Tactics

The tactics you employ should advance the strategy of your campaign and be in line with your campaign messaging. It is the brilliance of the campaign messaging that most Americans believe the Rosa Parks bus sit-in to be a random act. Here, we will go over tactics that will help you in getting your campaign going, but as always, be creative. The tactics applicable to your campaign are likely to be things that we could not think of. With the deployment of any tactic, it is good to have worked out limits as a group ahead of time. Know at what point your event is over, how far you intend to escalate, and when you intend to exit. Always know your exit point. It is important that everyone understands what the exit strategy is to avoid injuries and arrests, unless an arrest is your planned exit point.

Bird Dogging

Bird dogging was a tool commonly used by boxers of the 19th century. When a fighter couldn’t get the champion to fight them, a challenger would go to an event the champion would be at and publicly challenge them. The public would start talking about a fight between the two and shortly thereafter, the fight would get made. Bird dogging is a term that describes being present at your campaign targets/decision-makers public appearance(s). This can be useful in getting your campaign in the media and forcing your target to address your campaign. The goal is to be at as many events as possible.

Find out where your decision-maker/s will be. Most public figures have public schedules or announce when they will be at specific events.

1. Don’t attack your decision-maker personally. Avoid ad hominem attacks and keep it about the issue. It is not you versus them.

2. Keep track of your decision-maker’s calendar. If they are a politician, you as a constituent can call their office and ask if they will be at an event. Keeping track of their calendar and public events will help you capitalize on an opportunity to bird dog or other tactic.

3. Be prepared to talk to the press and have campaign material available.

4. Designate a primary speaker or speakers who will address the decision-maker directly.

5. Bring signs that the decision-maker will see and maintain consistency in the message of signs.

Recommended roles:

Volunteer manager(s)
The volunteer manager is someone who will muster the troops when an opportunity is available. S/he can call former volunteers to lock down commitment and give any needed details. Brings any signs, props, banners, or fliers. If possible, hold a phone bank/sign making party to get everyone pumped and prepared for the event. At the event, prepare volunteers by reviewing the message of the campaign and assign roles.

Media Manager
Prepares press kits has clear message to introduce campaign to media (one sentence).
Hi I'm ______ (name) from ___ (group), and we're here asking __ (Target) to address __(issue). Also collects business cards, answers questions, and distributes press kit.

Example questions to ask target:
How do you intend to address _ (issue)?
If elected, will you promise to __ (act on issue)?
Will you agree to _ (act on issue)?
What will it take for you to ____ (act on issue)?

Phone Banks

Phone banking is an effective tool that can be used to quickly mobilize activists. This is a good action no matter if you have 10 activists or 500. Phone banking is a great way to generate calls to Congress, lock up the phone lines of a target/corporation, turn people out to a rally, or recruit more members. Phone banking has proven effective at pressing issues and forwarding a campaign. Phone banking creates an excellent opportunity to develop leaders. Train an activist to run the event or train others to manage teams of callers.

Keys to effective phone banking:

1. Staff appropriately- One person can make about 25 calls an hour. If your goal is to have 600 calls in two hours, you will need 12 people to show up. Taking the rule of halves into account, you will need 24 people to commit to showing up.

To reach your goal of 600 calls: 600 calls divided by the 25 calls per person in an hour, that will be 24 people in a two hour window, you can divide that number by 2, so you need 12 people to actually show up

2. Make each call personal- I’ll admit I’m not good at doing this on the fly but I’ve seen effective conversationalists who are more effective at producing commitments than people who strictly stick to a script.

3. Develop a good tracking system- DataBase: keep track of results, number of calls made, note people to follow up with or committed to ask, as well as people who ask to not be part of the list anymore.

I know for some people, calling strangers can be a daunting task. I had a friend that made up a name to use when he phone banked. Even though the people he called did not know who he was in the first place, he felt comfortable conversing with a fake name. Take breaks and keep the environment casual and fun. Keep a going tally of total group calls made/commitments etc. so everyone can see.

