How do we mobilize in rural communities/small cities?: Difference between revisions
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| style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: | | style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: #99e1d9; height: 124px;" | '''1. Meet people where they're at''' | ||
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*''"The golden rule for small town organizing is meet people where they are at, literally and figuratively. Finding supporters, volunteers, donors, and other potential partners should be done by '''going to places and events that most likely already have your desired audience in attendance'''. For example, if you are organizing around affordable housing and research shows that moms are a likely audience to become supporters, go to events at schools and daycares the public is invited to, or child-centred events in the community, or you can street near these places where it is appropriate and not creepy to talk to likely moms as they pass by.''" -Montana Burgess, [https://neighboursunited.org/ Neighbours United] | *''"The golden rule for small town organizing is meet people where they are at, literally and figuratively. Finding supporters, volunteers, donors, and other potential partners should be done by '''going to places and events that most likely already have your desired audience in attendance'''. For example, if you are organizing around affordable housing and research shows that moms are a likely audience to become supporters, go to events at schools and daycares the public is invited to, or child-centred events in the community, or you can street near these places where it is appropriate and not creepy to talk to likely moms as they pass by.''" -Montana Burgess, [https://neighboursunited.org/ Neighbours United] | ||
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*''"Try different activities to find your people. Test hold house parties/meetings (always with free food!), try streeting outside the grocery or hardware store, '''try new things where your desired audience goes.'''''" -Montana Burgess, [https://neighboursunited.org/ Neighbours United] | *''"Try different activities to find your people. Test hold house parties/meetings (always with free food!), try streeting outside the grocery or hardware store, '''try new things where your desired audience goes.'''''" -Montana Burgess, [https://neighboursunited.org/ Neighbours United] | ||
*''"The 5 practices on an organizers journey of '''telling stories, building relationships, developing strategy and structure, and taking action can all be thought of through the lens of meeting people where they are at '''to get better involvement in small and rural communities." -''Montana Burgess, [https://neighboursunited.org/ Neighbours United] | *''"The 5 practices on an organizers journey of '''telling stories, building relationships, developing strategy and structure, and taking action can all be thought of through the lens of meeting people where they are at '''to get better involvement in small and rural communities." -''Montana Burgess, [https://neighboursunited.org/ Neighbours United] | ||
*<span style="background-color: | *<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;" >There's an abundance of small venues where people congregate and already feel sense of belonging. Do outreach there! (E.g. churches, community centres)</span> | ||
*<span style="background-color: | *<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;" >Identify talents and interests people already have, and not just because of their profession. For example, connect hobbies people already have to bring them into movement.</span> | ||
*<span style="background-color: | *<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;" >Acknowledge local wisdom + other ways of knowing outside of formal education (e.g. experience). </span> | ||
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'''2. Talk to family, friends and neighbours''' | '''2. Talk to family, friends and neighbours''' | ||
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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, Comité citoyen Vers un val vert | *<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, Comité citoyen Vers un val vert</span> | ||
*<span style="background-color: | *<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;" > Talk to your neighbours! Small communities get a lot of their information from 'front porch gossip'. Keep an ear out, spark a conversation and if you can focus conversations on an issue, try not to be deterred by discriminatory attitudes / values that don’t align. Agree to disagree to maintain relations.</span> | ||
*<span style="background-color: | *<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;" > There are benefits of having smaller numbers in your community! People are more likely to know one another, which is a great foundation for trust. It can also be easier to connect and spread the word, especially face-to-face.</span> | ||
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| style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: | | style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: #99e1d9;" | '''3. Build a media list''' | ||
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*"''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, Comité citoyen Vers un val vert | *"''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, Comité citoyen Vers un val vert | ||
*'''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, Comité citoyen Vers un val vert </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, Comité citoyen Vers un val vert </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.''"'''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]'' | *Research the '''main newspaper/radio/television contacts in your area''', then learn what will interest the regional and the national outlets.''"'''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;" | '''4. Build networks and coalitions with other groups''' | | style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: #99e1d9; height: 263px;" | '''4. Build networks and coalitions with other groups''' | ||
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*<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, Comité citoyen Vers un val vert </span> | |||
*<span style="background-color: | *<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, Comité citoyen Vers un val vert </span> | ||
*<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;" > Build close-knit relationships with local organizations and personal networks who can support with organizing (e.g. teachers).</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." ''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] | *''"'''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." ''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] | ||
*'''''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] | *'''''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] | ||
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*''"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)
< | *''"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> | ||
***[https://canadians.org/ The Council of Canadians] | |||
***[https://www.liveableontario.ca/ Alliance for a Liveable Ontario]" -Sharon Collingwood, <span>[https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub]</span> | |||
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*''"Many '''provincial organizations also have networks made up of local groups''' that can be put to good use. For example, the Union paysanne or the network of family farmers. In the same vein, two movements have developed to promote local mobilizations: the David Suziki Foundation's Réseau Demain le Québec and the Front commun pour la transition énergétique (which brings together dozens of organizations)."'' (Translated from French)<span style="font-size: 14.4px;"> -Pierre Avignon, | *''"Many '''provincial organizations also have networks made up of local groups''' that can be put to good use. For example, the Union paysanne or the network of family farmers. In the same vein, two movements have developed to promote local mobilizations: the David Suziki Foundation's Réseau Demain le Québec and the Front commun pour la transition énergétique (which brings together dozens of organizations)."'' (Translated from French)<span style="font-size: 14.4px;" > -Pierre Avignon, Comité citoyen Vers un val vert </span> | ||
*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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<div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="section"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p>'''5. Seek Indigenous Perspectives'''</p> | <div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="section"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p>'''5. Seek Indigenous Perspectives'''</p> | ||
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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. ''"Discuss a land acknowledgement for your meetings and events. Learn to pronounce names." ''-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. ''"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.
