Author Bob Smucker summed it up best: “Grassroots network is an organized, systematic means of communicating on short notice with volunteers at the local level who have agreed to take some action or to advocate.” If it’s really that simple, what’s required to get started with effective grassroots organizing or community engagement?
It seems important to start with a differentiation. Building a grassroots movement is primarily about communities. Community engagement primarily deals with helping moved communities towards some outcome. Often this is a situation that has been derailed or thwarted.
What most people don’t realize is that grassroots organizing is not a format path of action. More often than not, it’s informal, rather than elaborate. Often times it involves action that is passed via word of mouth through a network.
Who is assisted by these efforts? Those who benefit the most are those who champion for the cause, purpose, or goal to achieve. Quite frankly, it starts with groups of people sharing common concerns or accolades for a shared issue of interest. It could be a political campaign, community endeavor, policy issue. Think of everyday community advocates. With a ready-made constituency there are built-in volunteers, constituents, members, or allies.
With all that support, the goal is to influence or impact. Most will attempt to gain traction, derail a forthcoming action, or make significant inroads. To reinforce support, each group should take action as follows:
- Vision/Goals – Set goals and an action plan
- Assignments – Plan who will to engage
- Strategic Planning – Develop a timeline and strategies
- Implementation – Outline action steps and prioritize activities
- Track progress – Manage process with benchmarks
Demonstration, petitions, community meetings, and neighborhood watch programs all got started through information citizen action network. With a few simple steps, active citizens can make a significant, long-term difference.
Excerpt from Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide for Success by Dawn McCoy
