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Introduction to Community Organizing for Occupy Midwest
The document provides an overview of community organizing, emphasizing the importance of grassroots movements and the role of organizations in empowering individuals to participate in democracy. It highlights various forms of community organizing, including direct service, self-help, education, advocacy, and direct action, along with methods and strategies for effective organizing. Key principles and steps for successful community engagement are outlined, along with the significance of coalitions and the distinctions between problems and issues.
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Introduction to Community Organizing for Occupy Midwest
- 1. Introduction to Community Organizing “Community Organizing” 1
- 2. INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNITYORGANIZING “The whole history of the progress of human liberty shows that all concessions yet made to her august claims have been born of struggle…Those who profess to favor freedom, and yet depreciate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground. They want rain without thunder and lightning…Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will. Find out what the people will submit to, and you have found the exact amount of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them; and these will continue until they are resisted with either words or blows, or with both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress.” - Frederick Douglass, Letter to an abolitionist associate, 1849 “Community Organizing” 2
- 3. Saul Alinsky (1909– 1972) • Pioneer in grassroots democracy theory and practice • Founder of the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF) • Master organizer and challenger of the status quo www.industrialareasfoundation.org “Community Organizing” 3
- 4. “Change means movement. Movementmeans friction. Only in the frictionless vacuum of a nonexistent abstract world can movement or change occur without that abrasive friction of conflict.” - Saul Alinsky “Community Organizing” 4
- 5. The Midwest Academyteaches an organizing philosophy, methods and skills that enable ordinary people to actively participate in the democratic process. The Academy courses and consulting services are designed for progressive organizations and coalitions that utilize civic engagement activities to build citizen power at all levels of our democracy. www.midwestacademy.com “Community Organizing” 5
- 6. FORMS OF COMMUNITYORGANIZING – TYPES OF HELPING ORGANIZATIONS Direct Service Self Help Education Advocacy Direct Action Source: Midwest Academy “Community Organizing” 6
- 7. FORMS OF COMMUNITYORGANIZING – TYPES OF HELPING ORGANIZATIONS Direct Service United Way's mission is to improve lives by mobilizing caring people to invest in the community where their resources are needed most. Source: Midwest Academy “Community Organizing” 7
- 8. FORMS OF COMMUNITYORGANIZING – TYPES OF HELPING ORGANIZATIONS Self Help Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary, worldwide fellowship of men and women from all walks of life who meet together to attain and maintain sobriety. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership. Source: Midwest Academy “Community Organizing” 8
- 9. FORMS OF COMMUNITYORGANIZING – TYPES OF HELPING ORGANIZATIONS Education Source: Midwest Academy “Community Organizing” 9
- 10. FORMS OF COMMUNITYORGANIZING – TYPES OF HELPING ORGANIZATIONS Advocacy The mission of the ACLU is to preserve these protections and guarantees: Your First Amendment rights-freedom of speech, association and assembly. Freedom of the press, and freedom of religion supported by the strict separation of church and state. Your right to equal protection under the law - equal treatment regardless of race, sex, religion or national origin. Your right to due process - fair treatment by the government whenever the loss of your liberty or property is at stake. Source: Midwest Academy Your right to privacy - freedom from unwarranted government intrusion into your personal and private affairs.“Community Organizing” 10
- 11. FORMS OF COMMUNITYORGANIZING – TYPES OF HELPING ORGANIZATIONS Direct Action ACORN, the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, is the nation's largest community organization of low- and moderate-income families, working together for social justice and stronger communities. ACORN's accomplishments include successful campaigns for better housing, schools, neighborhood safety, health care, job conditions, and more. ACORN members participate in local meetings and actively work on campaigns, elect leadership from the neighborhood level up, and pay the organization's core expenses through membership dues and grassroots fundraisers. Source: Midwest Academy “Community Organizing” 11
- 12. FORMS OF COMMUNITYORGANIZING Accepts Challenges Existing Existing Power Power Relationships Relationships Direct Service Direct Action Education Advocacy Self Help Source: Midwest Academy “Community Organizing” 12
- 13. FORMS OF COMMUNITYORGANIZING Accepts Challenges Existing Existing Power Power Relationships Relationships Level of involvement of people directly affected by problem Direct Service Direct Action Education Advocacy Self Help Source: Midwest Academy “Community Organizing” 13
- 14. FORMS OF COMMUNITYORGANIZING Accepts Challenges Existing Existing Power Power Relationships Relationships Change of people involved in problem Direct Service Direct Action Education Advocacy Self Help Source: Midwest Academy “Community Organizing” 14
- 15. FORMS OF COMMUNITYORGANIZING Accepts Challenges Existing Existing Power Power Relationships Relationships Level of structural change Direct Service Direct Action Education Advocacy Self Help Source: Midwest Academy “Community Organizing” 15
- 16. FORMS OF COMMUNITYORGANIZING Accepts Challenges Existing Existing Power Power Relationships Relationships Level of Conflict Direct Service Direct Action Education Advocacy Self Help Source: Midwest Academy “Community Organizing” 16
