1. Who Are We?
Purpose: This question helps define the group or community’s identity. It clarifies who is involved, their shared values, and their collective identity.
Key Considerations:
- Who is part of the group? (e.g., residents, workers, students, etc.)
- What shared experiences, values, or struggles unite the group?
- What diversity exists within the group, and how can it be respected and leveraged?
- Example: A group might identify as “working-class residents fighting for affordable housing in our neighborhood.”
2. What Do We Want?
Purpose: This question focuses on the group’s vision and goals. It helps articulate the desired outcomes of the organizing effort.
Key Considerations:
- What specific changes are you seeking? (e.g., policy changes, better services, community empowerment)
- Are your goals short-term (immediate wins) or long-term (systemic change)?
- How do these goals align with the needs and desires of the community?
- Example: “We want the city to allocate $10 million to build affordable housing units and pass rent control laws.”
3. What Are We Fighting Against?
Purpose: This question identifies the obstacles, opponents, or systems of oppression that the group is challenging.
Key Considerations:
- What systems, policies, or entities are causing harm or standing in the way of your goals? (e.g., corporations, government policies, systemic racism)
- Who benefits from the current situation, and who is harmed?
- How can you frame the issue to build broader support and understanding?
- Example: “We are fighting against greedy landlords, unchecked gentrification, and city policies prioritizing developers over residents.”
4. How Will We Get There?
Purpose: This question focuses on strategy and tactics. It helps the group plan how to achieve their goals and overcome obstacles.
Key Considerations:
- What tactics will you use? (e.g., protests, lobbying, community education, direct action)
- Who are your allies, and how can you build coalitions?
- What resources (people, money, skills) do you need, and how will you get them?
- How will you measure progress and adapt your strategy as needed?
- Example: “We will organize tenant unions, hold rallies, pressure city council members, and partner with housing justice organizations to build power and win our demands.”
Additional Tips for Community Organizing:
- Understand Basic Indigenous History and Values: If you don’t know where you’ve been, you won’t know where to go
- Create a Concise Mission Statement: This will help keep your actions focused and effective
- Have a thorough understanding of White Supremacy and how it manifests in different contexts: if not, your goals and effectiveness can be easily misled or dissipated.
- Consider a security Culture: don’t underestimate the tactics of the opposition
- Build Relationships: Strong, trusting relationships are the foundation of effective organizing.
- Empower Leaders: Develop the leadership skills of community members to ensure the movement is sustainable.
- Tell Your Story: Use storytelling to connect with people emotionally and make your cause relatable.
- Stay Adaptable: Be prepared to adjust your strategies as circumstances change.
