How do we mobilize in rural communities/small cities?: Difference between revisions
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The following insight comes from [https://ruralorganizing.org/ ruralorganizing.org ] based in the so-called US: | The following insight comes from [https://ruralorganizing.org/ ruralorganizing.org ] based in the so-called US: | ||
<ref>https://ruralorganizing.org/blog/resource-progressive-strategies-rural-engagement</ref> | |||
*'''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! <ref>'''https://ruralorganizing.org/blog/resource-progressive-strategies-rural-engagement'''</ref> | *'''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! <ref>'''https://ruralorganizing.org/blog/resource-progressive-strategies-rural-engagement'''</ref> | ||
*'''''“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.'''”'' 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. <ref>'''https://ruralorganizing.org/blog/resource-progressive-strategies-rural-engagement'''</ref> | *'''''“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.'''”'' 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. <ref>'''https://ruralorganizing.org/blog/resource-progressive-strategies-rural-engagement'''</ref> | ||
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| style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: #99e1d9; height: 28px;" | '''6. Embrace local businesses and oppose corporate corruption ''' | | style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: #99e1d9; height: 28px;" | '''6. Embrace local businesses and oppose corporate corruption ''' | ||
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*A high majority of rural voters in the US''' believe ''“the government mostly reflects the will of the rich and influential.”''''' ; 87% from polling data in the US and 69% agree the current economic system is rigged for the wealthy and powerful. | |||
*Rural people are looking for authentic leaders who understand their needs, which they feel aren’t being met by politicians. Leverage this! -[https://ruralorganizing.org/ Ruralorganizing.org] <ref>https://ruralorganizing.org/blog/resource-progressive-strategies-rural-engagement</ref> | *Rural people are looking for authentic leaders who understand their needs, which they feel aren’t being met by politicians. Leverage this! -[https://ruralorganizing.org/ Ruralorganizing.org] <ref>https://ruralorganizing.org/blog/resource-progressive-strategies-rural-engagement</ref> | ||
**<p>According to surveys conducted by [https://ruralorganizing.org/ ruralorganizing.org]'', ''''“Rural respondents demonstrated significant support for candidates who expressed '''anti-corporation and pro-small business sentiment'''.”''''' (E.g. against monopolies of food system, tax incentives for corporations). <ref>https://actionnetwork.org/forms/running-campaigns-in-small-towns-and-rural-communities</ref> | **<p>According to surveys conducted by [https://ruralorganizing.org/ ruralorganizing.org]'', ''''“Rural respondents demonstrated significant support for candidates who expressed '''anti-corporation and pro-small business sentiment'''.”''''' (E.g. against monopolies of food system, tax incentives for corporations). <ref>https://actionnetwork.org/forms/running-campaigns-in-small-towns-and-rural-communities</ref> |
Revision as of 17:27, 9 March 2023
Rural or small city organizing presents challenges and opportunities 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, compiling input from experienced organizers here in so-called Canada, direct insight following a learning circle with activists in rural areas/small cities and research findings from organizers in rural America.
Introductory thoughts
"Community organizing has been going on for as long as there have been people living together facing challenges. Many people work together in small and rural communities all the time to address contemporary challenges, this is the basis of community organizing." -Montana Burgess, Neighbours United
"On the one hand, sometimes all it takes is a spark plug to get people who are sensitive to the causes you are defending to join you. On the other hand, it is necessary to deconstruct somewhat the idea that organizing a mobilization in urban areas is much easier and very different from rural areas. While it is true that the often younger, university-educated population of cities has a large number of committed people, this must be put into perspective. For example, a demonstration of 1,000 people in Montreal, which has 2 million inhabitants, is the equivalent (proportionately) of a march of 50 people in an entire region like the Gaspé, which has less than 100,000 inhabitants. It is therefore necessary to begin by readjusting the mobilization objectives according to the population density in presence." (Translated from French) -Pierre Avignon, Comité citoyen Vers un val vert
Building connections and outreach
1. Meet people where they're at |
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2. Talk to family, friends and people you know |
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3. Build a media list |
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4. Build networks and coalitions with other groups |
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5. Seek Indigenous Perspectives
Above: Protest, Western University, December 2022. Credit: S. Collingwood |
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6. Contact local businesses |
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7. Connect with local politicians |
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8. Turn to National organizations for support |
Canadian Environmental Law Association Ontario Yours to ProtectOntario Nature Ecojustice Environmental Defence -Sharon Collingwood, Perth Sustainability Hub
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9. Consider event and meeting access |
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10. Offer public shows of support |
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11. Encourage those involved! |
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12. Try door knocking |
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13. Host booths at local events |
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14. Create bulletin and leaflet networks
Above: "Mailbox" by REM Photo Off & On is licensed under CC BY 2.0. |
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15. Socialize and get to know others! |
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Narrative and messaging
1. Listen to and learn from locals |
Farmtario
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2. Craft a narrative and image that suits the needs of locals/your target audience |
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3. Leverage key community members/people who are trusted |
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4. Address stereotypes and tailor messaging |
The following insight comes from ruralorganizing.org based in the so-called US: [5]
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5. Use community care values-based framing [9] |
The following insight comes from ruralorganizing.org based in the so-called US:
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6. Embrace local businesses and oppose corporate corruption |
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Online presence
1. Hold hybrid/virtual meetings |
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2. 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 |
3. Keep a shared drive to distribute and access resources |
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4. Use social media |
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5. Create an email list |
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Tactics and strategy
1. Get creative!Above: Chalktivist event, Stratford Ontario. Credit: S. Collingwood |
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2. Hold marches, rallies and blockades |
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3. Get involved in local politics |
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4. Promote positive changes you see in the community |
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5. Create subcommittees |
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6. Plan events that are easy to engage in for new volunteers |
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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://ruralorganizing.org/blog/organizer-toolkit-leveraging-yard-signs-rural-communities
- ↑ 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