Planning a Campaign

  1. Problem and Solution
  • What is the issue or problem we are trying to solve?
  • What are at least 3 possible solutions to the problem?
  • Choose what you think the best solution is. If unsure, do a research “action” by going to a lower level city person and talk about issues and likely solutions.
  • If money is needed to solve the problem, do we know where the money is or could come from? Is it a problem with allocation or the process?
  1. Targets
  • Think of targets for campaigns- who can deliver what we want. Start with lowest level person first and work your way up. The list of for a code of enforcement campaign might look something like:
    • Local code enforcement officer
    • Regional code enforcement officer
    • City Councillor
    • Department director for code enforcement
    • Assistant city manager
    • City manager
    • Mayor
  • Think about secondary targets; who are people connected to main targets?
  1. Handles and Messaging

Do research and identify things that will provide leverage to move our target, allies and public opinion.

  • Money being misspent
  • Laws helping our case
  • What will the message be about why this campaign is fair and important?
  1. Tactics and strategy
  • What kind of actions and tactics can we use in the campaign? Be sure members will have fun doing these.
  • What will be the timeline for the campaign? You want to have an action about every 7-10 days. If there is a bond/city council election, schedule accordingly. Find out changes in the city budget and include process in the campaign!
  • Escalating tactics.  Generally, each action should be big, bigger and bolder than the last. More members, more militancy if demands aren’t met and should be taken to higher targets. Keep the momentum going and use creative tactics, keeping pressure on without requiring large numbers.
    • Hold press conference (release a short report, announce important support we have secured for our demands; expose scandals and misallocation of funds)
    • Flyer an event where the target is speaking, being given an award, etc.
    • Have a delegation of members do drop-by visits to council members
    • Do a couple of days of generating phone calls into the target’s office
  • If it becomes necessary during the campaign, think and talk through an exit strategy as well.
  1. External support and opposition
  • Who may be with us on the issue? How can we get them to help us in planning, provide leverage and pressure targets?
  • Who is against us on the issue? Are there ways to reduce or neutralize their opposition?
  • How can we get press coverage on the campaign?

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