I spent four weeks last July learning how to go door-to-door, appealing to latent activists, and asking for their monetary support. I was given 5 hours in which to knock on as many doors as possible, and hopefully connect with about 40 people. Of those 40 people, 5-8 of them should, statistically, have given me money. My job was to make sure those givers gave me total, over the course of the night, at least $110. This was a job that took tremendous communication skills, the ability to think on your feet, and, surprisingly, is much more in your control than you would otherwise guess. So, in essence, the world to a canvasser is divided into givers and non-givers. But it put me in an interesting position to observe how people present themselves to strangers, which also said a lot about them. How they said "No" to me was particularly revealing.

It's canvassing season -- canvassers across the country are going door-to-door to talk to you about their pet issue. Here are some things to think about, if someone knocks on your door:

( 1. Political Agency )

I didn't unpack this fully. But I found the notes I made last August and wanted to write what I remembered -- because it's important for women who are faced with these decisions (either at their door or on the street) to understand that there is more going on than someone asking you for money for their pet political cause.

I quit my job today. Rather than feeling better, more free, less worried... I  feel a sense of loss.

I have enough money to pay bills, keep my car, etc. I am looking forward to having work hours that correspond more closely to the 9-5 spectrum. Looking forward to eating dinner with my family, and not having to worry about making wedding plans only on weekends, and being sure I can attend all the precana classes.

I still wish I could have kept my job, though. I liked my job.