How do we mobilize in rural communities/small cities?: Difference between revisions
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== Building connections == | == Building connections == | ||
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'''Talk to family, friends and people you know!''' | '''Talk to family, friends and people you know!''' | ||
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*Your personal address book is useful for organizing. "''Don't be afraid to ask friends and relatives for help. Your contacts have contacts; you will be amazed at how far your request will go!''" -Sharon Collingwood ([https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub]) | *Your personal address book is useful for organizing. "''Don't be afraid to ask friends and relatives for help. Your contacts have contacts; you will be amazed at how far your request will go!''" -Sharon Collingwood ([https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub]) | ||
*<span style="font-size: 14.4px;" >''"In order to encourage involvement, one must be involved in the community and rely on people who already have a network in the area. We must also not hesitate to call on people who speak out publicly to denounce certain situations in order to give them our support." ''(Translated from French) -Pierre Avignon (Organizer against pig farming in rural Quebec)</span> | *<span style="font-size: 14.4px;" >''"In order to encourage involvement, one must be involved in the community and rely on people who already have a network in the area. We must also not hesitate to call on people who speak out publicly to denounce certain situations in order to give them our support." ''(Translated from French) -Pierre Avignon (Organizer against pig farming in rural Quebec)</span> | ||
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| style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: #99e1d9; height: 23px;" | '''Contact local businesses''' | | style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: #99e1d9; height: 23px;" | '''Contact local businesses''' | ||
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<div class="page" title="Page 2"><div class="section"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"> | <div class="page" title="Page 2"><div class="section"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><li>''"Could they support an event or participate in an action? Would they donate to your organization? (You could reciprocate with an acknowledgement on your webpage or leaflet). Could you put a poster or a basket of informational cards or leaflets in their reception area?"'' -Sharon Collingwood ([https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub])</li> | ||
*Share posters for upcoming events or notice of your group with local businesses. Some are more than willing to post your poster on a bulletin or on their shop window if they support your cause! -Member of [https://reseaudemainlequebec.org/ Reseau Demain le QC] | *Share posters for upcoming events or notice of your group with local businesses. Some are more than willing to post your poster on a bulletin or on their shop window if they support your cause! -Member of [https://reseaudemainlequebec.org/ Reseau Demain le QC] | ||
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'''Connect with other local organizations and groups''' | '''Connect with other local organizations and groups''' | ||
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*<p>Identify: ''"<span>who has influence in your community? Do they have ideas or suggestions for you? Will they help spread your message?
</span>''''"''</p> | |||
*<p>Identify: ''"<span>who has influence in your community? Do they have ideas or suggestions for you? Will they help spread your message?
| ***<span>Work on creating a sense of community and shared purpose. "''Create a network of support by working with local organizations - churches, school clubs, your ''[https://gardenontario.org/about/ local horticultural society]'', ''[https://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/cycling-clubs bicycling clubs]'', ''[https://fwio.on.ca/ women’s institutes]'', ''[https://www.ontariofieldnaturalists.ca/Links/Field_Naturalists_Clubs.html field naturalist societies]'', rod and gun clubs. Participate in their actions and events. How do you complement each other? How are you different?''" -Sharon Collingwood ([https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub])</span> | ||
**<span>Work on creating a sense of community and shared purpose. "''Create a network of support by working with local organizations - churches, school clubs, your ''[https://gardenontario.org/about/ local horticultural society]'', ''[https://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/cycling-clubs bicycling clubs]'', ''[https://fwio.on.ca/ women’s institutes]'', ''[https://www.ontariofieldnaturalists.ca/Links/Field_Naturalists_Clubs.html field naturalist societies]'', rod and gun clubs. Participate in their actions and events. How do you complement each other? How are you different?''" -Sharon Collingwood ([https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub])</span> | <li><span>''"Look for local branches of national and provincial organizations, and network with local people involved in these groups. Many of these groups may also be a good resource for speakers at events''.
'' For example...''<div class="section"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p>[https://ofa.on.ca/ The Ontario Federation of Agriculture
]<br>[https://www.nfu.ca/ National Farmers Union
]<br>[https://www.christianfarmers.org/ Christian Farmers Association
]<br>[https://conservationontario.ca/conservation-authorities/find-a-conservation-authority Your regional Conservation Authority
]<br>[https://futuregroundnetwork.org/ Future Ground Network] (The Suzuki Foundation)
</p> | ||
<li><span>''"Look for local branches of national and provincial organizations, and network with local people involved in these groups. Many of these groups may also be a good resource for speakers at events''.
