Community organizing is a skill that can help you achieve social change, mobilize resources, and empower people. But what if your efforts are not yielding the results you want? How can you overcome the challenges and frustrations that come with community organizing? Here are some tips to help you improve your strategy, tactics, and mindset.
The first step is to evaluate your current situation and identify the root causes of your problems. Are you facing external obstacles, such as lack of funding, political opposition, or media bias? Or are you dealing with internal issues, such as low morale, poor communication, or lack of leadership? You need to be honest and realistic about your strengths and weaknesses, and gather feedback from your team, allies, and stakeholders.
The next step is to review your goals and see if they are SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. If your goals are too vague, unrealistic, or irrelevant, you will have a hard time reaching them and measuring your progress. You may need to revise your goals to make them more clear, realistic, and aligned with your vision and values. You may also need to prioritize your goals and focus on the most important and urgent ones.
I consistently remind myself, and my team(s), that at the least "the field" changes everyday. Having the humility to be in a daily process of evaluation along with the flexibility to shift and adjust goals based upon what "the field" is offering is key. Doing this sort of adjustment while holding true to the team/organizations values and north star will aid in making space for the constant shifts without the uneasy feeling of being all over the place.
The third step is to explore different methods and tactics that can help you achieve your goals. You may need to change your approach, target audience, or message depending on the context and the opportunities. You may also need to experiment with new tools, techniques, or platforms that can enhance your outreach, engagement, or impact. You may also need to collaborate with other groups, networks, or movements that share your vision and can support your cause.
The fourth step is to celebrate your achievements and recognize your efforts. Community organizing can be a long and hard process, and it is easy to lose sight of the positive outcomes and impacts that you have created. You need to acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small or big, and appreciate your team, allies, and supporters. You also need to share your stories, lessons, and best practices with others who can learn from your experience and join your cause.
The fifth step is to ask for help when you need it. Community organizing can be a stressful and exhausting activity, and it can take a toll on your physical, mental, and emotional health. You need to take care of yourself and seek help from others who can offer you advice, guidance, or support. You may also need to seek help from experts, mentors, or coaches who can help you improve your skills, knowledge, or confidence.
One of the greatest skills we develop as community organizers is the ability to "make an ask." However, we often fall short in making asks for our own help and support. Approaching life as an organizer, not just our work, can help to ease the tension of asking for help. And we all know practice, practice, practice. It may not come easy at first. There may be shame, embarrassment, or even disappointment, but the more we practice making the ask for the help and support we need the easier it becomes. And every good organizer knows, it takes a few no's to get to a confident and yes.
The sixth step is to accept your limitations and be realistic about what you can and cannot do. Community organizing is not a magic bullet that can solve all the problems in the world. You need to understand the limits of your resources, influence, and control, and accept the uncertainties and risks that come with social change. You also need to be humble and open to feedback, criticism, or failure, and learn from your mistakes and challenges.
Organizers do just that. We organize people to achieve the sort of social change we all want. We do this because we understand that not one of us has all the power, resources, influence or control. Failure or lack isn't defeat, it's an opportunity to build more power with more people!