Starting a Group
Find a few like-minded friends
Decide on the “issue” your group will center around
Not just what you are against (you should know that)
What are you for? What is the future you see?
Why is this issue important to each of you?
Decide on roles of member leaders at first two meetings
Decide on local meaningful name that’s easy to distinguish
Decide on method of communication - an email, a Google listserv, a Facebook or Instagram account or website - so other local people can join in and get information
Decide on privacy levels for the group - is it by invitation, can anyone join? Some groups create a public Facebook page and then a private Facebook group for strategizing and planning. Or a public Facebook page, but use emails to communicate plans.
Design any logo or branding you might want to use to identify your group - you can use Canva.com to create a free icon if desired.
Decide on the target audience for your group - all voters, all public ed supporters, just women, youth voters, neighbors, etc.
Decide on actions your group wants to undertake & write them down
Research and decide on messaging themes for best impact
Identify future target dates for items like these; set timeline
Gathering more members via social media
Educating voters about role of school board or other local positions
Postcard writing
Get out the vote door knocking or phone banking?
Hosting house parties for candidates
Hosting online forum for candidates
Written questions for candidates
Hosting online education events or webinar- i.e. How libraries select materials; how school boards work; how teachers choose curriculum; how to register voters, etc. etc. with informed speakers
Voter registration or ballot education