" </em>-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.
"</em><em> </em>-Sharon Collingwood, [https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub] | ||
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| style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: #99e1d9; height: 23px;" | '''6. Contact local businesses''' | | style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: #99e1d9; height: 23px;" | '''6. Contact local businesses''' | ||
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*"''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] | *"''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] | ||
*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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| style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: | | style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: #99e1d9; height: 78px;" | '''7. Connect with local politicians''' | ||
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*<span style="background-color: | *<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;" >There's a better chance of knowing government representatives personally because they represent less people and are more familiar with community members they serve. We carpooled with ours, because we had established a relationship!</span> | ||
*'''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. <span>-Sharon Collingwood, [https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub]</span> | *'''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. <span>-Sharon Collingwood, [https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub]</span> | ||
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| style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: #99e1d9; height: 10px;" | '''8. Turn to National organizations for support''' | | style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: #99e1d9; height: 10px;" | '''8. Turn to National organizations for support''' | ||
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[https://yourstoprotect.ca/ Ontario Yours to Protect
]<br>[https://ontarionature.org/ Ontario Nature
]<br>[https://ecojustice.ca/ Ecojustice
]<br>[https://environmentaldefence.ca/ Environmental Defence
] -Sharon Collingwood, [https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub]</div> | [https://yourstoprotect.ca/ Ontario Yours to Protect
]<br>[https://ontarionature.org/ Ontario Nature
]<br>[https://ecojustice.ca/ Ecojustice
]<br>[https://environmentaldefence.ca/ Environmental Defence
] -Sharon Collingwood, [https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub]</div> | ||
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*<span style="font-size: 14.4px;">You can also''' participate in actions with National organizations''' (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 organizations''' (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: | | style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: #99e1d9; height: 172px;" | '''9. Consider event and meeting access''' | ||
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*''"Make sure any communities meetings or events you host have a '''transportation plan'''. Transportation is least accessible in small and rural communities. Having your events near public transportation hubs during key bus hours is useful, building in a carpooling/ridesharing organizing component to RSVPs can work well, and assume if the weather isn't ideal, rural folks will be less willing to drive in on the highways. '' | *''"Make sure any communities meetings or events you host have a '''transportation plan'''. Transportation is least accessible in small and rural communities. Having your events near public transportation hubs during key bus hours is useful, building in a carpooling/ridesharing organizing component to RSVPs can work well, and assume if the weather isn't ideal, rural folks will be less willing to drive in on the highways. '' | ||
*''Making sure rural organizers have adequate resources marked for getting around the region to meet with prospects or recruit supporters/volunteers/donors. This may mean a higher transportation budget for mileage, or more time for long public transportation routes, or both." '''''Experiment with online events/meetings'''. -Montana Burgess, [https://neighboursunited.org/ Neighbours United] | *''Making sure rural organizers have adequate resources marked for getting around the region to meet with prospects or recruit supporters/volunteers/donors. This may mean a higher transportation budget for mileage, or more time for long public transportation routes, or both." '''''Experiment with online events/meetings'''. -Montana Burgess, [https://neighboursunited.org/ Neighbours United] | ||
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| style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: | | style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: #99e1d9;" | '''10. Offer public shows of support''' | ||
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*E.g. hand out '''stickers or make yard signs''' for people to show their support for a local issue or your campaigning group! Note that this will require a small amount of funding -Member of [https://reseaudemainlequebec.org/ Reseau Demain le QC] | *E.g. hand out '''stickers or make yard signs''' for people to show their support for a local issue or your campaigning group! Note that this will require a small amount of funding -Member of [https://reseaudemainlequebec.org/ Reseau Demain le QC] | ||
*Asking supporters to<span id="_end"> add a sign to their lawn</span>''' '''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. -[https://ruralorganizing.org/ Ruralorganizing.org] <ref>https://ruralorganizing.org/blog/organizer-toolkit-leveraging-yard-signs-rural-communities</ref> | *Asking supporters to<span id="_end"> add a sign to their lawn</span>''' '''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. -[https://ruralorganizing.org/ Ruralorganizing.org] <ref>https://ruralorganizing.org/blog/organizer-toolkit-leveraging-yard-signs-rural-communities</ref> | ||
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| style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: | | style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: #99e1d9; height: 172px;" | '''11. Encourage those involved!''' | ||
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*<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>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>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.'''" -</em><span>Sharon Collingwood</span><em>, [https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub]</em></span> | *<span><em>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.'''" -</em><span>Sharon Collingwood</span><em>, [https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub]</em></span> | ||
