The New York Post loves to attack any successful progressive group, so when you’re fighting for tenants’ rights, universal paid sick days, and green jobs, you know what to expect.
Today’s Post carries a story about Patrick Crooks, who worked for Data and Field Service for three days. (Data and Field Services is the grassroots field services company set up by WFP). Here are the facts:
Crooks’ employment: Crooks worked for DFS for 3 days as a field canvasser. He was never offered a job doing policy (nor is there currently an opening for a policy position). It quickly became clear to Crooks’ supervisors that he was unlikely to make it as a field canvasser. After being told he had to improve, and offered training on how to do so, Crooks never returned to work.
The Post says Crooks is a “former employee of the Working Families Party.” He was not – he was an employee of DFS. The documents he signed to begin employment clearly stated that DFS was his employer and explained what DFS is. (WFP contracts with DFS to run its grassroots fundraising canvass). The job posting he cites announces work for the WFP, because DFS was hiring canvassers to do work for the WFP.
Sign-up sheets: DFS Canvassers use sign-up sheets to collect contact information from WFP supporters they recruit. These are not petitions and there are no signatures collected. The sign-up sheets are not legal documents — they do not petition candidates onto the ballot or register people to vote. The sheets are the sole possession of the WFP, they are not turned over to anyone outside the organization or any government agency. (See one of the sheets used by Mr. Crooks below)
Some canvassers use a sign-up sheet from previous canvassing when they begin their day, to show new supporters how to fill the form out correctly and to make sure supporters write down all their contact information: phone, email, address, etc. Some employees fill in their own name as an example.
Entering buildings: DFS canvassers are told only to enter buildings when they have been invited by tenants while clearly identifying who they are, who they work for, and why they are there. All employees carry clipboards and visible ID badges. (Breaking and entering, we imagine, is not a helpful tactic for raising money door-to-door).
