Editing Community Organizing (section)

== Qualities a Community Organizer Must Have ==

# '''Empathy and Listening Skills''':
#* '''Empathic Listening''': Understanding the concerns and emotions of community members is crucial. This involves active listening and showing genuine concern for their issues.
#* '''Patience and Persistence''': Organizing is a long-term effort that requires patience and the ability to persist despite setbacks.
# '''Communication and Interpersonal Skills''':
#* '''Effective Communication''': The ability to clearly articulate ideas, motivate people, and convey the importance of collective action.
#* '''Relationship Building''': Establishing trust and building strong relationships within the community and with external stakeholders.
# '''Strategic Thinking and Planning''':
#* '''Problem-Solving''': Identifying issues, developing strategies, and planning actions to address community problems.
#* '''Organizational Skills''': Coordinating activities, managing resources, and ensuring that efforts are well-organized and effective.
# '''Leadership and Initiative''':
#* '''Leadership Development''': Identifying and nurturing potential leaders within the community.
#* '''Initiative''': Taking proactive steps to mobilize the community and drive actions forward.
# '''Adaptability and Flexibility''':
#* '''Adaptability''': Being able to adjust strategies and tactics based on changing circumstances and feedback from the community.
#* '''Flexibility''': Willingness to experiment with new approaches and learn from mistakes.
# '''Commitment and Dedication''':
#* '''Dedication to the Cause''': A deep commitment to social justice and improving the lives of community members.
#* '''Emotional Stamina''': The ability to handle the emotional demands of organizing, including dealing with conflict and setbacks.

<span id="the-importance-of-conflict-in-community-organizing"></span>
=== The Importance of Conflict in Community Organizing ===

Conflict is a fundamental element in community organizing, serving as a catalyst for change and a means to build power within the community. Donald R. Keating, in “The Power to Make It Happen,” emphasizes the role of conflict in several key ways:

# '''Catalyst for Change''':
#* '''Explanation''': Conflict brings underlying issues to the surface, forcing the community and those in power to address them. It disrupts the status quo and creates a sense of urgency for action.
#* '''Quote''': “Conflict is the midwife of change. Without it, the entrenched power structures remain unchallenged, and the community’s grievances go unaddressed.”
# '''Building Collective Power''':
#* '''Explanation''': Through conflict, community members unite around common goals, strengthening their collective power. It fosters solidarity and a shared sense of purpose.
#* '''Quote''': “When a group identifies a person whom they recognize as the cause of their problems, invites him to their meeting or goes to his home or place of work, complains and demands a solution — that’s confrontation.”
# '''Empowerment and Confidence''':
#* '''Explanation''': Successfully navigating and resolving conflicts empowers community members, boosting their confidence in their ability to effect change. Each victory, no matter how small, reinforces their belief in collective action.
#* '''Quote''': “Winning is building because each victory, no matter how small, serves to enhance the community’s confidence, cohesion, and organizational strength.”
# '''Clarifying Issues and Goals''':
#* '''Explanation''': Conflict helps to clarify the issues at hand and the community’s goals. It forces organizers and residents to articulate their demands clearly and to strategize effectively.
#* '''Quote''': “The basics of mass-based community organizing — winning and building — were explained to the meeting. The group evaluated different methods to address the meat-packing plant issue, such as phone calls, letters, petitions, and direct confrontation.”
# '''Exposing Power Dynamics''':
#* '''Explanation''': Conflict reveals the true power dynamics within a community, highlighting who holds power and how it is exercised. This awareness is crucial for developing effective strategies to challenge and redistribute power.
#* '''Quote''': “The underlying theory of ‘Winning is Building’ is rooted in the concept that community organizing is not just about addressing immediate issues but about transforming the power dynamics within the community.”
# '''Preventing Complacency''':
#* '''Explanation''': Conflict prevents complacency by continually challenging the community to address new issues and to strive for greater improvements. It keeps the momentum of organizing efforts alive.
#* '''Quote''': “An unorganized community is vulnerable in the face of political, bureaucratic and corporate power. This vulnerability is most noticeable in working-class communities and is one of the reasons why the twin goals of mass-based community organization are so effective and relevant.”