Materials and considerations

Script - Again we can use the 4Cs format (connect, context, commitment and catapult)
Tracking sheets- Create a way to keep track of call results and commitments.
Call list- If you are trying to get people to an event, you can take info as you table or petition, for example, and create your call list from that.
Food- Not just for fuel, but to keep morale up and allow people to decompress.
Visible progress tracker- Keep a whiteboard or poster to keep track of all calls made.

Step 1. Location – Use a location where you can all meet. If you do not have a space, you can try asking allies if you can use theirs- unions, environmental or community groups, etc. I was able to regularly use a large space in a local library after filling out a simple form.

Step 2. Recruit volunteers – Confirm all commitments. Overbook volunteers. You can never have too many. (Remember the rule of halves).

Step 3. Train Volunteers- Run a quick, but thorough training. This will help build their confidence. Walk your activists through the rap; make sure tracking calls/recording info will be uniform. If you want people to use a code like VM, No Ans (voice mail no answer), make sure everyone uses the same ones. Do role plays and go arounds. Schedule about 30 mins to train in addition to your calling time. If you are seeking a commitment from a call recipient, a maybe should be recorded as a no.

Step 4. Set a goal- Set a goal for the whole phone bank and for each volunteer. This will help activists see their part in a group accomplishment. Prime calling hours are 5pm-9pm. 9pm is the legal cut off point for unsolicited calls in most places. Pay attention to area codes so you know you are not calling someone in another time zone past an acceptable time.

Step 5. Check in- Walk around/ be available for questions and concerns. Track goal progress and info for future lists.

Following the phone bank, debrief all volunteers. Schedule them for your next event or meeting and go out for a social after.

Sample phone bank script for an ask to a potential activist:

Connect- Hello can I speak to ____.

Hi , this is ___ calling from (your group). We’re the group fighting x/building a campaign to x.

Context- So I’m calling you tonight because you said you were against X. In the last 100 days there has been real progress made on X. Right now we have a real opportunity to make an impact on X are you still down to help?

Commitment- This (Friday or whatever), we are holding a massive protest at City Hall and we are going to hold X accountable before the world. Can you make it to City Hall at (this time) on (this day)?

Catapult- Great! we are making history right now. Thank you so much _ this is something we will all be glad we were a part of. Thanks for doing your part to change the world.

See you at date and time.

Canvassing

In political campaigning, canvassing is the best way to activate and mobilize citizens.

Door to door- In my brief time as a paid door to door canvasser, we planned to hit 80 doors a day.
Again, keeping in mind, the rule of halves, 40 people will probably answer. 20 will talk, and 10 will be on board to commit to your ask. In my opinion, the best times were between 4pm-8pm. In my home state it is illegal to solicit after 9pm, so I would stick to stopping around 8pm.

On location canvassing essentially works the same way. I try to find a public space no one can lay claim too. Every now and again someone would ask me to move, and I would always just do it. Some places you can be and some places are explicitly forbidden. So, to avoid drama do your research.

I was taught this format, and this basically follows the same 4C’s from earlier.

Intro: Introduce yourself and organization.
Problem: Explain the problem facing the community.
Solution: Explain the solution to the problem.
Strategy: Explain how your group will implement this solution.
Catapult: This is where you fire them up and explain how they can be part of the solution.

Building Yes's: This is a sales technique that is beneficial for our causes. The way it works is by asking the person you are speaking with multiple questions that they are likely to say yes to before you make your ask. This will get them in an agreeing conversational mode before you make your ask for your commitment. Here is an example of a 4C's script that builds yes's.

Connect: Hi I'm ______. What’s your name? Hot today huh? Anyway, have you seen any of the coverage of proposition 4 on TV?

Do you think it would be a good idea to stop Example Corp from polluting the lake?

Context: Awesome. Well we do too, so our campaign is petitioning to stop it. So far, we have collected 9,000 of the 10,000 petitions we need. Isn’t that great?

