How can you build a grassroots organizing campaign that lasts beyond one election or issue?

3 Develop a strategy and plan

A strategy is a roadmap that guides your campaign from where you are to where you want to be. A plan is a set of actions that implement your strategy. You need both to run a successful grassroots campaign. Your strategy should include an analysis of your issue, your target audience, your opportunities and challenges, and your tactics and tools. Your plan should include a timeline, a budget, a communication plan, and a monitoring and evaluation plan. You should review and update your strategy and plan regularly, based on feedback and learning.

4 Train and empower your volunteers

Volunteers are the lifeblood of any grassroots campaign. They are the ones who will carry out your actions, spread your message, and recruit more people to your cause. Therefore, you need to train and empower your volunteers to be effective and confident organizers. You should provide them with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to perform their tasks, such as canvassing, phone banking, social media, or event planning. You should also create opportunities for them to share their ideas, feedback, and stories, and to develop their leadership potential.

5 Cultivate relationships and trust

Grassroots organizing is not just about mobilizing people for a specific action or issue. It is also about cultivating relationships and trust among your volunteers, your allies, and your community. Relationships and trust are the foundation of any lasting and impactful campaign. You should invest time and energy in building and maintaining relationships with your volunteers, by recognizing their contributions, celebrating their achievements, and supporting their needs. You should also nurture relationships with your allies and partners, by coordinating your efforts, sharing your resources, and acknowledging your differences. Finally, you should foster trust with your community, by listening to their concerns, respecting their diversity, and delivering on your promises.

6 Adapt and innovate

Grassroots organizing is not a static or linear process. It is a dynamic and creative process that requires constant adaptation and innovation. You should be ready to respond to changing circumstances, new challenges, and emerging opportunities. You should also be open to experimenting with new tactics, tools, and approaches, and learning from your successes and failures. You should embrace change and innovation as opportunities to grow and improve your campaign.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?