<span id="how-community-organizers-build-political-power"></span>
=== How Community Organizers Build Political Power ===

# '''Building Membership Organizations''':
#* '''Creating a Base''': Organizers build a membership base that includes individuals and institutions like churches and labor unions. This base is essential for mobilizing support and resources.
#* '''Leadership Development''': Developing local volunteer leaders who represent the organization and engage with the media and power structures.
# '''Identifying and Addressing Issues''':
#* '''Issue Identification''': Organizers identify specific issues within larger problems, focusing on grievances that have clear demands and identifiable targets.
#* '''Direct Action''': Using direct action, such as face-to-face confrontations with decision-makers, to demand specific changes.
# '''Strategic Campaigns and Small Wins''':
#* '''Small Wins''': Achieving small, concrete victories helps build momentum and demonstrates the effectiveness of collective action. These wins build confidence and encourage further participation.
#* '''Building Power''': Each small win contributes to building the organization’s power, as it shows that the group can achieve results and makes it easier to mobilize for larger goals.
# '''Training and Education''':
#* '''Training Programs''': Providing training to develop the skills of organizers and leaders.
#* '''Educational Role''': Helping volunteer leaders develop their capacities while also learning from the community.
# '''Building Networks and Alliances''':
#* '''Institutional Relationships''': Building relationships among leaders of various institutions to create a network that can exert collective pressure on local institutions.
#* '''Community Projects''': Local projects addressing community needs foster relationships and mutual support among members.
# '''Adaptability and Innovation''':
#* '''Continuous Adaptation''': Regularly reviewing and updating strategies to stay relevant and responsive to changing conditions.
#* '''Encouraging Innovation''': Experimenting with new methods of organizing to find effective approaches.

“How Organizations Develop Activists” by Hahrie Han

<span id="main-points"></span>
==== Main Points: ====

# '''Transformational vs. Transactional Approaches''':
#* '''Transformational Organizing''': Focuses on developing members’ motivations and capacities for involvement, fostering long-term commitment, and building democratic citizens.
#* '''Transactional Mobilizing''': Aims at achieving immediate, specific outcomes by engaging people in short-term actions without necessarily developing their deeper commitment or skills.
# '''Blending Online and Offline Strategies''':
#* Effective civic associations use a mix of online and offline tools to build both the breadth (quantity) and depth (quality) of activism.
#* Online tools can facilitate rapid mobilization, while offline strategies are crucial for relationship-building and leadership development.
# '''Investing in Members vs. Membership''':
#* Investing in members (developing their skills and motivations) helps build a strong, committed activist base.
#* Investing in membership (increasing the number of participants) helps achieve scale. Successful organizations do both.
# '''Challenges in Modern Political Context''':
#* The temptation to rely on quick, scalable online mobilization can detract from the long-term work of developing activists.
#* Despite increased engagement opportunities, many associations feel they lack the power to address fundamental societal issues.

<span id="strategies-and-tactics"></span>
==== Strategies and Tactics: ====

# '''Transformational Organizing''':
#* '''Relationship Building''': Developing strong interpersonal relationships among members to foster a sense of community and mutual commitment.
#* '''Strategic Autonomy''': Giving volunteers some control over their activities to enhance their sense of agency and ownership.
#* '''Feedback and Reflection''': Providing continuous feedback and encouraging reflection to help activists understand their impact and develop their skills.
# '''Transactional Mobilizing''':
#* '''Targeted Outreach''': Using data and analytics to identify and engage individuals who are already motivated and have the necessary skills.
#* '''Scalable Actions''': Implementing strategies that can quickly mobilize large numbers of people, such as email campaigns and social media outreach.
# '''Blending Strategies''':
#* '''Integrated Voter Engagement''': Combining mobilizing and organizing to build both immediate action and long-term activist development.
#* '''Engagement Organizing''': Using both online and offline methods to engage people in meaningful ways, ensuring that online actions are supported by offline relationship-building.
# '''Maintaining Engagement''':
#* '''Creating Participatory Opportunities''': Offering various ways for members to get involved based on their interests and capacities.
#* '''Building Community''': Fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support among members to sustain long-term engagement.
# '''Leadership Development''':
#* '''Training and Coaching''': Providing formal training and ongoing coaching to develop members’ leadership skills.
#* '''Reflective Praxis''': Encouraging continuous reflection and learning to help members grow as leaders and activists.
# '''Organizational Practices''':
#* '''Intentionality in Mobilizing''': High-engagement chapters are deliberate in their mobilizing efforts, ensuring that actions contribute to long-term organizing goals.
#* '''Experimental Approaches''': Testing different strategies to find the most effective ways to recruit and retain activists.

