skip to navigation

Organizing Tools

Since not everyone can attend our trainings, we want to bring some of the nuts and bolts we teach at camp to the online progressive community. This section features practical "How To" information, success stories, downloadable tools, case studies, and links to additional resources and training.

Whether it's organizing a voter registration effort in your community, talking with voters about issues that matter to you, volunteering on a political or issue campaign, working with a non-profit, or running for office ... it's time to organize, mobilize and build power for change.

Meaningful Constituent Contact

Elected officials have dual objectives - being an effective representative and fostering a healthy democracy by encouraging citizen engagement.
Submitted by admin on April 15, 2008 - 4:04pm.

Building Your Base While You're Getting Ready to Run

But what do you do in the months and years that lead up to a run for office?  How can you set yourself up well to have a broad base to turn to when you announce your candidacy?  This organizing tool looks at how to build your base as you get ready to run.
Submitted by elana on April 20, 2010 - 8:27am.

Developing a New Media Strategy

The internet is transforming where voters get
information and offering campaigns a new medium to interact with voters.

Submitted by elana on March 15, 2009 - 2:26pm.

Being a Successful Citizen Lobbyist

Public policy is the set of decisions that we make as a society about how we will care for one another, our communities and the land.  Whether the issue is funding for schools, green jobs, worker's rights, or any other issue -- progressives win with citizen lobbying.
Submitted by admin on April 15, 2008 - 4:03pm.

Building a Volunteer Program

As the 2010 election season draws nearer, activists of all kinds are beginning to think about mobilizing support for their candidate or issue. Grassroots organizing is about engaging and mobilizing ordinary people - not just political or legislative professionals - to shape public policy or win elections.
Submitted by admin on March 4, 2008 - 3:11pm.

Voter Registration

With less than half of eligible Americans exercising their right to vote, starting a voter registration drive in your community is a great way to help people take the first step in civic participation.

 

Submitted by admin on March 4, 2008 - 3:10pm.

Running a Doorknock Operation

If you are working or volunteering on a campaign this year, chances are you've been asked to doorknock.  That's because the more personal the contact with voters the better, and having conversations with them at their door the most effective tool for getting the votes you need to win.    

Submitted by elana on July 2, 2008 - 2:13pm.

Voter Education

Voter Education is as simple as it sounds, but its importance cannot be overlooked. Voter Education is informing the public on their democratic rights, election procedures, candidates and the issues.
Submitted by admin on April 15, 2008 - 4:02pm.

Get Out The Vote

Get Out The Vote, or GOTV, as it is commonly called, is the culmination of many organizing campaign. GOTV is also the most exciting and energetic part of a campaign when volunteers come out in force, the public is watching and we're just days away from victory!
Submitted by admin on April 15, 2008 - 4:02pm.

Values-based messaging

The most effective campaign messages are bold, clear, and concise, and establish a link between the campaign and its intended audience.
Submitted by admin on April 15, 2008 - 4:03pm.

Action Planning to Win on Issues

What does an Action Plan bring to your organizing? A good action plan gives your work focus, leverages your strengths, and lays out a blueprint for winning.
Submitted by admin on April 15, 2008 - 4:03pm.

Leadership Development

As progressives, we know we can find better leaders. We are looking for leaders who can restore hope, empower citizens, and be effective voices for change.
Submitted by admin on April 15, 2008 - 4:04pm.

Neighborhood Voter Contact Program

Check out skills & tools in our new resource library! A step-by-step guide to direct contact with voters.
Submitted by admin on April 30, 2008 - 4:04pm.

Holding Elected Officials Accountable to Our Issues

Submitted by admin on April 15, 2008 - 4:05pm.

Organizing Tools

Newsletter Signup

Recent News

Upcoming Trainings

Footer Links