Learn from the good folks at the Indivisible Project how to keep your resistance-minded group motivated.
So you built it and they came. That’s one battle won. Now, how do you keep them coming, and how do you keep the group chugging forward on the rails instead of flying off them?
The Indivisible Project, the post-election action guide that evolved into a network of progressive groups, has some ideas.
Scroll down for the link to the detailed post (it also includes a training session video and a downloadable PDF), but the larger points are:
Build Community. Encourage members to get to know each other. Don’t be all-politics, all the time. Plan social events, such as picnics or potlucks, and when booking venues, include time to socialize.
Recognize members for their hard work and skills. Praise them in public, and be specific–point out what, exactly, they did that helped. Learn what skills your group members have, and play to them as much as possible. Spread the boring work around so the same people don’t always get stuck doing it.
Communicate. Ask group members what they think. And when they answer you, shut up and listen to their answers, even if those answers make you uncomfortable. Avoid jargon. And always be clear–use clear language, and be clear about what the group is for, and what its goals are.
Use Group Member Time Effectively. Nobody likes poorly planned meetings that dither and never seem to end. Write agendas, set deadlines, and stick to them.
Inspire Your Members. Celebrate your successes and let group members tell their stories.
Read How to Keep Your Group Motivated:
Also see the Indivisible Guide’s posts on How to Run a Meeting, Tips for How to Manage Large Groups, and How to Make Decisions as a Group:
https://www.indivisibleguide.com/resource/running-meeting/
https://www.indivisibleguide.com/resource/tips-manage-large-groups/
https://www.indivisibleguide.com/resource/make-group-decisions/
And read this April 2016 piece from The Atlantic that shows how local groups inspired by the Indivisible Guide can give progressives an advantage over Trump voters, who are not nearly as organized:
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/04/voting-alone/477270/
Like the Indivisible Project on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/indivisibleguide/
Follow the Indivisible Project on Twitter:
@IndivisibleTeam
Donate to the Indivisible Project:
https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/indivisibleproject?refcode=homepage
