How to start a Grassroots Organization - Grassroots Advocacy

The two fundamental elements of a democratic government are PARTICIPATION and COMPROMISE. We cannot have a democracy with either of those two elements missing. To have an effective democratic government we need to keep “stirring the pot.” We need to keep fresh ideas in front of our lawmakers but the ideas have to align with the core beliefs of our communities and also with the fundamental principles of our society as a whole.

There are some that believe that our US Constitution lays out a strict guideline that our forefathers put in place and we should never veer from it. Others believe that the Constitution is a “living” document that should evolve with an ever changing society. And still there are those that believe the Constitution is an outdated document that served as a guideline for growing this country but now our society needs to meet the demands of a global economy.

I believe the Constitution is indeed a “living” document. Why else would our forefathers leave us the option of the amendment process? But my belief is just one of the 309 million citizens of the US which is why we need Grassroots Advocacy and Grassroots organizations. With Grassroots Advocacy, groups can align themselves with likeminded individuals and make sure the elected representatives we put in office are doing the jobs we gave them.

Grassroots organizations start in the local communities and build upon the needs of those communities. Yes, we are just one country but a country made up of many states. The core values and beliefs of individuals in one state do not necessarily match up with those of another state. They may have similar beliefs and values and through Grassroots organizations we can bring these similarities to light through PARTICIPATION and COMPROMISE.

Grassroots Advocacy is essentially about three things:

• Reforming harmful or ineffective policies.

• Ensuring good policies are implemented and enforced.

• Creating policies where they are needed and none exist.

So essentially, Grassroots Advocacy is all about policy change.

Grassroots community organizations can accomplish just about anything on their agenda as long as they have a backing of likeminded individuals.  Joining a Grassroots organization is as simple as looking in the community section of your local newspaper or on the bulletin boards at your local library.  Starting your own Grassroots community organization takes a little more effort but the key is in making the effort.

To start your own group:

• Place an ad on Craigslist.org and just ask; if anyone interested in “such and such,” we’re holding an informal meeting at “this location,” to discuss “this issue,” and form a steering committee. (Hold the meeting at a public location and not a private residence.  A meeting room at the library, or community center, or under the pavilion at a local park are some good choices.  Church meeting rooms and non-profits may be good locations too as long as those entities are only providing space and not participation as they could lose their non-profit status for engaging in political activities.)

• Even though the meeting is informal, you need to be prepared to lead the meeting and discuss the issue and the objective or the group. 

• Create or appoint a governing body and ASK for volunteers to participate in the steering committee.

• After a board is selected it’s time to name the group and then register the group with the Federal Election Commission as a Political Action Committee (PAC).

• You want your group to be a registered PAC so you can solicit fundraising from the public and put some weight and credibility behind the demands you’re going to be placing on elected officials.

• Delegate sub-committees to get the ball rolling on Public Relations, Advertising, Media (online and offline), Fundraising, Volunteers, Protesters (when needed).

• Sponsor community outreach programs, festivals, rallies, guest speakers, and attend every public meeting scheduled. Let your presence be known to the community and the elected officials.    

• Demand the policy change your group is seeking through active PARTICIPATION in the government process and only accept a COMPROMISE that meets the core principles of your Grassroots community group.