How can you build an inclusive grassroots organizing campaign for people with disabilities?

Grassroots organizing is a powerful way to create social change by mobilizing people around a common cause. However, if you want to build a truly inclusive and effective grassroots campaign, you need to consider the needs and perspectives of people with disabilities. People with disabilities are often marginalized and excluded from civic participation, and face multiple barriers to access and advocacy. In this article, you will learn how to build an inclusive grassroots organizing campaign for people with disabilities, by following these six steps:

1 Identify your goals and vision

The first step is to identify your goals and vision for your campaign. What are the issues that affect people with disabilities in your community? What are the solutions that you want to achieve? How do you want to involve people with disabilities in your campaign? Having a clear and shared vision will help you to attract and retain supporters, and to communicate your message effectively.

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Giovana M.

International Development | Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning | Research | People Operations | Fundraising | Happiness Officer | Organizational Development | Non profit | Marketing |+12 years experience |
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To build an inclusive grassroots campaign for people with disabilities, begin by identifying local issues and crafting a clear vision. Actively involve individuals with disabilities in your planning process, collaborating with advocacy groups for valuable insights. Ensure accessibility in all aspects of your campaign, from events to materials, and prioritize education to raise awareness. To truly empower individuals with disabilities, create a campaign culture that embraces diversity, listens to unique perspectives, and adapts strategies to cater to the diverse needs within the community. By fostering inclusivity, you not only amplify your campaign's impact but also contribute to a more equitable and compassionate community.

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Jeremy Hobbs

Executive Director of COLGAY PRIDE OF THE Debra Smith Wellness Center INC & PODCAST CREATOR AND HOST FOR LOVE ONE ANOTHER
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In my experience one of the best ways to get noticed and working with folks out there no matter what group it is, is by networking at events, job fairs, health expos, city meetings, school events, sporting events, book signings, political rallies, holiday events, protests, animal shelter events, 5k's, concerts, speeches, marches, food and clothing drives and more. Once you have put yourself into the mix so to speak A. the leaders of those activities will remember you and be and suggest you to clients and other leaders for other events. and B. the clients who come to these events will network and connect with you as well. POINT BEING YOU GOTTA GET OUT THERE AND PROMOTE

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2 Research your target audience and stakeholders

The second step is to research your target audience and stakeholders. Who are the people with disabilities that you want to reach and engage? What are their needs, interests, challenges, and aspirations? How can you best reach them and invite them to join your campaign? You also need to identify the other stakeholders that are relevant to your campaign, such as allies, opponents, decision-makers, influencers, and media. How can you build relationships and coalitions with them, or counter their resistance?

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3 Design your campaign strategy and tactics

The third step is to design your campaign strategy and tactics. Based on your goals, vision, audience, and stakeholders, you need to decide how you will mobilize people, raise awareness, create pressure, and achieve impact. What are the specific actions and activities that you will implement, such as events, petitions, rallies, media outreach, lobbying, etc.? How will you measure and evaluate your progress and impact? How will you adapt and adjust your strategy and tactics as needed?

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4 Ensure accessibility and accommodation

The fourth step is to ensure accessibility and accommodation for your campaign. Accessibility means that your campaign materials, platforms, and spaces are designed and delivered in a way that allows people with disabilities to access and participate in them. Accommodation means that you provide individualized support and adjustments for people with disabilities who need them, such as sign language interpreters, assistive devices, or alternative formats. You need to consult with people with disabilities and follow the principles of universal design and reasonable accommodation to ensure accessibility and accommodation for your campaign.

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Mike Heath, CAPM

Risk Assessment, Mitigation Planning, Operations Manager, Project Manager, Senior SOF NCO, Adventure Guide / Coordinator, Veteran Looking for the next challenge.
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Include people with disabilities in the planning process to utilize their experiences and insight. Also, solicit feedback on the plan from a multi-disciplinary group to help identify opportunities to exceed expectations.

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5 Empower and train your leaders and volunteers

The fifth step is to empower and train your leaders and volunteers for your campaign. Leaders and volunteers are the backbone of any grassroots campaign, and they need to have the skills, knowledge, and confidence to carry out their roles and responsibilities. You need to provide them with training and mentoring on topics such as disability rights, organizing skills, communication skills, advocacy skills, etc. You also need to create a culture of inclusion, respect, and empowerment for your leaders and volunteers, especially for those with disabilities.

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Giovana M.

International Development | Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning | Research | People Operations | Fundraising | Happiness Officer | Organizational Development | Non profit | Marketing |+12 years experience |
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In building an inclusive grassroots campaign for people with disabilities, empowering and training leaders and volunteers is crucial. Recognizing their role as the campaign's backbone, provide comprehensive training covering disability rights, organizing, communication, and advocacy. Foster a culture of inclusion and empowerment, paying special attention to leaders and volunteers with disabilities. This investment enhances overall campaign effectiveness, reinforcing a steadfast commitment to inclusivity.

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6 Celebrate your achievements and learn from your challenges

The sixth and final step is to celebrate your achievements and learn from your challenges for your campaign. Grassroots organizing can be hard and exhausting work, and you need to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts and contributions of your team and supporters. You also need to celebrate your successes and milestones, no matter how big or small, and share your stories and impact with your community and the public. At the same time, you need to reflect on your challenges and failures, and learn from them to improve your campaign and grow as organizers.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you build an inclusive grassroots organizing campaign for people with disabilities?

1

2

3

4

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1 Identify your goals and vision

2 Research your target audience and stakeholders

3 Design your campaign strategy and tactics

4 Ensure accessibility and accommodation

5 Empower and train your leaders and volunteers

6 Celebrate your achievements and learn from your challenges

7 Here’s what else to consider

Non-profit Program Development

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How can you build an inclusive grassroots organizing campaign for people with disabilities?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify your goals and vision

2 Research your target audience and stakeholders

3 Design your campaign strategy and tactics

4 Ensure accessibility and accommodation

5 Empower and train your leaders and volunteers

6 Celebrate your achievements and learn from your challenges

7 Here’s what else to consider

Non-profit Program Development

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