How to Organize Around Issues

SUGGESTIONS FOR BUILDING SUCCESSFUL GROUP ACTIONS
1.    KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE GOAL:
  The issue is more important than playing politics. Involve everyone and don’t use the groups for personal gain.

2.    COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY:  
Find out what the problems are in your area or department.  Ask people for their suggestions on how to solve their problems.  Learn how to listen and incorporate other people’s ideas.
3.    PROVIDE INFORMATION AND EDUCATION:
  People will need and want to know what they are working with and what effects it will have on them.  People will want to know what can be done.  Increasing people’s awareness will encourage them to do something about their problems.
4.    DEVELOP COHERENT PLANS:  
Be systematic.  Know where you’re going.  Be prepared to change your plan when conditions change, but ALWAYS plan ahead.
5.    START SMALL AND BUILD CAREFULLY:
 Build a strong foundation at each step before moving on.  Work toward both short-term victories and long-term goals as stepping-stones to build toward the long run, more difficult campaigns.
6.    PUT THE SPOTLIGHT ON THE PROBLEM:  
Increase people’s awareness by publicizing grievances.  Use leaflets and articles for “The Voice”.  Raise the issue at worksite meetings.
7.    DON’T MAKE DEALS BEHIND PEOPLE’S BACKS:
 This is a sure way to undermine the group’s effectiveness, cause demoralization, resentment and a lack of trust and confidence.  Don’t accept personal favors from management in order to resolve issues or grievances.

8.    AVOID ELITISM:  
Don’t feel superior because you’re active and others are apathetic. YOU are the organizer…try to reach out and break down barriers.  Be prepared to involve people in whatever way they’re willing.  Any group action should be broad enough to involve several levels of participation.

9.    INCREASE YOUR AWARENESS:
 We can always learn more.  The more information we have, the better we’ll be able to make more effective plans.

10.    AFTER TALKING IT THROUGH, GET DOWN TO ACTION:  
Provide activities and tasks for people to do and share responsibilities.
11.    DEMOCRATICALLY DECIDE WHERE YOU ARE GOING AND WHAT YOU’RE GOING TO DO:  
Talk with your co-workers about the problems and go from there.

12.    EVALUATE EACH STEP:
  take time to review each part of the group’s action as you go along.  This will help you plan for the next step.

13.    YOU WILL MAKE MISTAKES!!
 Don’t be discouraged when you make mistakes.  This is how we learn.  Take a moment to evaluate why you did things this way and what you would do differently and start again.  The struggle continues…PERSEVERE!!