Grassroots organization planning

So just how DO you get started with grassroots organizing?  It's simple and doesn't take a lot of time, but action is critical.  We all know the hardest part of “doing” anything is getting started.  Having a plan makes it possible.

Fail to plan, plan to fail

Map out a plan of action that's appropriate for your neighborhood or precinct.  Use it to spell out exactly what sort of impact you want to have and what activities you’ll focus on to make it happen...(along with "who" can do "what", "when", "where" and "how").

Keep upcoming events on the political calendar in mind when making these decisions, (such as pending elections, important issues to lobby with local elected bodies, Republican Party organizational meetings, etc.).

Consider these items in coordination with other likeminded people in your precinct, as well as any grassroots organization you may be associating with.

Three step planning

STEP ONE: List the major changes you would like to help make happen in your area.  Why do you want to get involved?  What do you want to change?  Be focused and specific - but realistic.

STEP TWO: Choose the kind of activities that will help you bring about the changes you listed above.  Play to your strengths and make sure they're the kind of things you have the resources to accomplish.  Then list the action steps you’ll need to take to complete each activity.

STEP THREE: Mulitply your efforts by involving and coordinating with others.

Planning in this way gives you a better chance of long term success and will help you avoid getting burned out.

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You can find more tips and guidlines like these in my Grassroots Training Series.  Check it out!