12 Tools for Democracy in Action

12 TOOLS FOR DEMOCRACY IN ACTION
Tool #1 - Take Care of Yourself:
To do good in the community, country, and world, take care of your health and maintain your sanity. Don’t let over-enthusiasm trick you into exhaustion.  You are in a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself. “Occupy Wall Street” burned itself out.  Do not let that happen to the energy generated by the Women’s March on Washington this January.  Your personal Action Plan will empower you to make an impact while preserving your health and sanity.

  1. Develop a positive attitude. Check it frequently through your day.  Keep “turning toward the sun.”
  2. Breathe deeply throughout the day.  Use this exercise: “Smell the soup; cool the soup!” 
  3. Check in daily with your Moral Compass through moments of quiet, meditation, prayer, reading inspirational words, (try Declaration of Independence, beginning and end; Preamble to the Constitution, Gettysburg Address and other speeches of Lincoln), singing, talking with inspiring people. Find what works for you.
  4. Eat healthfully and slowly. Stay away from junk food.
  5. Get adequate rest: sleep, find recreation, and have fun.
  6. Get adequate exercise of various kinds daily to keep you limber.
  7. Expect pushback and take it in stride.  Don’t take it personally. 
  8. Practice using a word, phrase, or image to help you turn away from negativity.
 

Tool #2 - Prepare Your Talking Points:
Get into the heads of your Members of Congress (MoC).
They are under the constant pressure of getting re-elected. They need you to believe they are working for you, so you will vote for them.  Even if they agree with your issues, they need your frequent thanks and constant encouragement to stand strong.  If they disagree with your issues, use these tools to let them know their re-election is shaky.

  1. Use a simple “script” that’s easy for you to remember.
  2. Write it out.
  3. Describe the problem as you see it.
  4. Tell a story of ways you are affected by this problem.
  5. Tell them the action needed to solve the problem.  Do all this in a few, simple words. Use a 6th grade vocabulary so no one is turned off by big words or concepts.
  6. Read your script to a supportive person and listen to their response.  Revise as needed.
  7. Don’t rely upon memory.  Take your notes with you. It’s okay to read them.
 
 

Tool #3 - Brief Messaging
(useful for brief encounters):
Professionals who deal with the media use this formula for the most impact:
“3-27-9”
3 points expressed in 27 words, which translates into 9 seconds of tv time.

  1. Make daily phone calls to your MoCs:
    Schedule your own issues or use your Smartphone to get an App for daily political updates and recommended calls to MoCs. 
    Put #s of your MoC’s on speed dial. 
    At least this one: Capitol Switchboard (202) 224-3121.
    Always be polite.  Ask the name of the staff person.  Give your name and town.
    Use your script.  Ask MoC to vote NO on terrible policy or YES on progressive policy.
  2. Coordinated group calls:  Use “3-27-9” script as above (Problem, Story, Solution - Action). 
    See “Indivisible Guide” (www.Indivisibleguide.com), Opportunity 4, Coordinated Calls and Sample Call Dialogue.
  3. Postcards:  Keep MoC addresses handy.  Use “3-27” script:
    (Problem, Story, Solution).
  4. Social media:
  5. Stop and think. Don’t react.
  6. Write your response using “3-27-9” formula.
  7. Be respectful and firm.  It’s ok to unfriend.
  8. Send a positive message. Use formula Problem/Story/Solution - Action. 
  9. Sign and share petitions:  When sharing on Facebook or twitter, use 3-27-9 formula, short and sweet: Problem/Story/Solution-Action. 
 

Tool #4 - Civil Conversations:
We cannot change anyone; but, we can influence them in a positive way.  Be prepared to have a different kind of conversation.  This is NOT argument, debate, lecture, competition, or attempt to convert.  This is a conversation to connect to people who are fellow humans, fellow Americans, and neighbors in the same community.  We need one another.

  1. Listen and ask questions for clarification
  2. Try to understand, even when you disagree.
  3. Empathize by responding with genuine interest and care.
  4. Summarize by saying something like:
    “TO YOU, this issue means x,y,z because you’ve had this experience…”
  5. Find common ground, however small, and say it. 
  6. Share your point of view, something like:
    “I come from a slightly different background, so TO ME it means…” Include your beliefs and feelings.
  7. Repeat process as needed and until you decide to end the conversation. 
  8. Look for a mutual action to make some improvement, such as some practical effort in neighborhood or town.
  9. End by thanking them for an interesting conversation. 
    Compliment them on something genuine. 
    Shake hands. 
    Say you’d like to talk again some time, if that’s all right with them.
    Optional at end: “God bless you” and/or “God bless America.”
 

