How do we mobilize in rural communities/small cities?

Rural or small city organizing presents challenges that are unique from urban or larger city environments. Many organizers may feel discouraged by limited turnout to their events compared to more populated areas. There are several considerations for organizing in rural areas/small towns, and also several things that can be leveraged to build successful campaigns. The following responds to a request asking for tips on organizing outside larger urban environments, using information compiled from organizers in rural America, and input from experienced organizers here in so-called Canada.

Advice from organizers with Reseau Demain le QC in so-called Canada

Prioritize relationships and build coalitions	"I would say that trying to partner with other types of committed groups (community gardens, parent groups, women's groups, workplaces, etc.) and collaborate could be a good strategy, as mobilizing people from scratch can take a lot of energy in areas with less density and diversity. Create links and partnerships with the people in charge of gathering places, like the library, cafés, the city (for the organization of events in parks), schools, local businesses, youth centres, community and/or cultural centres etc." -Member of Reseau Demain le QC For example, a coalition of citizens, politicians and community groups formed a coalition for Quebec to intervene in the management of the Lac Barrière dam.
Organize citizen assemblies or town halls to talk about local issues	Groups such as Mères au front - Saguenay use this format to bring folks together.
Organize electoral debates on key issues, and target local politicians
Once you can gather the support, organize blockades	Mothers at the Rouyn-Noranda front and their allies organized a train blockade, and Wellington Water Watchers organized a blockade at a local Nestle water plant.
Organize marches and petitions	They don't have to result in the same turnout seen in big cities to attract attention!
Participate in Nation-wide campaigns how you can	i.e. Banking on a Better Future, Decolonial solidarity, Réseau demain le Québec, Vire au vert
Involve local media

Advice from rural organizers in the so-called United States

Address stereotypes and tailor messaging	A high majority of rural voters believe “the government mostly reflects the will of the rich and influential.” ; 87% from polling data in the US. 69% agree our economic system is rigged for the wealthy and powerful. Rural voters support key progressive policies. For example, US polling data shows 36% of rural voters strongly agree the government has a responsibility to combat climate change, and 25% somewhat agree. That’s a majority! “While rural voters do lean right when it comes to political identity, the breakdown is not nearly as dramatic as often portrayed in the media.” That is, there is a comparable difference. Rural US data suggests there’s only about an 8% difference between the presence of “strong Democrats” and “strong Republicans” when comparing voters in cities to rural areas. Most rural citizens are not farmers; they work in sectors such as education, healthcare, industry etc.
Use community care values-based framing	Rural voters believe rural communities look out for each other (particularly friends and family). This value, community care, should be central to campaigning efforts and messaging. (I.e. instead of critiquing what’s wrong in rural areas, point to what is right!)
Include rural values and concerns in your demands	Top issues for rural Americans include ; Wages increases  Prioritizing small, local businesses Incentivizing local construction, manufacturing and agriculture Investment in rural jobs Decreasing daily expenses such as the cost of health, child and elderly care Expanding access to affordable housing Increasing investment in transportation and connectivity (internet) Promoting safe rural communities Investing in rural education and arts Promoting outdoor recreation and the protection of the environment
Embrace local businesses and oppose corporate corruption	A very high percentage of rural voters don’t support conservative, liberal or more progressive parties because they don’t see their interests being addressed.  This is a campaigning opportunity! There’s no party distinction in anti-lobbyist messaging. Rural people are looking for authentic leaders who understand their needs, which they feel aren’t being met by politicians. Leverage this! “Rural respondents demonstrated significant support for candidates who expressed anti-corporation and pro-small business sentiment.” (i.e. against monopolies of food system, tax incentives for corporations).
Use facebook and local news to amplify your campaigns	Use facebook to mobilize and share information. In the US, many rural citizens (and also many urban citizens) use Facebook as their primary news source because “users tend to read and share news from friends and family; those on the inside that they already trust.” Local media sources are more trustworthy to this group than national news. Facebook and local news stations are the top platforms to seek news for people in rural communities. Utilize this; reach out to your local news outlets to feature your actions and demands. Invest time in making local news connections.
Use yard/lawn signs	Asking supporters to add a sign to their lawn helps to create excitement and a sense of viability.  In communities where driving is necessary to get everywhere, signs can help to identify your supporters to engage them in future organizing opportunities.
Platform the right messengers	In rural America, the people most trusted include doctors and nurses, farmers and ranchers, local business people and teachers and educators.

If you have any suggested revisions or additional resources to share related to the above content, please email them to kenzie@lehub.ca.

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