Editing Building Relationships (section)

=== Three Types of No ===
When securing commitment, it’s inevitable that our hard asks will sometimes be met with “no.” In organizing, there are three types of no that you will encounter – “not now,” “not that,” and “not ever.” Being attuned to the difference will dictate how you proceed with the person you’re asking.

If someone says “no” they might mean “not that time,” so try offering another

time or date. For example:<blockquote>''“Can you come to our next team meeting on Monday at 5PM?”''

''“No, I have to work then.”''

''“No problem, we have another meeting next Sunday at 1PM, can you come to that?”''</blockquote>If someone says “No, I don’t want to do that,” it could mean “not that.” Try asking them to commit to something else. For example:<blockquote>''“Can you come door-to-door canvassing with us on Tuesday at 5PM?”''

''“I don’t know if I feel comfortable going door-to-door. I’ve tried it before and found it really intimidating.”''

''“That’s okay! We are also planning an event to recruit new volunteers for the end of the month. Will you come to the planning meeting for that on Sunday at 1PM?”''</blockquote>If someone says definitively “No, I’m not interested in doing more” or “No, I don’t want to join the team,” then don’t worry about it! Thank them and move on. For example:<blockquote>''“Can you come door-to-door canvassing with us on Tuesday at 5pm?”''

''“No, I am too busy right now to take on anything else, I’m sorry!”''

''“That’s okay, thanks for taking some time to talk with me. Have a great day!”''</blockquote>