Tool #5 - Letters to the Editor:
A well-written LTE can serve as the basis for many other Social Actions (Visit to MoC, Town Hall, Press Conference speech, Rally speech, Speech to any group). 

  1. Introduction: Use a catchy phrase or image. 
    “Imagine that you’re in a nursing home and…”  or “What if your granddaughter …or “I never imagined my drinking water might be poisonous …” or “In the musical ‘Hamilton,’  the main character looks directly at the audience and sings -  History is watching YOU!”
  2. State the Problem in as few words as possible.
  3. Tell a “story,” your story or a story from someone near to you.  Any facts you use are most effective when woven into your story.
  4. Offer a Solution in as few words as possible.
    Then make it a Call to Action.
  5. End by referring back to your original phrase or image.  Show how it will change when your solution is applied.  Or say you hope this situation doesn’t happen to anyone else.
  6. If you use fact, supply trustworthy sources. 
  7. Minimum 150 Words. 
    Shorter is better.  More people read shorter LTEs. 
    Use simple words.  Good journalists use a 6th grade vocabulary so all their readers can understand. 
 

Tool #6 - In-Person Meeting with Members of Congress
(or Other Lawmakers):
  1. See “Indivisible Guide” (www.Indivisibleguide.com), Opportunity 3, District Office Visits.
  2. Call local office to schedule.
    Ask to speak to The Scheduler or to the Regional Manager. 
    Get the name of the person speaking and use their name. 
    Negotiate a workable date and time.
  3. Give your information. 
    Make sure everyone coming is a constituent. 
    Give names of 2 to 3 people, any organization, and the issue you want to discuss. 
  4. Also send a written request for visit. 
  5. Two days prior to visit, call Scheduler or Mgr. to confirm the appointment. If you have a written confirmation, bring it to the meeting.
  6. Have a meeting or conference call with your group prior to meeting and decide who will say what.  Emphasize respect and firmness. 
  7. Don’t be disappointed if you meet a staffer or if the MoC makes only a brief appearance. 
  8. Bring short written materials outlining your position; leave them with the person you visit.
  9. Leave time for MoC or staffer to share their Point of View but don’t allow them to divert to other issues.  Politely move back to your issue.  (www.everyvoice.org)
  10. Shake hands arriving and leaving.  Leave with a genuine positive comment.  Leave the door open to meet again. 
 

Tool #7 - Town Hall Meeting:
  1. Call office of MoC to get schedule, agenda and format of Town Halls.  Ask if you need to sign up to speak. 
  2. Send out date to companions and get commitments to attend, also to speak, if possible.
  3. Prepare 5-10 Questions for your group to use. 
  4. Write out your Question in the form of the LTE script: Catchy Intro, Problem, Story, Solution/and Direct Question.  Keep it short: 50-60 words maximum. 
  5. Prepare posters with responsible messages.  Don’t start a riot. (See #9 for Signage Tips)
  6. If there are microphones, get in line right away or raise your hand right away.
  7. It’s okay to read your statement. 
  8. See “Indivisible Guide” (www.Indivisibleguide.com), Opportunity 1, Town Halls/Listening Sessions, for more tips. 
  9. Follow up with the MoC afterwards in a letter, fax or email, repeating your message.
 

Tool # 8 - Other Public Events with Members of Congress:  
  1. See “Indivisible Guide” (www.Indivisibleguide.com), Opportunity 2, Other Local Public Events.  Use same tactics as detailed above.
  2. Search out events where your MoC will be socializing, such as County Fair, and make plans for your group to be there with good questions.  Always record these events.
 
 
Tool #9 - News Conferences/Rallies:
Build Media Relationships:

  1. Start now figuring out which reporters cover the issues that are important to you.
    Call to introduce yourself and your group, ask what kinds of information would be helpful to them on the issues. 
    Provide them with interesting tidbits of information from time to time to maintain the relationships.  
  2. When scheduling an event, notify both the Newsroom and the reporter you have cultivated.  Provide a written note about the background of your group, purpose of event, tidbits of info to be shared at the event.  Make it sound interesting.  Tell them a full statement will be given at the event.  Ask if they will send someone and say why this is so important. 
  3. Follow-up to make sure they received the notice and ask if a reporter and photographer are coming.  Let them know there will be something visually interesting.
 