Commitment: Well today I'm actually not petitioning. I'm looking to help empower the voice of other people like me and you who want to stop Prop 4. Would you be interested in joining us next weekend on our petition drive?

Catapult: Great. I'm so glad you’re going to come out next weekend. We are really going to make a difference. You are Awesome!

Petitioning

Petitions can be an important key to influencing your decision-maker or in some cases, getting on a ballot.

In my experience, if it is for a ballot initiative, the signees need to be registered voters in the district. Each nonregistered voter turned in would nullify the signatures of two registered voter signees. Our organization had people whose job it was to just look up all of our signatures on the Secretary of State website.

If you are petitioning to get something on the ballot and are following similar rules. I suggest avoiding tourist areas. I tried to hit places where I knew I would run into locals like near stores and strip malls etc and avoid large events that bring people from all over.

Kiss – Keep it short and simple. Your ask is simple (sign). Keep your explanation of the issue simple. I always use a simple script, but try to avoid becoming a robot.

I would have petitions on a clipboard, and I would reach out to hand a person the clipboard as I’m talking. More often than not, the person will grab what you are trying to hand them without thinking. Start with your attention-getter (make it easy), “Are you against racism?” handing them the clipboard. I would put a simple explanation at the top of the clipboard, “Stop racist polices.” With more detailed info available for people who want it. As a paid petition circulator, I would keep a backpack with multiple clipboards with pens ready to go. (Have a lot of pens- sometimes you catch a down group.)

There are various petition websites and apps you can circulate. One thing to keep in mind in your activism is how your target may perceive your digital presence. Some targets may perceive 10,000 digital petitions as a real call to action. Another may think all they did was push a button and they consider this astroturf. I’m of the opinion that boots on the ground are more important that social media followers. At the same time, it would be nice to boast a large social media presence. Do what works best for you, or do both. Either way always continue to push your online activists to your next event or action.

One of my mentors believed it was best to get petition cards filled out so each signature takes up physical space (we would bend each one a bit to make it take up more space). Then we would put the cards in some kind of delivery vessel, a box or creative prop of some kind, to gift the target or deliver at a specific delivery event with your group.

Lobbying

This one sounds more intimidating than it is. Anyone can lobby. As a child did you ever get anything from your parents? The same skills work in ANY lobbying situation. You’re usually meeting with the staffer, not the member- it’s just as good though.

Goals of lobbying:

1. Have an ask. What do you want out of the meeting? What is your agenda to make that happen?
2. Build a relationship with the office/get info (What are their concerns? Once you know their concerns you can troubleshoot).
3. Demonstrate power (deliver petitions, letter from coalition etc.).


Know the issue that you are talking about: you don’t need to be an expert though, you just need to represent constituents. Know the basic facts, take notes, follow up on stuff, know how the issue plays out in their district.
Know your target. What committees they sit on, what formal role they play, informal roles they play, where they fit into the hierarchy, how long have they been in office, voting record (lcv.org, opensecrets.org), how secure are they in their district (percentage of vote they won), background (school etc.), and priority issues.

Persuasion before pressure (Don’t be an asshole).

Sample meeting agenda:

(Bring constituents)
1. Have one person introduce everyone, prove yourself to be a constituent.
2. Thank them for a recent bill that they’ve voted correctly on (if possible).
3. Explain the issue that you care about and HOW IT IMPACTS THEM LOCALLY.
4. Update them on the campaign/your org/recent events.
5. Make your ask (what are their concerns).
6. Follow up opportunities (I will send you___).
7. Rehash any commitments that they’ve made.


During the meeting:
Begin with chit chat, they’ll let you know when they want to get down to business
Be professional
Be persistent
Leave space open for them to talk (make sure they can’t run the meeting though)
When you make your ask, shut up and let them respond.
Find out their concerns- Why won’t they sign on? What are their concerns?

Materials:
Fact sheet on the bill/issue
Copy of the bill (w/ list of co-sponsors)
Grassroots materials you’ve collected from the area (the more creative the more likely they’ll keep them)
Reports on the issue
Coalition letter
Press clips.