<span id="supporting-theory"></span>
==== Supporting Theory: ====

* '''Alexis de Tocqueville''': Civic associations as “great free schools of democracy” that develop democratic citizens.
* '''Theda Skocpol''': Democratic organizing becomes the norm when leaders have incentives to draw others into movements and associations.
* '''Marshall Ganz''': Effective organizing involves identifying, recruiting, and developing leadership at all levels, creating a community that mobilizes its resources.

By understanding and implementing these strategies, civic associations can build the power they need to address fundamental societal issues and support a healthy democracy.

<span id="online-tools-for-rapid-mobilization"></span>
=== Online Tools for Rapid Mobilization ===

# '''Email Campaigns''':
#* '''Blast Emails''': Sending mass emails to a large list of contacts to quickly disseminate information, calls to action, or event invitations.
#* '''Targeted Emails''': Using data analytics to send personalized emails to specific segments of the contact list, increasing the relevance and impact of the message.
# '''Social Media''':
#* '''Platforms''': Utilizing platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn to reach a broad audience quickly.
#* '''Viral Content''': Creating shareable content (e.g., memes, videos, infographics) that can spread rapidly through social networks.
#* '''Hashtags''': Using and promoting hashtags to create a unified message and make it easier for people to find and join the conversation.
# '''Petitions and Online Forms''':
#* '''Petition Platforms''': Using sites like Change.org or custom-built forms to gather signatures and show support for a cause.
#* '''Surveys and Polls''': Collecting data and opinions from supporters to inform strategy and demonstrate public support.
# '''Webinars and Live Streams''':
#* '''Webinars''': Hosting online seminars to educate and engage supporters on specific issues.
#* '''Live Streaming''': Using platforms like Facebook Live, YouTube Live, or Zoom to broadcast events, rallies, or discussions in real-time.
# '''SMS and Messaging Apps''':
#* '''Text Campaigns''': Sending SMS messages to mobilize supporters quickly, often used for reminders about events or urgent calls to action.
#* '''Messaging Apps''': Utilizing apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal for group communications and rapid dissemination of information.
# '''Online Fundraising''':
#* '''Crowdfunding Platforms''': Using sites like GoFundMe or Kickstarter to raise funds for specific projects or campaigns.
#* '''Donation Pages''': Setting up online donation pages to collect contributions from supporters.

<span id="offline-strategies-to-build-breadth-and-depth-of-activism"></span>
=== Offline Strategies to Build Breadth and Depth of Activism ===

# '''Relationship Building''':
#* '''One-on-One Meetings''': Personal meetings to build trust, understand individual motivations, and develop deeper connections.
#* '''House Meetings''': Small gatherings in supporters’ homes to discuss issues, share stories, and build a sense of community.
# '''Community Events''':
#* '''Town Halls''': Public meetings where community members can discuss issues, ask questions, and engage with leaders.
#* '''Workshops and Trainings''': Educational sessions to develop skills, knowledge, and leadership among activists.
# '''Canvassing and Door-to-Door Outreach''':
#* '''Door Knocking''': Visiting homes to engage residents in conversations about issues, gather support, and recruit volunteers.
#* '''Street Canvassing''': Setting up tables or booths in public places to distribute information and engage passersby.
# '''Rallies and Protests''':
#* '''Public Demonstrations''': Organizing large gatherings to show support for a cause, attract media attention, and apply pressure on decision-makers.
#* '''Marches''': Coordinated walks through public spaces to demonstrate solidarity and raise awareness.
# '''Volunteer Engagement''':
#* '''Volunteer Teams''': Creating structured teams with specific roles and responsibilities to manage different aspects of the campaign.
#* '''Regular Meetings''': Holding consistent meetings to plan activities, provide updates, and maintain momentum.
# '''Local Chapters and Affiliates''':
#* '''Chapter Development''': Establishing local branches of the organization to decentralize efforts and increase reach.
#* '''Leadership Development''': Identifying and training local leaders to take on more responsibilities and lead initiatives.
# '''Community Service Projects''':
#* '''Service Activities''': Organizing projects that address local needs, such as clean-ups, food drives, or tutoring programs, to build goodwill and demonstrate commitment to the community.
# '''Coalition Building''':
#* '''Partnerships''': Forming alliances with other organizations, community groups, and stakeholders to amplify efforts and resources.
#* '''Joint Actions''': Coordinating activities and campaigns with partners to increase impact and reach.

