Pros
This job is meaningful and it's really satisfying to be part of a group that makes positive change. Canvassing is great for getting people involved in issues that they might not have even known about and lets us put enough pressure on decision makers to get things done. Quick advancement opportunities. I was able to move up the ranks pretty quickly. I began field managing after a few weeks and within less than a year I've become an assistant director. A lot of people even have the opportunity to enter as a director in one of the canvass offices across the country. I've made a lot of great friends here. The job attracts a certain kind of person that's really outgoing and passionate about the same things that I am. We hang out most days after work which I always look forward to. Really good benefits for year round employees. I love being able to work outside and get exercise all while making a difference.
Cons
You make some sacrifices to be a director. I've been happy to do so but a lot of people aren't. I work looooooong hours and am salaried. You're underpaid for your time as a director but you do get great benefits. With the new department of labor rule starting in December, however, the being underpaid part will be a thing of the past. Canvassers and field managers work less, about 35-40 hours a week. They make in the $10-15/hr range. I was able to even average upwards of $17/hr as a field manager most weeks. Long story short, nondirectors don't have to worry about making the same sacrifices. Door-to-door isn't for everyone. Socially anxious people can have a hard time, but I've seen a lot of people get past their anxiety and come out of their shell as a result of the job. You occasionally run into a mean person or a lot of apathetic people in a row and that can make the job tough for certain people. I love all kinds of weather so I don't mind if it's rainy or super hot or cold but that's another thing that some people don't enjoy. You usually walk about 6-7ish miles every day which can leave some people exhausted by the end of the week. The fundraising standards are lower and the hours have changed, so some of the past reviews aren't quite accurate.