Tabling

Tabling is an effective way to engage the public. This is your opportunity to educate people on your issue or campaign. It is an opportunity to meet and recruit potential activists. “Tabling” does not always happen with a table, but refers to recruiting in any situation where people will congregate or pass by. You can table to recruit, distribute literature, build visibility for a campaign, gather signatures for a petition, and train activists in basic engagement skills. Tabling is a good opportunity to build your calling list for your future phone banks.

Where and when- High traffic areas, open pedestrian malls, farmers markets, festivals, fairs, concerts, on campus. You want to be highly visible and be in a place where people have time to talk. Try different locations to get a diverse group of recruits and not just constantly the same spot. Choose public places and make sure to get proper permissions for public spaces.

Make sure you and your group know why you are tabling and how this event helps you accomplish your goals.

Set goals for the tabling itself. For example, get 100 email addresses or get 20 people to sign the petition an hour. Schedule volunteers based on how many people you think it will take to accomplish those goals. Make sure you have all the materials you will need in a box before your event, literature, pens, signup sheets, clipboards, banners signs, stickers, music, buttons, games props etc.

Make sure your table looks attractive and professional (if you are using a table). Dress it up with banners, posters, fact sheets. The table should convey that we are successful and active.
Don’t hide behind the table- The table is home base, be free to engage the crowd and move around. Do not just sit behind the table. The higher energy your table is, the more people it will attract. Make sure everyone walks away with something, a flyer or sticker etc.

Having genuine conversations with people is always more effective than simply following a script. It is still good to have a script written out that you will generally follow when people come to your table. A quick table rap should include an attention-getter (sign our petition to stop ), a description of your group, a quick summary of the issue you are working on, what you are doing about it, an explanation of how they can help, and it should end with a request for them to get involved.

Here is a sample table rap:

Hi! Will you sign our petition to stop example problem?

Awesome, I’m _ with (your group).

You may have seen things about the example problem in the news. The example problem has already been hurting people in the area. (Your group) is organizing a campaign focused on (the target) and we have a real chance to stop it. (The group) is made up of students like us and we had a big victory last semester.

We will be delivering the petitions at an event next Friday at the __ at noon, come out! We’ll be organizing more throughout the semester. If you’re interested, we could really use your help. Would you be interested in volunteering?

Great, put your phone number down and we will give you a call!

Have a great day.

Sign-on letters

Sign-on letters can be an effective way to show your target you are building a broad coalition and getting businesses in the district on board with your campaign. It is also a good illustrator to your target that you are building power in the district/region. It’s as simple as it sounds. Write out a letter that states the issues and your campaigns demands and at the bottom get other orgs and businesses to sign on to it. This can be delivered in a lobby meeting or another event with the target or the staff of the target.

Sample sign-on letter:

Targets name
Address
Date

Dear Target,

We are writing to ask that you demonstrate how you plan to exercise your leadership in the Example Council in support of solutions to ___. _is the defining challenge of our time and it is imperative that you act now. Experts estimate if you do not act now, in the next five years can happen.

Specifically, we would like you to support these three crucial steps:
1.Place a mandatory cap on .
2.Create a local standard that cuts 20% of in the next 5 years.
3.Pledge not to take any money from or their representative PACs.

Already, the early effects of this problem are being felt. We expect to increase. As this happens, more citizens will be displaced from their homes. This will cause a serious drain on resources.

We have a moral obligation to our children and grandchildren to act now. Thankfully the solution is available now and will create more jobs in the region.

The public is ready for leadership on this issue. The most recent polling shows that two thirds of voters believe this should have already been done.

We would very much like to meet with you to discuss your ideas for how we can tackle this issue

Sincerely, (this is where various organizations and businesses will sign)

______ _____

____ __________

Endorsements

While every individual has some pull over a politician/target, some people and organizations have more influence than others. Organizations and individuals who have influence may be particularly important to a target. You can identify some of these entities when you power map. If you can get these voices to share your message and be a part of your campaign, it can add credibility and power to your cause.

