THE GROUP PROJECT
ACTIVISTS’ ORGANIZING KIT
This is an assignment
such as you’ve probably never had. The activists’ organizing kit is the major
work expected of students in this class and, with the oral presentations,
constitutes 50% of each student’s final grade. (Grades will be assigned as
a whole to the group; I don’t expect to make exceptions!)
The kit is not a “paper”
in the traditional sense, but it will require development and project management.
It requires research, critical thinking (and strategizing), writing, possibly
artwork or illustrations (maybe some beats?), perhaps a supporting website
with links to other relevant internet resources, and even snappy packaging.
Organizing kits are
a “do-it-yourself” set of instructions, relevant information, and useful
advice for activists committed to working on an issue (or set of issues).
See "Supplemental Materials" or click here for examples from recent campaigns.
In small groups (4
to 6 people each), you will collectively decide the issue you want to address.
As a matter of process, I strongly recommend you chose the issue – and do
the work – as SNCC did its work: by consensus decision-making. For some useful
guidelines, see pp 304-5 in the Midwest Academy manual; or click here for another guide.
The final organizing
kit will contain a variety of materials, depending on the complexity of the
issue and the depth of the strategy. Here are some of the things that each
kit could or should contain:
- An introductory
issue brief explaining the problem: “High Stakes Testing in Public Schools”
“Death Penalty Moratorium” “UMCP Tuition increases” “Disneyfication of Times
Square” “Racial Profiling by PG Police” “Construction of a Waste Transfer
Site near African American Historical Site” “Restoration of Foreign Aid to
Haiti” “Oppose the Patriot Act and Mandatory Registration” “Justice for Janitors”
etc.
- A note explaining to why engaging in this protest or action can make a difference (part of the big picture)
- Suggestions
for further research: Materials and resources that encourage activists to
collect or develop their own data and findings (for example: surveys of conditions,
opinion polls, research into corporate or government activities, etc.)
- Action Ideas:
can be very specific calling for certain actions on a particular day, or
general ideas about tactics to be adapted and used as determined by local
activists. (Fits into overall movement strategy)
- Suggestions about how to find and develop allies or create coalitions who share an interest in this issue
- Samples of flyers, advertisements, or other creative media to “get the word out”
- Talking points for activists to use for organizing and in dealing with the media
- Resources for more information
Each group will present some of these materials to the class for general
discussion and critique; see course outline for specific dates.
created 9/13/03