====The Hotline====

>>**Important Links**
ComprehensivePhoneGuide
MainLine
[[IndividualCandidateContacts Campaign/Candidate Communications]]
PhoneList
[[PVSAbout Long Answer]]
HotlineResources>>

==**Overview**==
If you haven't already, read the ComprehensivePhoneGuide.

The Voter's Research Hotline is the original component of Vote Smart and is a cornerstone tool of our organization. It is free and easy for the general public to use. The political awareness and education of Hotline callers spans a wide range, therefore, operators must be ready to provide basic definitions, listen to C-SPAN junkies, and to aid graduate students and professional congressional researchers. It is the job of every Vote Smart intern or staff member answering Hotline to provide the caller with a pleasant experience. No matter what tone of voice the caller uses, remain polite and professional because as a Hotline operator, you are speaking on behalf of the organization. Occasionally you will get a call that is more appropriate for [[IndividualCandidateContacts Candidate Line]] or MainLine; read these pages for more information.

Hotline calls have a different ring than direct line calls. 

==**After the Call**==
*At the **end of ANY and ALL emails** that are sent to callers, you **must attach** the BoilerPlate.

*If you have an interesting/unique call, feel free to add the comment to the document located at: public>staff and intern stories

==Hotline Specific Policies==
__No personal calls on Hotline__.
Do not transfer any personal calls to anyone here at work; 	
"Staff Call-ins" are appropriate when staff members are away from the office.

__We do not fax, mail or call anyone back from Hotline__ with answers to their research question - unless they are a member!  
If they are members, get their special request and contact information. Otherwise, the caller can call us back--it's a toll free call--or we will email them information. The only time we mail anything is VS Publications, which include the Voter's Self-Defense Manual and brochures. Please give that contact information and number of materials to the Development Department.

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CategoryKeyVotes