| |||
<div class="section"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p>[https://ofa.on.ca/ The Ontario Federation of Agriculture
]<br>[https://www.nfu.ca/ National Farmers Union
]<br>[https://www.christianfarmers.org/ Christian Farmers Association
]<br>[https://conservationontario.ca/conservation-authorities/find-a-conservation-authority Your regional Conservation Authority
]<br>[https://futuregroundnetwork.org/ Future Ground Network] (The Suzuki Foundation)
</p> | |||
<p>[https://canadians.org/ The Council of Canadians]</p> | <p>[https://canadians.org/ The Council of Canadians]</p> | ||
<p>[https://www.liveableontario.ca/ Alliance for a Liveable Ontario]" <span>-Sharon Collingwood ([https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub])</span></p> | <p>[https://www.liveableontario.ca/ Alliance for a Liveable Ontario]" <span>-Sharon Collingwood ([https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub])</span></p> | ||
**"There are many boards of directors, school councils or other forms of coordinating committees made up of citizens who are already involved and can support you in your mobilization." (Translated from French)<span style="font-size: 14.4px;" > -Pierre Avignon (Organizer against pig farming in rural Quebec)</span> | |||
*"There are many boards of directors, school councils or other forms of coordinating committees made up of citizens who are already involved and can support you in your mobilization." (Translated from French)<span style="font-size: 14.4px;" > -Pierre Avignon (Organizer against pig farming in rural Quebec)</span> | <div class="page" title="Page 3"><div class="section"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><div class="page" title="Page 3"> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div> | ||
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'''Connect with local politicians''' | '''Connect with local politicians''' | ||
| style="width: 80.3024%; height: 28px;" | <li>Get to know your local politicians. Many may be ''"sympathetic to what you are doing. Develop a relationship with your MP and MPP, and particularly with councillors and other local representatives. Be friendly and receptive, but be persistent. Letters and calls are important; personal meetings are even better." ''Congratulate them when they do something good. | | style="width: 80.3024%; height: 28px;" | <li>Get to know your local politicians. Many may be ''"sympathetic to what you are doing. Develop a relationship with your MP and MPP, and particularly with councillors and other local representatives. Be friendly and receptive, but be persistent. Letters and calls are important; personal meetings are even better." ''Congratulate them when they do something good.</li> | ||
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| style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: #99e1d9; height: 10px;" | '''Turn to National organizations for support''' | | style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: #99e1d9; height: 10px;" | '''Turn to National organizations for support''' | ||
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*"''Look for organizations that can help you understand the complexities of the issues you face." '' | *"''Look for organizations that can help you understand the complexities of the issues you face." '' | ||
Keep in contact, and ask if they have any local connections. "''Your organization is a part of a larger movement."'' | Keep in contact, and ask if they have any local connections. "''Your organization is a part of a larger movement."'' | ||
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*<span style="font-size: 14.4px;" >You can also participate in actions with National orgaizations (e.g. [https://bankingonabetterfuture.org/ Banking on a Better Future], [https://www.instagram.com/decolonialsolidarity/?hl=en Decolonial solidarity], [https://reseaudemainlequebec.org/ Réseau demain le Québec], [https://www.vireauvert.org/groupes_citoyens Vire au vert]) </span>-Member of [https://reseaudemainlequebec.org/ Reseau Demain le QC]<br> | *<span style="font-size: 14.4px;" >You can also participate in actions with National orgaizations (e.g. [https://bankingonabetterfuture.org/ Banking on a Better Future], [https://www.instagram.com/decolonialsolidarity/?hl=en Decolonial solidarity], [https://reseaudemainlequebec.org/ Réseau demain le Québec], [https://www.vireauvert.org/groupes_citoyens Vire au vert]) </span>-Member of [https://reseaudemainlequebec.org/ Reseau Demain le QC]<br> | ||
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| style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: #99e1d9; height: | | style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: #99e1d9; height: 107px;" | '''Encourage those involved!''' | ||
| style="width: 80.3024%; height: | | style="width: 80.3024%; height: 107px;" | <li><span>Use 'wolf nudges'! <em>"When wolves move as a pack, they are constantly bumping into each other. That’s intentional; it’s just a little signal of solidarity to the other wolves, a reminder that their group is made up of individuals. Your “wolf nudges” could be directed to others in your organization, people you consider allies, or those you’d like to develop a stronger relationship with. </em></span><span><em><div class="page" title="Page 3"><div class="section"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"> | ||
**A wolf nudge can be as simple as copying a notification of an event to someone who may not know about it, or sharing your notes from that event. You might send a copy of a picture taken at a rally with someone who was there. You could send a short note of thanks to someone who helped out. A wolf nudge is usually something that doesn't need to be acknowledged, but it strengthens your whole community. | |||
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<div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="section"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p>'''Seek Indigenous Perspectives'''</p></div></div></div></div> | <div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="section"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p>'''Seek Indigenous Perspectives'''</p> | ||
[[File:Fbc4ba69-b4cf-415f-9436-2f4b46f0ff06.jpeg|200x200px|left|border]] | |||
<p>Above: Protest, Western University, December 2022. Credit: S. Collingwood
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*Learn about the language and culture of the people of your area. Study your common history, and find out what treaties apply. -Sharon Collingwood ([https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub]) | *Learn about the language and culture of the people of your area. Study your common history, and find out what treaties apply. -Sharon Collingwood ([https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub]) | ||
*''"Discuss a land acknowledgement for your meetings and events. Learn to pronounce names." ''-Sharon Collingwood ([https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub]) | *''"Discuss a land acknowledgement for your meetings and events. Learn to pronounce names." ''-Sharon Collingwood ([https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub]) | ||
*"''Promote Indigenous events" and ''<em>"reach out to Native friendship centres, who may be able to suggest a speaker to help inform your own events. Learn about the appropriate protocol for inviting Indigenous speakers.</em><span> Remember </span><em>that the people you will meet are usually busy volunteers; be respectful of their time.
