Activists Afternoons Toolkit
DIY for starting a gathering
Goal
Activist Afternoons is an opportunity to gather with new and experienced activists to take actions that will promote progressive values and protect our democracy. These events serve the dual purpose of taking meaningful actions and lifting our spirits.
Prepare Actions
Prepare a variety of actions that participants can take at the meeting. If space allows, consider inviting leaders of other activist groups to run actions for their members at the same time. The synergy will enhance the energy of the activists and spur more action.
Options
Phone Bank - Phone Bank--Offer phone banking in coordination with an existing campaign. Partner with a group that hosts phone banks or check Mobilize (if you don't see a good match for the time your group meets, use the "contact organization" button or RSVP and ask about an Openvpb link that you can use on your own time. Have the link and code for an openvpb line available at the time of your meeting so people can phone bank.
Make sure you have internet access in your venue.
Remind participants to bring a fully charged laptop or ipad as well as their cell phone.
Have someone available to train new phone bankers and answer questions.
Call or Email Representatives – If there is a piece of legislation coming up for a vote, either locally or nationally, or a current issue of concern, have participants call and/or email their representatives. Discuss the issue with the participants and help them form a message to relay to their representatives.
Jessica Craven’s Chop Wood, Carry Water daily newsletter is a good source of national actions. Chop Wood Carry Water
Your local state representative can advise you about upcoming votes in your State legislature.
Friend Bank – Have people call or text their friends and family to:
Get out the vote before an election
Invite people to attend the next Activist Afternoons event
Post Cards/Letters - Have a postcard or letter writing action for those who prefer not to phone bank.
Get voter addresses from Postcards to Voters, Activate America or other group and purchase postcards and stamps.
Print VoteForward letters and provide envelopes and stamps.
Letters to Editors - Have a letter to the editor writing training.
Paint Signs - Have a lawn sign painting action.
Have people bring old lawn signs to paint over.
Provide paint to cover old signs and paint/markers to write new messages.
A Record of the Meeting
Prepare a sign in sheet to gather the names and emails of each participant. Next to names and emails, label a space on the sign in sheet where participants can record how many actions they took at the meeting.
Designate someone to welcome participants and make sure they sign in.
Assign at least one person to supervise and support each activity.
Have an organizer stop participants on their way out and ask them to record the number of actions they took.
Sample Flyer