How do we mobilize in rural communities/small cities?: Difference between revisions
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Unsure of what to campaign around in your small city/rural area? Check out this list of ideas from [https://tous-complices.com/outils/ Tool Complices Pour Notre Communaute]. You might also draw ideas from [https://mouvementmare.org/nos-campagnes-daction/?lang=en Mouvement Mare's campaigns], which range in focus from local community-specific to National issues. | Unsure of what to campaign around in your small city/rural area? Check out this list of ideas from [https://tous-complices.com/outils/ Tool Complices Pour Notre Communaute]. You might also draw ideas from [https://mouvementmare.org/nos-campagnes-daction/?lang=en Mouvement Mare's campaigns], which range in focus from local community-specific to National issues. | ||
If you have any suggested revisions or additional resources to share related to the above content, please email them to kenzie@lehub.ca. | If you have any suggested revisions or additional resources to share related to the above content, please email them to kenzie@lehub.ca. |
Revision as of 20:41, 1 March 2023
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.
Building connections
Talk to family, friends and people you know! |
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Contact local businesses |
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Connect with other local organizations and groups |
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Alliance for a Liveable Ontario" -Sharon Collingwood (Perth Sustainability Hub)
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Connect with local politicians |
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Turn to National organizations for support |
Keep in contact, and ask if they have any local connections. "Your organization is a part of a larger movement." For example... Canadian Environmental Law Association Ontario Yours to ProtectOntario Nature Ecojustice Environmental Defence -Sharon Collingwood (Perth Sustainability Hub)
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Encourage those involved! | |
Seek Indigenous Perspectives |
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Try door knocking! |
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Build a media list |
Research the main newspaper/radio/television contacts in your area, then learn what will interest the regional and the national outlets. -Sharon Collingwood (Perth Sustainability Hub)
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Build networks and coalitions |
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Socialize and get to know others! |
Narrative and messaging
Listen to and learn from locals |
You might even be able to find articles written by people in your area who may be interested in your issue. For example... Farmtario
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Craft a narrative and image that suits the needs of locals | *"When you are confident you understand your audience, communicate a sense of purpose by setting out the main points of what you want to do. Save the details for later." -Sharon Collingwood (Perth Sustainability Hub)
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Leverage key community members/people who are trusted |
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Address stereotypes and tailor messaging |
The following insight comes from organizers with ruralorganizing.org based in the so-called US:
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Use community care values-based framing [8] |
The following insight comes from organizers with ruralorganizing.org based in the so-called US:
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Embrace local businesses and oppose corporate corruption |
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Online presence
Hold hybrid/virtual meetings | *"The organization of virtual meetings also helps to promote involvement, especially because public transportation is sometimes non-existent or difficult to access." (Translated from French) -Pierre Avignon (Organizer against pig farming in rural Quebec)
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Use online organizing tools |
1. "Slack allows you to easily post files, calendars, pictures, links and videos. Posts are kept for 3 months" on the free version.
2. Zoom allows you to create recurring meetings, and you can post the link in a google doc/share widely. It's easy to bookmark and reuse. -Sharon Collingwood (Perth Sustainability Hub) |
Keep a shared drive to distribute and access resources | |
Create an email list |
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Create social media accounts |
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Create an events calendar | *"What will be going on in your area over the next year that you can participate in?" Plan for events in advance, and "be sure that your calendar can be easily accessed by all members of your group. A Google calendar works well for this." After events, "don’t forget to take notes for next year - contacts, emails, telephone numbers and reminders of what was needed for the event. '-Sharon Collingwood (Perth Sustainability Hub) |
Develop affinity groups online to cover large areas | *"The use of digital technology makes it possible to cover sometimes very large geographical areas. As for all mobilizations, the creation of affinity groups on social networks becomes a very useful virtual rallying space that must be maintained and fed regularly." (Translated from French) -Pierre Avignon (Organizer against pig farming in rural Quebec) |
Tactics and strategy
Get creative! |
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Set SMART goals and expectations |
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Hold marches, rallies and blockades |
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Promote positive changes you see in the community |
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Host booths at local events | |
Get involved in local politics |
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Create subcommittees | |
Create bulletin and leaflet networks |
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Plan events that are easy to engage in for new volunteers | *"Help volunteers overcome their shyness with actions that are easy to engage in such as "a 'phone canvass party’ where volunteers get together and make calls over tea & coffee. This should be a pleasant social experience. You could have a script made up in advance, and maybe do a few rehearsals together. There are many tools to help you in this, like this one." -Sharon Collingwood (Perth Sustainability Hub)
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Offer public shows of support |
' |
Unsure of what to campaign around in your small city/rural area? Check out this list of ideas from Tool Complices Pour Notre Communaute. You might also draw ideas from Mouvement Mare's campaigns, which range in focus from local community-specific to National issues.
If you have any suggested revisions or additional resources to share related to the above content, please email them to kenzie@lehub.ca.
- ↑ https://ruralorganizing.org/blog/resource-progressive-strategies-rural-engagement
- ↑ https://actionnetwork.org/forms/running-campaigns-in-small-towns-and-rural-communities
- ↑ https://actionnetwork.org/forms/running-campaigns-in-small-towns-and-rural-communities
- ↑ https://ruralorganizing.org/blog/resource-progressive-strategies-rural-engagement
- ↑ https://ruralorganizing.org/blog/resource-progressive-strategies-rural-engagement
- ↑ https://ruralorganizing.org/blog/resource-progressive-strategies-rural-engagement
- ↑ https://ruralorganizing.org/blog/resource-progressive-strategies-rural-engagement
- ↑ https://ruralorganizing.org/blog/resource-progressive-strategies-rural-engagement
- ↑ https://ruralorganizing.org/blog/resource-progressive-strategies-rural-engagement
- ↑ https://ruralorganizing.org/blog/resource-progressive-strategies-rural-engagement
- ↑ https://actionnetwork.org/forms/running-campaigns-in-small-towns-and-rural-communities
- ↑ https://ruralorganizing.org/blog/resource-progressive-strategies-rural-engagement
- ↑ https://ruralorganizing.org/blog/organizer-toolkit-leveraging-yard-signs-rural-communities