1. Identify your problem. Then, identify who has the authority to change what you want changed. Next, identify your allies and your opponents.
2. Contact everyone you think will agree with you and participate in your effort. Neighbors are the most common allies. Arrange a meeting with 2-3 of them - more, if possible.
3. Together, decide how you want to attract attention for your problem
4. Make a plan. Keep it simple. One step at a time by more than one person can have powerful results.
5. Each two weeks for one to three months, implement an action on your plan. Examples include:
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Letters to newspapers, signed by all of you
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Letter-writing campaigns to all politicians involved, demanding for change
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Phone-in campaigns to all local politicians and newspapers. More than a few people calling to complain are most effective
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Flyering - write and Xerox a flyer, and post it in neighborhood bookstores, Laundromats and businesses. Collect addresses of everyone on your block, and mail them a flyer.
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Speaking - contact your local senior center, community group and social organization and school. Offer to speak about the topic at an upcoming meeting. When you go, take flyers to hand out.
Continue holding monthly meetings. A fixed day and time of the month is most effective. Assess your results. Continue planning more action. Why? Because activism is satisfying - and it gets results.