- 17. The Three Principles Of Direct Action Win Real Improvements In People’s Lives Make People Aware Of Their Power Alter The Relations Of Power • Build Strong Organizations • Change laws and Regulations • Elect good people “Community Organizing” 17
- 18. 8 Direct ActionOrganizing Steps 1. People (members) identify a problem 2. Turn the problem into an issue 3. Develop strategy 4. Confront the target with large numbers 5. Decision Maker reacts to us 6. Win or move on to next round 7. Move the issue into the electoral arena “Community Organizing” 18 8. Move the issue back to the legislative arena
- 19. Organizing is about building power “Community Organizing” 19
- 20. Your Power Equals Your Strength Plus Their Weakness “Community Organizing”
- 21. Their Weakness Includes: ConflictOf Interest $ Investment in Campaign Image Contributions Scandal Close Election Criminal Activity Higher Ambition Past Connections Need To Look Potential Rivals Good To Someone “Community Organizing”
- 22. Forms of Power Form Of Power What Matters Political - Legislative Votes - Money Consumer Ability To Cut Profits Legal - Regulatory Clear Laws & Regulations. Free Legal Help Strikes - Disruptive Cut Profits Or Stop An Agency From Functioning. “Community Organizing”
- 23. Selecting problems &issues “Community Organizing” 23
- 24. There is adifference between a problem and an issue The issue is the solution to the problem “Community Organizing” 24
- 25. Checklist For ChoosingAn Issue ` Win Real Improvements Must Have A Clear Target Give People Sense Of Power Time Frame That Works Alter Power Relations Non-Divisive Must Be Winnable Builds Leadership Widely Felt Sets Up Next Campaign Deeply Felt Pocketbook Angle Easy To Understand You Can Raise Money Consistent With Your Values “Community Organizing” 25
- 26. Developing Strategy “Community Organizing” 26
- 27. The Strategy Chart Goals Org. Consti- Targets Tactics Consid. tuency Goals are What re- Constitu- The Steps in the always won sources can ents Decision campaign. from some- you put in? Maker one • Members Allies • Petitions • Leaders (Person with • Meetings • $$$ Opponents the power to • Letters • Staff give you what Long Term • Electoral • Stuff you want.) Who cares • Media about the Hits How will it Secondary problem? build the or- Targets Intermediate (What the ganization? • Coalition How are constituents (Pressure partners they organ- them to do to the • Visibility ized? pressure the targets to Short Term • Budget Decision make them • Experience What power Maker) give you the (Not always do they goals.) needed) Internal have over Opponents problems in the target? the way? “Community Organizing” 27
- 28. Organizing Coalitions “Community Organizing” 28
- 29. COALITION DEFINED Coalition --An organization of organizations A group of groups. If the people involved don't actually represent organizations, then it isn't a coalition. “Community Organizing” 29 A group of groups
- 30. COALITION DISADVANTAGES • The coalition gets the credit • Some benefit more than others • Influence is not equal • Compromise on Tactics • Long discussions • Not all do their share “Community Organizing”
- 31. COALITION ADVANTAGES Build power Better media Effective strategy Larger numbers Increased resources Larger victories “Community Organizing”
- 32. “Self-interest” From the Latininter-esse. To be among. Self-interest means self among others. “Community Organizing”
- 33. In a coalition,an organization must still meet these needs: 1. Gain new members 2. Raise money 3. Be perceived as powerful 4. Get publicity 5. Build relationships with other groups 6. Provide members with an exciting program 7. Build internal morale 8. Give its leaders “Community Organizing” a public role
- 34. COALITION GUIDELINES 1. Seek common issues 2. Avoid shopping lists 3. Hire neutral staff 4. Know members self interest 5. Respect members structure 6. All groups are not equal 7. Groups contribute different things 8. Tactics must suit all groups 9. Have top level representation “Community Organizing”
- 35. IRS considerations “Community Organizing” 35
- 36. Charitable 501(c)(3) Organizations • Contributions to them are tax deductible • Can get foundation money • Can not work in elections • Very limited lobbying • 20% of total budget on direct lobbing – 25% of lobbying budget on grass roots lobbying “Community Organizing”
- 37. Civic/Social Welfare 501(c)(4) Organizations • Contributions to them are not tax deductible • May engage in restricted electoral activity – Communicate endorsement only to members • No limit on lobbying “Community Organizing”
- 38. Some thoughts… • Wherethere is no vision, the people perish • Imagination precedes implementation • Listen, Learn, Lead • Start where the people are • Make the path by walking it “Community Organizing” 38
- 39. Online Resources • TheMidwest Academy – Training, excellent manual – www.midwestacademy.com • Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center – great workbook – www.inrc.org • New Organizing Institute – www.neworganizing.com • Community Organizers Handbook – www.organizershandbok.wikispaces.com • The Organizers’ Collaborative – organizerscollaborative.org • The Ruckus Society – Tools & training for organizing – www.ruckus.org • AlternativeROOTS – Arts. Community. Activism - http://alternateroots.org • TechSoup – Technology for nonprofits – home.techsoup.org • The Civic Commons - Technology for the public good – http://civiccommons.com • Rainforest Action Network – Activist resources – http://ran.org • Mobile Active – Cell phones for civic engagement – www.mobileactive.org • Industrial Areas Foundation – Founded by Alinksky, training- www.industrialareasfoundation.org • Gamaliel Foundation – Coalition of organizing efforts, training - www.gamaliel.org “Community Organizing” 39
- 40. TAKE A SHORTONLINE SURVEY ON CIVIC ENGAGEMENT… Please visit http://tinyurl.com/CvicSurvey “Community Organizing” 40
- 41. Tom Tresser 312-804-3230 [email protected] @tomsee www.tresser.com Materials for community organizing online @ http://tinyurl.com/OrganizingResources “Community Organizing” 41