Small Group Organizing 101
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S Small Group Organizing 101 June 5, 2012
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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. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Transcript of 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 Meet2. Find People!
A. Find an Organizing PartnerB. Grow Your GroupC. 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
AssumptionWhomever you speak with, you will find some
commonality with them.Benefits1. 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 GroupsA 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 CirclesUsing 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 sharingSee the Organizing Kit for more info & details -
http://localcircles.org/organize-a-circle/
Small Group Organizing 101
The Resilience Circle CurriculumSession 1: Our Resilience Circle
Sessions 2 – 3: Change the StorySessions 4 - 5: Create Community
Session 6: Change the RulesSession 7: What’s Next?
Small Group Organizing 101
Download the Organizing Kithttp://localcircles.org/organize-a-circle
Resources for Affinity Groupshttp://localcircles.org/?p=4911
