Resource Center

One of the seminal studies of the influence of face-to-face contact on voter turnout, this paper from 2000 by Alan Gerber and Donald Green shows that in-person contact substantial increases voter turnout, while the effect of direct mail is slight, and that of live phonecalls is nonexistent. This randomized controlled trial of 30,000 voters in Connecticut showed statistically significant effects of canvassing, results that have been replicated several times since this study was published.  The authors also claim support for their hypothesis that the long-term decline in voter turnout observed to that point was due in part to the decline in face-to-face political mobilization.             

Since we can’t rely on simply communicating scientific information* to win over everyone on climate change, finding ways to tell compelling stories and appeal to deeply held values is key. This week we highlight tips from Climate Access on storytelling as a means to activate core audiences, and look at the research on narrative communication.

Coinciding with week two at the COP23 Conference in Bonn, over 15,000 scientists from around the world issued a “second notice” to humanity reaffirming the threat of global climate change. While it is often assumed that communicating scientific information will result in more acceptance of climate change and increased engagement to address it, the evidence paints a more complex picture. Today we look at whether promoting a greater understanding of climate science can actually move hearts and minds.