The Oyster & The Pearl

What is Grassroots Organizing?

As a Grassroots Organizer & Campaign Manager, I enjoy upholding democracy by engaging ordinary people in  campaigns,grassroots organizing, and community outreach that works from the bottom up to make decisions and take action.

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I do this by working with the local constituency to determine issues, strategies and tactics while encouraging  volunteer leadership. 

Since the power of grassroots organizing is in ordinary people, it seeks to mobilize in LARGE numbers.

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An activist group of five people may be able to reach 5,000 people in a week by putting up posters, sending e-mails, or making phone calls. Democracy at it's finest!

What is a Grassroots Leader?

Grassroots organizing and campaign leadership works to increase the capacity of a social movement by training new volunteer leaders and by involving new volunteer activists.

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Leadership development helps to increase the size of the movement and to increase its power. Leaders learn a variety of skills, such as posting flyers, running meetings and writing letters-to-the-editor to help their cause.

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Eventually leaders learn how to be organizers: they learn how to pick an issue, run a campaign and train other new leaders.

Successful citizen advocacy is a trade-off...

Getting elected is a lawmaker's primary concern. They need us to be elected and re-elected. We need our lawmakers to achieve our legislative and regulatory agenda.

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Successful citizen legislative advocacy is possible when the reciprocal nature of this relationship is fully understood.

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Remember that time is precious. All letters, e-mails, phone calls or office visits should be "short and sweet". Get to the point soon and focus on your issue.

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Always include the Bill number and /or name of the legislation or regulation in all communication.

********************************      Explain in simple and straightforward terms the logic supporting your position. The most effective logic often involves jobs, cost and how many people it will affect.

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Include your name, address, phone and e-mail address on all communication. This helps for follow-up and to remind your lawmaker that you are his/her constituent.

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Write a thank you note to the lawmaker no matter what the outcome of your issue. It never hurts to show your appreciation for their effort on your behalf.

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 Questions about legislative issues?

Contact me here. 

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