While helping out on a recent campaign, I was handed a clipboard to gather sign-ins for an event. Little did I realize how messy the signatures would be when I went to go enter the names into a spreadsheet. It struck me that I could skip a couple of steps and keep the contact info legible by creating a simple Google Form, which automatically creates a corresponding spreadsheet. Once created, all I'd have to do is ask supporters to enter their names on any mobile phone with the link to the Form. Not only does this eliminate the need for paper sign-ins and manual entry, but it also allows us to recruit multiple helpers, to use the data as it's collected for outreach and to share the form link on social media for increased participation.
So how do you set up a Google Form? It's pretty simple, actually. Log in to your Google Docs account and click on the Create button in the top left corner. Then, click Form.
Tools for Transparency: Use A Cell Phone to Collect Campaign Signatures
