Seek reports, data and other information from organizations in other areas that have been successful in your cause.
Method #1 for getting good information
National or International Organizations.
Method #2 for getting good information
Find out if there is a national or international organization that supports the cause.Seek information and data from the organization.Ask staff at the organization for advice for gathering data and information.
Gather data for your area.
Method #3 for getting good information
Search online. Get public records from government agencies. Go to the library to get help in gathering data and information.
Conduct an opinion poll.
Method #4 for getting good information
Use a pollster.Ask one question.Gather a random sample.(Cost for one question is often reasonable)If using convenience sample, compare to similar data gathered by a random sample.
Volunteer & donate to their campaign – and only theirs (focus your efforts).
Step #3 to winning a politician champion
Push other politicians to join your champion in support, especially when they are running for office.
Step #5 to winning a politician champion
Once you win your champion: 1. Offer them a leadership role2. Give them credit for wins (as
long as they are committed to the cause)
Caveat on winning a politician champion
1. Always get a specific commitment each time you meet.
2. Bring the draft legislation with you (in addition to providing in advance of your meeting).
3. If they need time to review, review the legislation with them or ask to another appointment to review together.
4. Do not settle for a statement of support. Ask them to sponsor, second, or co-sponsor.
5. If they refuse to meet with you or to negotiate, picket or protest them to get their attention.
Trouble shooting for winning a politician champion
Develop a short but broad mission Statement that clearly identifies what needs to be done.
Media aspect #1 for citizen action
Have a clear plan of what should be done, including draft legislation, ready to go.
Media aspect #3 for citizen action
Publish widely.
Media aspect #4 for citizen action
websiteblogyou tube twitterinfographicsnewslettersfacebook (create a group) hand outs...
Get published widely.
Media aspect #5 for citizen action
Write & publish a bookWrite journal articlesWrite newspaper opinion piecesRadio & TV interviewsNewspaper interviewsMagazine interviews
Speak
Media aspect #6 for citizen action
Create speaking events – invite a keynote speaker Ask to speak at eventsGo to public hearingsGet invited to speak at events
Spread the word.
Media aspect #7 for citizen action
Ensure the media is about your cause, not personality or ego. Make is easy for allies to advocate for the cause.
What to do with bad press:
Media troubleshooting
1. Fully understand opponent’s position, interests & values.
2. Reply or write letter to the editor (or similar body) framing your cause.
3. Ask allies to respond as well.
Never lecture.
Media caution
Listen carefully for other’s interests.Frame the cause to their interests.
The magic recipe to overcoming government inertia:
Media caveat
Opposing parties agreeing to a common course of action.
Step #1 creating a citizen commission
Have a clear plan of what should be done, including draft legislation, ready to go.
Step #2 creating a citizen commission
Learn from similar efforts.
Get and share the reports, data and other information from other areas that have accomplished the goal of your cause.
Step #3 creating a citizen commission
Band with the other individual advocates (like you) who are advocating for the cause.
Step #4 creating a citizen commission
Create a group and give your group a name. (“Ad-hoc citizen commission on ___”)
Step #8 creating a citizen commission
Ask a politician to recognize the citizen commission and officially ask for recommendations on programs, policies, appointments etc.
Caution creating a citizen commission
Keep the commission open to people and organization working for the cause to ensure it is working on behalf of the people, and does not get derailed or become an exclusive club(not democratic).
Caveat on a citizen commission
If a citizen commission or task force will not listen or is off-course, point to its shortcomings through the media or use the threat of public criticism to get their attention regarding your recommendations.
Step #2 for petitioning
If you goal is to get on the ballot, have the correct forms and follow the correct procedure for signatures.
Step #4 for petitioning
Continually gather community-based support.
Faith-based organizationsBusinessesSchoolsNonprofitsCommunity OrganizationsAuthors, Artists, Others
Step #5 for petitioning
Hold a rally (or many). Invite politicians and other great speakers.
Ask all who attend for specifics:1.Sign the petition2.Come to the next demonstration3.Organize their friends4.Come to a community organizing meeting
Step #6 for petitioning
Once you have media attention, invite people to specific places to sign the petition (online or on the ground).
Step #7 for petitioning
March, Sit In & Demonstrate.
Find creative ways to exercise 1st amendment rights to assembly.
Step #8 for petitioning
Have fun at the protests & rallies.
Marathon games Dancing, singing Poetry slamsFun contests (get prizes from supporting businesses)
Step #9 for petitioning
Hold a public hearing.
The citizen’s commission can request the cause’s champion politician to spearhead the hearing.
Ensure the purpose, venue, time, process are clear and that there is an experienced facilitator.
Step #10 for petitioning
Introduce legislation to body of law.
Or get it on the ballot, and then continue to raise awareness and gain support.
Once your legislation is adopted.
Advocate for an office or cabinet with full time paid employees and a budget. Advocate for advisory role in appointing officials and determining program, policies and projects.
More tools for social change and a new economic paradigm at
www.happycounts.org