Designing Actions Chapter 7 Brandey Davis URBS

Action An action is a tactic in which an organized group of people with a common grievance meet with the person who has the power to give them what they want. Actions work based upon a set of calculations about the relationship between you and your target (similar to a cost-benefit analysis).

When to Use Actions An action is a low-to medium-power tactic. Actions are used to build up to large turnout events of your own (i.e. public hearings, accountability sessions, etc.) An action is to be completed after going through proper channels first (send letters, file complaints, petitions, etc.)

Action Planning  Goals: Main Demands and Fallback demands  Substantive and Procedural Demands  Organizational Considerations  Constituency  Know Your Target  Use Tactics within the Action  Singing, Chanting, Signs, Challenges, etc.

Action Planning Reminders  Stay within the Experience of Your Group Don’t confuse loudness or vulgarity with power  Try to Get outside the Experience of the Target  Try to make an appointment rather than have a surprise encounter. (Sometimes, surprise encounters work)  “Case the Joint”  If Media are Wanted (they aren’t always), Send a Press Release a Week Ahead of Time More Reminders on pages 77 and 78

Checklist for Planning an Action Are your demands clear and simple? Have you scouted the building and made a floor plan? Can the site accommodate disabled members? Has the group selected a spokesman for the action? Have you selected someone to take notes during the action and write the confirmation letter to the target? Have you held a dress rehearsal for the spokesperson and the participants? Have you calculated how you are going to demonstrate your power (letters, petitions, etc.)? Full List is available on page 79 in Organizing for Social Change

AAU and the Gallery Casino Proposal: What is more valuable: a profitable casino or a priceless community? Helen Gym—Asian Americans United

Holding Accountability Sessions Chapter 8 Brandey Davis URBS

Accountability Session is a large community meeting at which an elected official, or sometimes a high appointed official, is held accountable to the community. – Accountability sessions is a high powered tactic. – It is a big show of organizational turnout – Win! When you win, your organization grows. – Establish target’s power and vulnerability

 Goals (Main and Fallback Demands; Substantive and Procedural Goals)  Organizational Considerations (Budget, Staff and Leadership time, Equipment, etc.)  Tactics (songs, signs, reading petitions, etc)  Choosing the Target/Decision Maker The Basics

Planning 1.Organize a Planning Committee 2.Start With a Discussion on Organization Considerations 3.Decide on Demands 4.Propose Dates 5.Develop an Agenda 6.Plan the Logistics 7.Rehearse 8.Hold the Meeting 9.Follow Up 10.Thank Everyone and Celebrate 11.Evaluate A Sample Agenda is offered on pages 88-90

Key Roles Chair Scorekeeper Chair’s Organizer General or Lead Organizer Panel Members Press Contact Ushers Microphone Holder Facilities Coordinator Signer Translators Have sign in sheets and handouts Diagram of an Accountability Meeting is on page 92

Turnout, Publicity, and Transportation/Facilities Press Plan Tone of the Meeting – Upbeat but Serious – Professional but Fun! – Controlled but Not Too Much – End Positively with Action

Checklist Are your key leaders on the planning committee? Have you confirmed a date with the target? Do you have a good press plan? Have you taken care of logistics? Have you used the strategy chart to plan the accountability session, being sure to take into account your power? Full List is available on pages 98 and 99 in Organizing for Social Change

Example: A-G Accountability Session

Thank You! Questions or Comments about the presentation or the video?