How do I build a movement that starts with the people? That lasts? That catches on?
Organization
Guides
Learn from the best practices of experts and professionals.
Resource: Indivisible Group Leader Resources
Source: Indivisible Project
Why it matters: The Indivisible Project is a coalition created by two Capitol Hill staffers created to lead the resistance against President Donald Trump. It first started as just a Google Document of resources and has since blossomed into a grassroots movement covering all 50 states in the United States. Their guide covers tactics, tools, and best practices to help shape and grow your movement.
Resource: Facts Forward: Fighting Disinformation
Source: PEN America
Why it matters: PEN America is a global network of writers, authors, poets, and advocates fighting for the freedom of speech. Their Fighting Disinformation guide covers how to detect disinformation and how to build audience trust to effectively deliver information.
Indivisible Project
PEN America
End Homelessness
Open Society Foundations
Resource: Organize Locally
Source: End Homelessness
Why it matters: The National Alliance to End Homelessness is a non-partisan organization dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness in the United States. Their guide gives a step-by-step explanation to creating a local organization or coalition for a specific cause. While catered specifically to homelessness, you can adapt the guide to your specific cause.
Resource: Evidence, Messages, Change!
Source: Open Society Foundations
Why it matters: Open Society Foundations is the world’s largest private funder of independent groups working for rights, equity, and justice. The guide defines an “Advocacy Strategy Cycle” to use for any issue an individual may wish to advocate for or against. For every step, tool, or template, the guide provides examples of best practices in action.
More resources
Learn from different case studies and experts in the field.
Dr. Do Lee led the Biking Public Project, an initiative that sought to ensure public bike access in New York City on behalf of low-wage immigrant workers who relied on them for food delivery or commute.
The initiative put the stories of immigrants front and center in newspapers, produced a documentary highlighting their experiences, and influenced public policy through testimonies.
Natasha Dartigue, Public Defender of the state of Maryland, leads the Maryland Equitable Justice Collaborative, a coalition of experts and professionals in the field of criminal justice.
They publish research, reports, and press releases to guide policy in the state of Maryland. They have been highly effective in connecting legislators to advocates and the media to groundbreaking research to shape public opinion.