Steps to Becoming a Citizen Activist: Empowerment Guide

Seven Steps to Becoming a Citizen Activist by Nick Licata What s Next & Indivisible Plus WA || Webinar: Becoming a Citizen Activist

#1 Complaining is therapeutic -- not an action plan. Explain the problem you want addressed and what you want the public official you re meeting with to do. Make your ask for something specific and measurable. Present your problem and request on no more than 2 pages; include your contact info and a specific date for them to respond to you by. DEMONSTRATE THAT By working with you, they can taste their own success. What s Next & Indivisible Plus WA || Webinar: Becoming a Citizen Activist

#2 Know how government works Whether city, state or federal know the basics. Research in advance what committee will deal with your issue, and who its chair is. What groups have endorsed them? Do you know any of their campaign donors? Know the schedule and process for introducing & passing legislation. FIND YOUR CHAMPION COMMITTEE MEMBER They can hold a hearing on your issue, allow testimony before/at a meeting, or at minimum bring up the issue to air it publicly. What s Next & Indivisible Plus WA || Webinar: Becoming a Citizen Activist

#3 Build momentum by finding allies You cannot win working alone--strength in numbers! Reach out to appropriate individuals and groups: DEMONSTRATE THAT This issue has more than a handful of supporters and goes beyond the immediate advocating group.. What s Next & Indivisible Plus WA || Webinar: Becoming a Citizen Activist

#4 Use facts and question the reliability of the opposition s Data gives media something to include in coverage. Encourage supportive elected officials to share relevant government reports If opposition cites a survey to derail your efforts, demand to see the entire survey instrument DEMONSTRATE THAT You and your fellow advocates know your subject matter. What s Next & Indivisible Plus WA || Webinar: Becoming a Citizen Activist

#5 Get the word out Continue your work to keep the public informed. Personally contact relevant journalists and bloggers and share all of your wins and activities, no matter how small. Follow up your protest action with participants sharing photos and comments on social media. Hold an open forum on the issue and try to get a public official or sympathetic organization to host. DEMONSTRATE THAT The issue has gotten, and kept, widespread attention. What s Next & Indivisible Plus WA || Webinar: Becoming a Citizen Activist

#6 Celebrate every win no matter how small Make sure you know what a minimum win looks like and celebrate every single one. Remind supporters that it is one victory, and the next battle starts tomorrow. Integrate cultural activities into every effort keep it fun, keep it open to all, and keep supporters engaged. DEMONSTRATE THAT A meaningful and joyful journey is the end objective, because there is always work to be done. What s Next & Indivisible Plus WA || Webinar: Becoming a Citizen Activist

#7 Believe in Democracy If you don t believe you have the power to change your life, it will not change. Don t let cynicism replace hope. The needs and rights of the general public can only be guaranteed when citizens participate in guiding their democratic institutions. ALWAYS REMEMBER Being a citizen is knowing that you have the opportunity to make a difference and then acting on it. What s Next & Indivisible Plus WA || Webinar: Becoming a Citizen Activist

This presentation was created by What s Next and Indivisible Plus WA For more information check out - Nick Licata: www.becomingacitizenactivist.org What s Next: https://www.facebook.com/whatsnexthq/Indivis ible Plus WA:https://www.facebook.com/IndivisiblePlusW ashingtonState/