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Action Resource Center
7 Steps to Getting the
Resources YOU Need
By Adam
Fletcher
 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?
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 WILL 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.
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