<span id="best-strategies-and-tactics-for-identifying-issues-in-a-local-community"></span>
=== Best Strategies and Tactics for Identifying Issues in a Local Community ===

# '''Door-to-Door Canvassing''':
#* '''Description''': Personally visiting residents to ask about their concerns and interests.
#* '''Tactic''': Use a simple, open-ended script to encourage residents to share their thoughts.
#* '''Example Script''': “Hello, my name is [Your Name]. I’m a community worker talking to people about their interest in problems and improvements in our neighborhood. What about you?”
# '''Community Surveys''':
#* '''Description''': Distributing surveys to gather information on community issues.
#* '''Tactic''': Ensure surveys are short, easy to understand, and accessible both online and offline.
#* '''Example Questions''': “What are the top three issues you face in this community?” “How do these issues affect you and your family?”
# '''Focus Groups''':
#* '''Description''': Organizing small group discussions with diverse community members.
#* '''Tactic''': Facilitate discussions to ensure everyone has a chance to speak and share their views.
#* '''Example Prompt''': “Let’s discuss the main challenges you face in this neighborhood and how they impact your daily life.”
# '''Public Meetings''':
#* '''Description''': Hosting open forums where residents can voice their concerns.
#* '''Tactic''': Advertise the meeting widely and create a welcoming environment for all attendees.
#* '''Example Agenda''': “Introduction, Open Floor for Community Concerns, Prioritizing Issues, Next Steps.”
# '''Observation and Research''':
#* '''Description''': Observing the community and researching local news, social media, and public records.
#* '''Tactic''': Take note of recurring issues and patterns that affect the community.
#* '''Example''': “Frequent reports of poor sanitation in local parks.”
# '''Engaging Key Informants''':
#* '''Description''': Speaking with local leaders, business owners, and long-term residents.
#* '''Tactic''': Build relationships with these informants to gain deeper insights into community issues.
#* '''Example''': “Interview with the local school principal about challenges faced by students and parents.”

<span id="determining-if-an-issue-is-winnable"></span>
=== Determining if an Issue is Winnable ===

# '''Scope and Specificity''':
#* '''Description''': Assess if the issue is specific and manageable rather than broad and vague.
#* '''Tactic''': Break down larger issues into smaller, actionable components.
#* '''Example''': “Instead of ‘improving public safety,’ focus on ‘installing streetlights in dark areas.’”
# '''Community Support''':
#* '''Description''': Gauge the level of concern and support within the community.
#* '''Tactic''': Use surveys, meetings, and canvassing to measure interest and willingness to act.
#* '''Example''': “High turnout at a meeting discussing the need for a new playground.”
# '''Clear Target''':
#* '''Description''': Identify a specific person, organization, or entity responsible for the issue.
#* '''Tactic''': Ensure there is a clear decision-maker who can address the problem.
#* '''Example''': “The local council is responsible for approving new traffic signals.”
# '''Feasibility''':
#* '''Description''': Evaluate the resources, time, and effort required to address the issue.
#* '''Tactic''': Consider the community’s capacity to mobilize and sustain efforts.
#* '''Example''': “Organizing a petition drive to reduce speed limits in residential areas.”
# '''Potential for Visible Impact''':
#* '''Description''': Determine if the issue can lead to a visible and tangible improvement.
#* '''Tactic''': Focus on issues where success can be easily seen and felt by the community.
#* '''Example''': “Cleaning up a local park and installing new benches.”
# '''Alignment with Community Values''':
#* '''Description''': Ensure the issue aligns with the community’s values and priorities.
#* '''Tactic''': Engage in discussions to understand what matters most to residents.
#* '''Example''': “A campaign to preserve a historic building that holds cultural significance.”

