They are smart and serious. They have been planning and organizing at the local level for over a year. They are in this for the long haul. Every time I hear about them or actually get together with them I feel so impressed and leave in awe of their efforts. It is really incredible. I don't know how many DUers have ever had the chance to get together with them directly, but if you do you will feel the same way that I do. I cannot say enough great things about them. Check them out.
https://www.indivisible.org/act-locally/
https://www.indivisible.org/guide/grassroots-advocacy
CHAPTER ONE
GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY
How grassroots advocacy worked to stop President Obama. We examine lessons from the Tea Partys rise and recommend two key strategic components:
A local strategy targeting individual Members of Congress (MoCs).
A defensive approach purely focused on stopping Trump from implementing an agenda built on racism, authoritarianism, and corruption.
CHAPTER TWO
YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS
How your MoC thinks reelection, reelection, reelection and how to use that to save democracy. MoCs want their constituents to think well of them, and they want good, local press. They hate surprises, wasted time, and most of all, bad press that makes them look weak, unlikable, and vulnerable. You will use these interests to make them listen and act.
CHAPTER THREE
ORGANIZE LOCALLY
Identify or organize your local group. Is there an existing local group or network you can join? Or do you need to start your own? We suggest steps to help mobilize your fellow constituents locally and start organizing for action.
CHAPTER FOUR
ADVOCACY TACTICS
Four local advocacy tactics that actually work. Most of you have three MoCs two Senators and one Representative. Whether you like it or not, they are your voices in Washington. Your job is to make sure they are, in fact, speaking for you. Weve identified four key opportunity areas that just a handful of local constituents can use to great effect. Always record encounters on video, prepare questions ahead of time, coordinate with your group, and report back to local media:
Town halls. MoCs regularly hold public in-district events to show that they are listening to constituents. Make them listen to you, and report out when they dont.
Other local public events. MoCs love cutting ribbons and kissing babies back home. Dont let them get photo-ops without questions about racism, authoritarianism, and corruption.
District office visits. Every MoC has one or several district offices. Go there. Demand a meeting with the MoC. Report to the world if they refuse to listen.
Coordinated calls. Calls are a light lift, but can have an impact. Organize your local group to barrage your MoCs with calls at an opportune moment about and on a specific issue.
How Grassroots Advocacy Works