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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: | | style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: #99e1d9; height: 51px;" | '''13. Host booths at local events''' | ||
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*Tabling could include educating local residents, petitions for folks to sign, sign up sheets to join an email list etc. -Member of [https://reseaudemainlequebec.org/ Reseau Demain le QC] | |||
*Tabling could include educating local residents, petitions for folks to sign, sign up sheets to join an email list etc. -Member of [https://reseaudemainlequebec.org/ Reseau Demain le QC] | |- style="height: 295px;" | ||
|- style="height: 295px;" | | style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: #99e1d9; height: 295px;" | '''14. Create bulletin and leaflet networks'''[[File:53cefe64-0f73-44f7-9b08-110d627382a7.jpeg|200x200px|left|middle|border]] | ||
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Above: "Mailbox" by REM Photo Off & On is licensed under CC BY 2.0. | Above: "Mailbox" by REM Photo Off & On is licensed under CC BY 2.0. | ||
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*''"'''Create a bulletin board network. '''Are there cafes, businesses, libraries, grocery stores, churches, sporting facilities, long-term care residences, or other locations that would allow you to post on their bulletin board? Make a list of the boards you find, then divide the list up geographically among volunteers, so that no volunteer has too many bulletin boards to cover. Announcements can be sent out by email, printed off, and posted quickly.'' | *''"'''Create a bulletin board network. '''Are there cafes, businesses, libraries, grocery stores, churches, sporting facilities, long-term care residences, or other locations that would allow you to post on their bulletin board? Make a list of the boards you find, then divide the list up geographically among volunteers, so that no volunteer has too many bulletin boards to cover. Announcements can be sent out by email, printed off, and posted quickly.'' | ||
*''Design your announcements so that they do not require too much printer ink. Consider that some members of your network will only have a black-and-white printer. These members should colour in a few elements of the poster to call attention to your message. Libraries will often take multiple copies of an announcement, sending them out to be posted at the smaller branches. They may also partner in an event." -Sharon Collingwood, [https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub]'' | *''Design your announcements so that they do not require too much printer ink. Consider that some members of your network will only have a black-and-white printer. These members should colour in a few elements of the poster to call attention to your message. Libraries will often take multiple copies of an announcement, sending them out to be posted at the smaller branches. They may also partner in an event." -Sharon Collingwood, [https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub]'' | ||
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*''"'''A leaflet network '''asks volunteers to print off a message from their email and distribute in a defined area. For example, volunteers could drop off a few leaflets on their rural route on the way to the grocery store. The message should be carefully designed in order not to waste paper or ink. For example, you might think of printing announcements two to a page. It’s important not to overwork volunteers." -Sharon Collingwood, [https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub]'' | *''"'''A leaflet network '''asks volunteers to print off a message from their email and distribute in a defined area. For example, volunteers could drop off a few leaflets on their rural route on the way to the grocery store. The message should be carefully designed in order not to waste paper or ink. For example, you might think of printing announcements two to a page. It’s important not to overwork volunteers." -Sharon Collingwood, [https://perthcountysustainability.ca/ Perth Sustainability Hub]'' | ||
*Don't forget to hand out leaflets and sign up sheets at your actions! | *Don't forget to hand out leaflets and sign up sheets at your actions! | ||
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| style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: #99e1d9; height: 60px;" | '''15. Socialize and get to know others!''' | | style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: #99e1d9; height: 60px;" | '''15. Socialize and get to know others!''' | ||
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* | * | ||
Don't do mobilizing alone;''' include social events''' to keep your spirits high and form deeper bonds. -Member of [https://reseaudemainlequebec.org/ Reseau Demain le QC] | |||
*Organize potlucks, family-friendly events... things that draw community members in to mingle! | *Organize potlucks, family-friendly events... things that draw community members in to mingle! | ||
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| style="width: 19.6976%; background-color: rgb(153, 225, 217);" | '''16. Identify leaders/people who can reach audiences''' | |||
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Revision as of 16:35, 28 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.
Highlighted text is knowledge shared during our Learning Circle on this topic.
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
Barriers to mobilizing in rural areas/small cities
Differences in values, interests, concerns |
Statistically less progressive people who may place stronger value on individualism / self-reliance
E.g. fishing towns caring about open net pens + salmon farming |
Being geographically dispersed |
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Lack of / limited access to internet + media |
Low internet literacy Not everyone has broadband access
Hard for rural voices + issues to be covered |
Low population density |
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Lack of inclusivity leads to people not wanting to join group |
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Leverage points for small city/rural communities
Building connections and outreach
1. Meet people where they're at |
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2. Talk to family, friends and neighbours |
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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! | Don't do mobilizing alone; include social events to keep your spirits high and form deeper bonds. -Member of Reseau Demain le QC
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16. Identify leaders/people who can reach audiences |
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. Avoid stereotypes in your 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