small group organizing 101 june 5, 2012. small group organizing 101
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Small Group Organizing 101
June 5, 2012
Small Group Organizing 101
Small Group Organizing 101
The Situation:
Americans have become increasingly isolated.
Mainstream culture encourages us to be cut-off from each other, relying on money, corporate products, and screen time to fill our needs.
Even as activists, we often act as individuals rather than in community.
Small Group Organizing 101
What is a success story from your own life?
Small Group Organizing 101
Every success story is a community success story.
See Chuck Collins’ TED Talk
http://bit.ly/rqe6At
Small Group Organizing 101
Why Go Against the Grain? Why Form Community?
Small Group Organizing 101
Why Go Against the Grain? Why Form Community?
Provide a supportive space for people to speak openly about their personal lives.
Small Group Organizing 101
Why Go Against the Grain? Why Form Community?
Provide a supportive space for people to speak openly about their personal lives.
It’s fun!
Small Group Organizing 101
Why Go Against the Grain? Why Form Community?
Provide a supportive space for people to speak openly about their personal lives.
It’s fun!
Caring socialization is a prerequisite to positive action
Small Group Organizing 101
“Communities are human systems given form by conversations that build relatedness. The conversations that build relatedness most often occur through associational life, where citizens show up by choice.
“The small group is the unit of transformation and the container for the experience of belonging. The power of the small group cannot be overemphasized. Something almost mystical, certainly mysterious, occurs when citizens sit in a small group, for they often become more authentic and personal with each other there than in other settings.”
- Peter Block, “Community: The Structure of Belonging”
Small Group Organizing 101
Small Group Organizing 101
Small Group Organizing 101
Two Small Group Approaches
Resilience Circles – Use/adapt a seven-session curriculum focused on mutual aid and building an economy that works for everyone in harmony with the planet
Affinity Groups – A small group of people who support each other and work together to change the world. Often embedded in a larger social movement or campaign
Small Group Organizing 101
Other Kinds of Small Groups…
Book Clubs
Movie Clubs
Potluck/Dinner Clubs
Neighborhood Associations
Religious small groups
Women’s/Men’s groups
Parents’ groups
Unemployment support groups
Heart and Soul groups (Transition)
Small group organizing 101
Poll: What kind of small group do you want to organize or join?
Resilience Circle
Affinity Group
Other
Not Sure
Small Group Organizing 101
Poll: What is your current involvement with a small group?
Small Group Organizing 101
FAQ for Organizers
Number of participants
Timing
Food
Geographic Area
Cost
Longevity
Small Group Organizing 101
INGREDIENTS:
1. Find a Space and Dates to Meet
2. Find People!
A. Find an Organizing Partner
B. Grow Your Group
C. Find a Facilitator
Small Group Organizing 101
Find People: COMMUNICATION
Using the “One-to-One”
Is anyone familiar with this term?
Small Group Organizing 101
One-to-One –
A structured conversation where you authentically share your story with another person and listen to theirs. Based on your commonalities, you invite the person to work together.
Small Group Organizing 101
One-to-One –
1. Tell your story.
Small Group Organizing 101
One-to-One –
1. Tell your story.
2. Listen.
Small Group Organizing 101
One-to-One –
1. Tell your story.
2. Listen.
3. What are your common concerns? Why should you work together?
Small Group Organizing 101
One-to-One –
1. Tell your story.
2. Listen.
3. What are your common concerns? Why should you work together?
4. Here is how we can work together: _______.
Small Group Organizing 101
One-to-One –
1. Tell your story.
2. Listen.
3. What are your common concerns? Why should you work together?
4. Here is how we can work together: _______.
5. Expect push-back!
Small Group Organizing 101
Assumption
Whomever you speak with, you will find some commonality with them.
Benefits
1. If you make any kind of connection, you have created community in a small way, even if you do not immediately work with this person.
2. You will enhance your story-telling and listening skills by engaging in these kinds of conversations.
Small Group Organizing 101
“A student once asked Cesar Chavez how he organized. He said, “First, I talk to one person. Then I talk to another person.” “No,” said the student, “how do you organize?” Chavez answered, “First I talk to one person. Then I talk to another person.”
“You get the point. Talking… builds community and can inspire others to action.”
- The Story of Stuff website, StoryOfStuff.org
Small Group Organizing 101
Use Base Communities Congregations Neighborhood Associations Activist Networks Transition Towns Campaigns like Move to
Amend
Start Where You Are – use the “Linking Method”
Publicize!
Think about what to call your group
Small Group Organizing 101
Your First Meeting
Be welcoming! Say hello to people as they enter
Provide food or snacks if possible
Be participatory; allow folks to get used to talking to the group
Use name tags
Facilitation Tips: http://localcircles.org/2010/01/24/facilitate-a-circle
Small Group Organizing 101
Your First Meeting: Affinity Groups
A Guide to Your Affinity Group’s First Meeting: http://bit.ly/Lenede
Get to know each other
Talk about what interests you
Plan next steps
Small Group Organizing 101
Your First Meeting: Resilience Circles
Using the Resilience Circle Introductory Session
90-minute agenda designed to introduce the idea of a Resilience Circle to others
Gives people a taste of the benefits of being in a Circle without requiring a commitment
Provides some new ideas mixed with personal sharing
See the Organizing Kit for more info & details - http://localcircles.org/organize-a-circle/
Small Group Organizing 101
The Resilience Circle Curriculum
Session 1: Our Resilience Circle
Sessions 2 – 3: Change the Story
Sessions 4 - 5: Create Community
Session 6: Change the Rules
Session 7: What’s Next?
Small Group Organizing 101
Download the Organizing Kit
http://localcircles.org/organize-a-circle
Resources for Affinity Groups
http://localcircles.org/?p=4911