These figures, be they organizations or individuals, could help by writing an endorsement letter. i.e. media support, volunteers, education/expertise, funding etc. Also, think of what needs they have and be ready to listen.

Don’t be afraid to attend organizational meetings of other organizations and groups to see what they are doing and see how you can work together. Get on mailing lists and receive information on their actions and events. Don’t be afraid to ask to speak at rallies and workshops and/or display literature and resources about your issue.

Alliance Building Tips

1. Understand and respect institutional self-interest. Organizations bring their own history, structure, agenda, values, culture, leadership and relationship to an alliance. It is important for all members of an alliance to understand each other in order to build on their strengths and avoid unnecessary conflict.

2. Agree to disagree. Focus on your common agenda; avoid the issues on which you do not agree. Don’t expect everyone to be in the same place on every issue.

3. Recognize that contributions vary. Groups will bring different strengths and weaknesses to the alliance. As long as each member understands and accepts what each member brings, problems should be minimal.

4. Structure decision making carefully. Establish a clear decision-making process. Who is sitting at the table? Will groups be equally represented? Establish this process early on. It will simplify decisions along the way.

5. Help organizations achieve their self-interest. Groups need to believe they are benefiting from an alliance.

6. Achieve significant victories. Alliances must achieve victories if they are to be successful. Groups will continue to take part and contribute if they see concrete and measurable results.

7. Distribute credit fairly. If all activities are done in the name of the alliance, groups that have given a lot to the cause may feel they have not received the credit they deserve. In the interest of positive working relationships, give credit where credit is due.

Other Tactics

While we focused on specific tactics, there are a host of other tactics that can be employed to win campaigns such as protests, strikes, boycotts, sit-ins, NVDA's, lockdowns, lawsuits etc. It is important to know what your group is willing and capable of doing. It is also important to think outside the box. The tactics that hold the keys to victory may be unique, original, and never done before.

Ego

In delving into the world of activism and organizing, you will undoubtedly run into egos. It is important to keep in mind that leaders are good, but no one person owns the campaign. Every activist should feel a sense of ownership of the campaign or movement, but all should keep in mind they do not own it. Personally, I believe once an action is in the real world, it belongs to the people. If you organize a massive protest or movement, never forget that you do not own it. It is not your protest; it is the peoples’ protest and the peoples’ movement. This is about service to the people. The capitalist hierarchy of America has created countless spaces for people who want to be praised and venerated- activism should not be one of them.

I have run into opposition from people on the same side with differing views on strategy. It’s important to pick your battles and not lose focus of who the real opposition is. Keep your eye on the prize. One thing that caught me off guard as a young activist was the competitiveness of the NGO non-profit world. I did not realize at the time, but if an organization depends on a grant to stay open and your org is doing work that is similar, you will be seen as their enemy. If your group could qualify for the grant that keeps them open, you will in a very true sense be a threat to their livelihood.

Know when to step up and step back. My mentor warned me about burning out by involving myself constantly in campaigns and struggles. I did not believe I could ever burn out, but when I look back at my life and see points where I was not as active, I realize I was burnt out. Take care of yourselves and take time to recharge your battery. It is just as important as anything else.

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Revisit your plan. Remember change is not failure. Another note, you haven't lost until you give up. Maybe the vote on your issue has come and gone, or the school year ended. Regroup and look and the positives. At this point, you have experienced activists and you can create a new plan. Say you were able to get 3 of the 4 targets to agree, you can thank them and hold them to it publicly. The next school year may be an election year, and you can focus your new campaigning on removing the no vote from the City Council. You can get their opposition to agree publicly when they get elected. It’s not over as long as we keep fighting. Campaigns are marathons, not sprints. Make sure to take the time to keep your batteries charged and not burn out.

Don't let the perfect get in the way of the good.





EVERYTHING FOR EVEYONE, NOTHING FOR OURSELVES.