Make Posters:
  1. Gather materials, including white cardboard or plasterboard, something sturdy.
  2. Talk with group about the point you want to make in 3-4 words per poster - Fewest Words Possible.
  3. Stick to one issue and let the signs build the message.
  4. Begin the design in pencil and use a ruler for neatness.  Then fill in with black.  Colors don’t show as well; if you use them, outline letters/images in black for visibility.
  5. Decide if you want easy decorations, such as simple icons.
  6. Make the words and images big and easy to read from a distance!  Use contrast.
  7. Leave plenty of space around words/images for easier reading. 
  8. Make some signs a Call to Action.
  9. If you are using handles, do not use wood (too heavy, and illegal in some locations).  Use hollow cardboard tubes with duct tape or lots of hot wax.  You can rest end of handle on your belt buckle during event to rest your arms. 
  10. If you are not using handles, print on both sides for easier TV coverage. 
  11. Use a Sandwich board. It is ideal for freeing your arms and saving your muscles.
  12. Banners should be canvas or plastic. Make a few cuts to let the breeze through.
  13. Bring a bag with supplies for quick touch-ups on your sign.
 
Prepare Speakers: 
  1. Be well prepared with the messages that build on one another.
  2. Use the “3-27-9” formula: Intro with catchy phrase, image or personal reference/ Problem / “Story” / Solution - Call to Action.
  3. All should rehearse before the event and keep time to a minimum to avoid tiring the crowd and losing their attention.  Remember the TV camera is rolling, so use appropriate hand gestures and visuals. Read your notes!
  4. Get a microphone for larger groups and any outdoors event.  Otherwise, you are wasting your breath. No one will hear you and they will become cranky. 
  5. Alert all supporters to be prepared to do “3-27-9” when a reporter sticks a microphone under their chin and asks why they’re here. It can be deadly to have unprepared people go on and on to a reporter, or to get off topic, or to say something embarrassing.  Reporters use only 9 seconds, so make them Golden!
  6. Choose a highly visible location.  (A curb along a busy one-way street is NOT effective).
 
Day of Event:
  1. Prepare well in advance for the location, sound system, security, parking, and unpredictable size of crowd (but send out notices to supporters and get commitments). 
  2. Have written statements to give the media with names and contact numbers for speakers. 
  3. End the event with something enthusiastic - a chant, a song, a cheer, a group hug.
 

Tool #10 - Vote:
  1. Register and get all your friends to register; do a carpool and go out for lunch.
  2. Get trained to serve as an Election Judge.  Call County Clerk to get brief training.
  3. Contact your Precinct Leader or favorite candidate to volunteer for GOTV (Get Out The Vote) effort on election day and the months leading up to election day. Elections have been won by the absentee ballots.
  4. Offer to help canvass neighborhoods to sign up supporters to vote early or by mail.
  5. Work to defend and expand Voting Rights for all American citizens.
 

Tool #11 - Run for Office:
  1. If your Precinct doesn’t have a Precinct Leader, go to your County Chair and offer to run or to be appointed.  You can even serve a neighboring precinct that has no Leader.
  2. Run for Township office; attend a meeting to find out what they do.
  3. Run for Library Board or School Board.  Any Board will make better decisions when people show up for the meetings. Run for office.
  4. Attend some County Board meetings, find out what they do. Run for office.
  5. State legislatures. Congress. President. Start small and work your way up.
 

Tool #12 - Join a Social Action Group or Start One:
PACG = Progressive Action for the Common Good.  A grassroots Quad-Cities Group active for the past 25 years.  pacgqc.org
 
“Indivisible Guide” at www.indivisibleguide.com
 
Look for a compatible group before you start another one.  We need to be working together as much as possible.  In unity there is strength.

Bonus Tool - Get All the Social Action Training You Can Get!
  1. No matter how many Trainings you attend, you will always learn something new and you’ll get to practice using old and new skills.  Keep your skills fresh by attending a variety of Trainings.
  2. In-depth Action Training available in the Quad-Cities with
    “DEMOCRACY NOW: TALK IT OR LOSE IT!”
3 hours of training/practice on Civil Conversations;
3 hours training/practice on all other forms of Social Action. 
Contact Steve Drucker 309-781-8004.  [email protected]
 

 
“Every moment is an organizing opportunity,
every person a potential activist,
every minute a chance to change the world.”
Dolores Huerta, civil rights activist, 1930 to present