Deep Canvassing
Abortion Equity Initiative
Addressing attitudes about abortion access across our state through deep canvassing
The Program
We launched the Abortion Equity Initiative in October 2024, knocking on doors in Slidell, Louisiana with an aim to reduce prejudice, shift perspectives, and help community members come together despite differing views. In fall of 2025, we expanded our canvassing efforts to Jefferson Parish, and grew through phone banking.
Our team of staff and volunteer canvassers have knocked over 10,000 doors, had meaningful conversations with 600 voters, and seen a quantifiable increase in support for abortion access in more than 13% of those conversations.
These values-based conversations are aimed around two-way communication with open-ended questions and listening without judgement. Our field canvassers are specially trained to navigate uncomfortable conversations, build connections with people who hold opposing views, and understand how and why people’s opinions are shaped. They empathize with personal stories and experiences to create space for meaningful and impactful conversation. Through these dialogues, canvassers and community members build trust in each other.
As our program grows, we have deepened our understanding of the stigmas that can shape our neighbors' beliefs, and increased our ability to share stories and hold space for compassionate listening that can make a difference. Our goal is to build empathy, shift opinions, and make reproductive healthcare more accessible in Louisiana.
“The goal is connection, not winning.”
- Field Canvasser Grace Arkfeld
What is Deep Canvassing?
Our Approach
Deep Canvassing aims to reduce abortion stigma and shift opinions among those who may have uncertain views around abortion or have not been civically engaged previously. Lift Louisiana’s deep canvassing targets specific regions in the state with values-based messaging about abortion.
“People open up when they feel heard, not corrected.”
- Field Canvasser Asyana Howard
Deep canvassing is an evidence-based organizing approach for moving opinion, reducing stigma, and connecting community members to resources. It was pioneered in 2012 by the Los Angeles LGBT Center to understand voters opposed to same sex-marriage. Since then, other reproductive rights and justice initiatives including AVOW and Planned Parenthood Maine have successfully adopted the strategy, and shared learning and resources that guided and inspired our program.
Deep canvassing is a values-based approach to discussing complex topics grounded in connection, empathy, and understanding. We initiate open and honest dialogues about the state of abortion access and reproductive freedom in our state with a goal of finding common ground, politics aside.
Want to Join Us?
Learn to connect with your community and battle abortion stigma through empathetic, non-judgmental conversations and deep listening. Our team carefully trains and supports new team members to confidently use this proven approach. Let's change hearts and minds together!
Please complete this form to receive information about upcoming opportunities for training and canvassing.