" | *"''Promote Indigenous events" and ''<em>"reach out to Native friendship centres, who may be able to suggest a speaker to help inform your own events. Learn about the appropriate protocol for inviting Indigenous speakers.</em><span> Remember </span><em>that the people you will meet are usually busy volunteers; be respectful of their time.
" </em>-Sharon Collingwood ([https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub]) | ||
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| style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: | | style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: #99e1d9; height: 41px;" | <div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="section"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p>'''Try door knocking!'''</p></div></div></div></div> | ||
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*"''Door to door canvassing is a great way to establish connections. Take your time, and be sure to listen: you will learn a great deal of useful information about the community. You can also organize canvassing trips around farmers’ markets, local fairs, plowing matches, many other local events. Make it fun, and stop for coffee afterwards''." -Sharon Collingwood ([https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub]) | * | ||
"''Door to door canvassing is a great way to establish connections. Take your time, and be sure to listen: you will learn a great deal of useful information about the community. You can also organize canvassing trips around farmers’ markets, local fairs, plowing matches, many other local events. Make it fun, and stop for coffee afterwards''." -Sharon Collingwood ([https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub]) | |||
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| style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: #99e1d9; height: 10px;" | '''Build a media list''' | | style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: #99e1d9; height: 10px;" | '''Build a media list''' | ||
| style="width: 80.3024%; height: 10px;" | <div class="page" title="Page 3"><div class="section"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><div class="page" title="Page 3"><div class="section"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><div class="page" title="Page 5"><div class="section"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"> | | style="width: 80.3024%; height: 10px;" | <div class="page" title="Page 3"><div class="section"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><div class="page" title="Page 3"><div class="section"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><div class="page" title="Page 5"><div class="section"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"> | ||
* | *''"The use of local media, no matter how 'small' they may be, constitutes a gateway into each community, either through the distribution of newspapers or through local radio. However, it is necessary to multiply the ways to reach the population. This diversity of strategies to be implemented is even more important in the regions, since older populations, less adept with digital technology, are present."'' (Translated from French) -Pierre Avignon (Organizer against pig farming in rural Quebec) | ||
*'''Local media sources are more trustworthy '''to people in rural regions 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. <ref>'''https://ruralorganizing.org/blog/resource-progressive-strategies-rural-engagement'''</ref> -[https://ruralorganizing.org/ Ruralorganizing.org]<br> | *'''Local media sources are more trustworthy '''to people in rural regions 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. <ref>'''https://ruralorganizing.org/blog/resource-progressive-strategies-rural-engagement'''</ref> -[https://ruralorganizing.org/ Ruralorganizing.org]<br> | ||
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*<span style="font-size: 14.4px;" >"''Small local newspapers, whether printed or digital, should be considered either to distribute open letters or to challenge journalists." ''(Translated from French) -Pierre Avignon (Organizer against pig farming in rural Quebec)</span><span style="font-size: 14.4px;" ></span> | *<span style="font-size: 14.4px;" >"''Small local newspapers, whether printed or digital, should be considered either to distribute open letters or to challenge journalists." ''(Translated from French) -Pierre Avignon (Organizer against pig farming in rural Quebec)</span><span style="font-size: 14.4px;" ></span> | ||
* | *Research the main newspaper/radio/television contacts in your area, then learn what will interest the regional and the national outlets. -Sharon Collingwood ([https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub]) | ||
Research the main newspaper/radio/television contacts in your area, then learn what will interest the regional and the national outlets. -Sharon Collingwood ([https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub]) | |||
*''"Find out who writes on rural issues. When you read the news, always be on the lookout for authors who will be interested in your work." -Sharon Collingwood ([https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub])'' | *''"Find out who writes on rural issues. When you read the news, always be on the lookout for authors who will be interested in your work." -Sharon Collingwood ([https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub])'' | ||
*''"Use your press releases judiciously, and journalists will pay more attention to you. Do follow-ups with the people you send them to. Remember that a press release is used to announce an event, not to complain about or denounce an ongoing problem. It must have a quote from a source (often a member of your own organization) and it should ''[https://www.grammarly.com/blog/press-release/ follow an established format.]''" -Sharon Collingwood ([https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub])'' | *''"Use your press releases judiciously, and journalists will pay more attention to you. Do follow-ups with the people you send them to. Remember that a press release is used to announce an event, not to complain about or denounce an ongoing problem. It must have a quote from a source (often a member of your own organization) and it should ''[https://www.grammarly.com/blog/press-release/ follow an established format.]''" -Sharon Collingwood ([https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub])'' | ||