Chapter 2 of “The Power to Make It Happen” by Donald R. Keating, titled “Winning is Building,” delves into the intricate relationship between achieving victories in community organizing and the broader goal of building a sustainable, powerful organization. The chapter emphasizes that winning specific battles is not an end in itself but a means to strengthen the community’s capacity for self-governance and collective action.

<span id="how-and-why-winning-is-building"></span>
=== How and Why Winning is Building ===

Winning is building because each victory, no matter how small, serves to enhance the community’s confidence, cohesion, and organizational strength. When a community successfully addresses an issue, it not only resolves a specific problem but also demonstrates its collective power and ability to effect change. This process builds trust among residents, encourages further participation, and attracts new members, thereby expanding the organization’s base and influence.

<span id="the-two-goals"></span>
=== The Two Goals ===

# '''Winning''':
#* '''Description''': Achieving tangible results on specific issues that affect the community.
#* '''Purpose''': To demonstrate the effectiveness of collective action and provide immediate benefits to residents.
#* '''Example''': Successfully pressuring a landlord to improve living conditions or getting the city to install streetlights in a dark area.
# '''Building''':
#* '''Description''': Strengthening the community’s organizational capacity and developing local leadership.
#* '''Purpose''': To create a sustainable, empowered community that can continue to address issues and advocate for itself.
#* '''Example''': Forming committees, training new leaders, and establishing a robust communication network among residents.

<span id="underlying-theory"></span>
=== Underlying Theory ===

The underlying theory of “Winning is Building” is rooted in the concept that community organizing is not just about addressing immediate issues but about transforming the power dynamics within the community. By focusing on both winning and building, organizers ensure that each victory contributes to the long-term goal of creating a self-sufficient, empowered community. This dual focus prevents the organization from becoming a mere service provider or protest group and instead fosters a culture of collective action and democratic participation.

<span id="importance-of-not-sharing-power"></span>
=== Importance of Not Sharing Power ===

It is crucial not to share power with external entities, such as politicians or other power brokers, because doing so can undermine the community’s autonomy and dilute its influence. When a community relies on external figures to solve its problems, it risks becoming dependent and losing its ability to act independently. By retaining power within the community, residents maintain control over their own destiny and ensure that their interests are prioritized.

<span id="reconciliation-in-building-power-and-community-organizing"></span>
=== Reconciliation in Building Power and Community Organizing ===

According to Saul Alinsky, a pioneer in community organizing, “In the world as it is, ‘reconciliation’ means that one side has the power and the other side gets reconciled to it.”

Reconciliation, in the context of building power and community organizing, refers to the process of resolving internal conflicts and uniting diverse groups within the community around common goals. This is essential for several reasons:

# '''Strengthening Unity''':
#* '''Description''': Reconciliation helps to bridge divides and foster a sense of solidarity among residents.
#* '''Purpose''': A united community is more resilient and capable of sustained collective action.
#* '''Example''': Mediating disputes between different neighborhood factions to ensure they work together on shared issues.
# '''Enhancing Legitimacy''':
#* '''Description''': A reconciled community presents a unified front, which enhances its credibility and influence.
#* '''Purpose''': External stakeholders, such as city officials or funding bodies, are more likely to take a united community seriously.
#* '''Example''': Presenting a cohesive group at a city council meeting to advocate for policy changes.
# '''Building Trust''':
#* '''Description''': Reconciliation builds trust among residents, which is crucial for effective organizing.
#* '''Purpose''': Trust encourages participation and commitment to the organization’s goals.
#* '''Example''': Organizing community events that bring together diverse groups to build relationships and mutual understanding.

<span id="story-example-how-to-organize-grant-kintyre-against-meatpackers"></span>