Conducting Successful Building Visits, Part 1

Part 1: Instruction to Leaders Conducting School Visits

This article contains two parts. Part 1 (below) offers instructions to leaders who have never done building visits or need a little reminder. Part 2 is directed toward staff who have been out of the classroom for some time and may not understand all the issues presented to them by members. Have fun!

These instructions are provided to leaders who take leave from their regular work assignments to visits members and potential members at other worksites for the association.

1. Check arrangements with your supervisor prior to leaving to make sure he/she understands you absence and a substitute has been arranged.
    
2. Leave sufficient lesson plans or directions-you might want to check with the substitute daily if you are to be out more than one day.
    
3. Call the building representative the night before your scheduled visit to:
    
   • Find out what time employees arrive in the morning and the beginning and ending time of the lunch hours and Prep time for employees, the end of the student work day and the time employees usually stay until.
   • Also ask where groups of employees can be located (i.e., lounges, and groups of employees who have coffee in a particular classroom)
   • Find out who are the non-members, including competing organization leaders, where will they be; are they in one of those previously mentioned groups, in another room___, or are there lone non-members who stay just in their room. If possible ascertain their reason for non-affiliation so that you can be prepared.
   • Finally, arrange a time to talk to the association rep after your visit is completed.
      
4. If the rep is unsure of employee arrival times, plan on arriving at least one half hour before employees must be present.
    
5. Upon arriving at school--park in an unreserved parking space.
    
6. Check in at the office immediately upon arrival. State who you are and that you are from the Association.  Do not let yourself be held up in the office.
    
7. Wear a name tag.

There are two ways to canvass the building, walking the halls and visiting a lounge.

Walk the Halls:

• Either in pairs or individually. The school visit team may try to talk to non-members who are in their rooms by themselves or in small groups by going door to door. Where possible it is helpful for the Faculty Representative to introduce you to non-members. Always introduce yourself-state that you are from the local association, give the specific name. Tell the individual your purpose and ask their name if you have not been introduced the Faculty Representative.
   
• If he/she indicates/or you know they are a non-member begin to discuss membership. "Sally, I'm working to help LEA achieve 100% membership so that we can increase our effectiveness in obtaining better benefits and improving education. Dyes are $___per month or ___a year if you pay in cash. I know you believe in what we are doing so the only question is how would you like to pay your dues by check or payroll deduction?" If they answer "I don't want to join." Ask "What is it that we do that you don't support?"
   
• Many objections are based on faulty information, so listen carefully as you discuss reasons they should join the association.
   
• If the individual is a member, explain your reason for visiting and ask if they can volunteer to phone potential members, conduct home visits, or talk to certain individuals in their school. Give them some "glories", good association news, for their own information and to share with non-members.

Lounge Visit:

• Join already formed groups in the lounge. Identify yourself and begin to sell the Association. Someone will have to point out non-members. Try to engage a non-member in a one on one conversation away from the group. When you are working as a team, one person can talk to the larger group while the other carries on a private conversation.
   
• Keep the conversations as short as possible.
   
• Don't be pulled into an argument.
   
• If someone wants to discuss a subject you know nothing about, don't fake an answer. Tell them you don't have that information but you will get the answer/explanation back to them shortly. Make sure you follow up.
   
• Note every person you talk to along with their concerns, questions and requests for information. Do not take notes in front of anyone or allow anyone to see notes you have made about others.