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| style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: #99e1d9; height: 263px;" | '''Build networks and coalitions''' | | style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: #99e1d9; height: 263px;" | '''Build networks and coalitions''' | ||
| style="width: 80.3024%; height: 263px;" | <div class="page" title="Page 3"><div class="section"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><div class="page" title="Page 3"><div class="section"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><div class="page" title="Page 5"><div class="section"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><div class="page" title="Page 6"><div class="section"><div class="layoutArea | | style="width: 80.3024%; height: 263px;" | <div class="page" title="Page 3"><div class="section"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><div class="page" title="Page 3"><div class="section"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><div class="page" title="Page 5"><div class="section"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><div class="page" title="Page 6"><div class="section"><div class="layoutArea"><span style="font-size: 14.4px;" >''"It is by taking one step at a time, by establishing a core of more committed people that the circle of people ready to get involved will gradually expand. Do not hesitate to create an informal network by giving it a name and taking the time to structure it little by little''." (Translated from French) -Pierre Avignon (Organizer against pig farming in rural Quebec)</span>''"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 [https://reseaudemainlequebec.org/ Reseau Demain le QC]For example, a coalition of citizens, politicians and community groups formed a coalition for Quebec to [https://www.ledroit.com/2022/06/09/barrage-de-lac-simon-une-coalition-dintervenants-demande-lintervention-de-quebec-71e07cf708c21a4e2cb1d7b957596366?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook#Echobox=1654819229 intervene in the management of the Lac Barrière dam]. -Member of [https://reseaudemainlequebec.org/ Reseau Demain le QC] | ||
*For more on forming coalitions, see this guide by [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CH-aMsrbdEUp3IBhO50FWzScXgwoVGMnVyB7ZuqJ_9Y/edit# Blueprints for Change]. | *For more on forming coalitions, see this guide by [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CH-aMsrbdEUp3IBhO50FWzScXgwoVGMnVyB7ZuqJ_9Y/edit# Blueprints for Change]. | ||
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| style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: #99e1d9; height: 60px;" | '''Socialize and get to know others!''' | | style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: #99e1d9; height: 60px;" | '''Socialize and get to know others!''' | ||
| style="width: 80.3024%; height: 60px;" | <div class="page" title="Page 3"><div class="section"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><div class="page" title="Page 3"><div class="section"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><div class="page" title="Page 5"><div class="section"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><div class="page" title="Page 6"><div class="section | | style="width: 80.3024%; height: 60px;" | <div class="page" title="Page 3"><div class="section"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><div class="page" title="Page 3"><div class="section"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><div class="page" title="Page 5"><div class="section"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><div class="page" title="Page 6"><div class="section"><span style="font-size: 14.4px;" >Don't do mobilizing alone; include social events to keep your spirits high and form deeper bonds.</span>-Member of [https://reseaudemainlequebec.org/ Reseau Demain le QC]<br></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div> | ||
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Revision as of 17:47, 3 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)
|
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)
|
Encourage those involved! |
|
Seek Indigenous Perspectives Above: Protest, Western University, December 2022. Credit: S. Collingwood |
|
Try door knocking! |
"Door to door canvassing is a great way to establish connections. Take your time, and be sure to listen: you will learn a great deal of useful information about the community. You can also organize canvassing trips around farmers’ markets, local fairs, plowing matches, many other local events. Make it fun, and stop for coffee afterwards." -Sharon Collingwood (Perth Sustainability Hub) |
Build a media list |
|
Build networks and coalitions | "It is by taking one step at a time, by establishing a core of more committed people that the circle of people ready to get involved will gradually expand. Do not hesitate to create an informal network by giving it a name and taking the time to structure it little by little." (Translated from French) -Pierre Avignon (Organizer against pig farming in rural Quebec)"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 QCFor example, a coalition of citizens, politicians and community groups formed a coalition for Quebec to intervene in the management of the Lac Barrière dam. -Member of Reseau Demain le QC
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Socialize and get to know others! | Don't do mobilizing alone; include social events to keep your spirits high and form deeper bonds.-Member of Reseau Demain le QC |
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 |
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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