but

Cons

despite what encouraging, heartening stuff your co-workers and instructors tell you during training, the bottom line IS the most important. DON'T expect to be cut slack if your numbers aren't up to standard. Also a poor place to work if you're sensitive to cigarette smoke, as almost everyone there does smoke.

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