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Freechild's Action Resource Center
7 Steps to
Getting the Resources YOU Need
 Introduction
No one wants to meet
roadblocks, but when we do, we have to know how to
overcome them. The good news? The tools we need
already exist- we just need to tap into them.
Sometimes we have them, sometimes our friends and
family have them, and they are always in our
communities- even when we can't see them.
Resources
The following
steps are designed to help you get the resources you
need to lead social change.
1. IDENTIFY YOUR ISSUE!
As a group, brainstorm two things: 1) What are the
problems and challenges in your community, and
2)What are some ways to solve those problems? Use
those answers to figure out what you can actually
change, and pick one solution to that problem – this
is your group’s “issue.” Strategically, you’ll
want to remember the mission of your group.
Don’t be afraid to think too big, and remember you
can make change happen in steps.
2. PREPARE! GET THE FACTS!
Who needs to know about and support your work?
What research do you need to do? If you want a
better library at your school, what books do you
want and whom should you talk to in order to get
that? If you want to train youth how to organize,
what things and topics do you want included? It is
good to contact organizations that already have what
you want for your action. Find out ways that other
people have gone about making this change and use
that information too. You might want to expose how
the War on Youth affects communities. You can
use statistics from
Freechild's
webpage or read Henry Giroux's book,
The Abandoned
Generation.
3. WHAT’LL YOU SAY?
Once you
have your “issue” and facts, it will be important
for your group to agree to “messages” or “talking
points.” Simply put, these are the standard phrases
that everyone will use and which are easy enough for
each Day of Silence participant to be able to
remember. It will be important to have your “talking
points” include your “issue” and facts as well as
the most compelling reasons why your “ask” should be
approved.
4. FIND YOUR ALLIES!
What other youth or adults would make a good
contribution to your action? If you want to have a
rally at your town hall, why not attempt to become
allies with a local community activism group?
Finding your allies can be easier than it sounds–
brainstorm as many area organizations or individuals
to join as participants or as part of a coalition or
planning team for your action. Not everyone is
going to be interested in joining you, but don’t be
afraid to ask people. Also, don’t rule anyone out!
The first step in getting allies is asking them if
they are interested in being a visible ally and
participant in changing your community. Also, don’t
discount the allies who are already visible. Make
sure you include them in your strategy.
5. LET FOLKS KNOW!
Make sure that people in your group are aware
that by participating in the social change led by
and with young people is also asking for a specific
request - young people matter, and democracy
demands our voices. Make pins, posters,
websites, booklets, or t-shirts. Make petitions and
hold rallies and train people and table your
community and school and get the word out.
Also, check out ideas for public messages in the
Action Resource Center. Let people know what you
stand for, and what you stand against!
6. SET IT UP!
Set up your action or event, bring your
research, being other young peoples' support, and
bring your planning committee or coalition! If you
had petitions, letters of support, the number of
people who support or participate your cause and any
other information that relates and can help– then
prepare and bring it all to your action or event.
Remember to plan this event well and designate
facilitators as well as an agenda and talking
points! It will help everything go better.
7. WORK IT OUT!
Remember that looking for resources does not
guarantee actually getting them, but try your
hardest. Always follow up with people, and always
send a thank you or acknowledgement to everyone who
helped, even if the problem was not solved.
Remember, don’t give up! You’re starting something!
Adapted from "How to Get What You Want- With an
Ask," created by GLSEN for the Day of Silence. To
view the original,
click here. |
