How indeed does a small branch win elections? How do we create 100 skilled volunteers and 500 supporters?
One answer is by using Marshall Ganz’s five practices of organising. These are relationship-driven actions, between and with people, rather than just mobilising supporters.
These 5 practices:
- Public narrative – telling stories that reveal our values to others (Story of Self), create unity or solidarity among supporters (Story of Us) and present compelling narratives for taking urgent, effective action (Story of Now).
- Building relationships – how we build strong relationships with individual supporters and volunteers
- Team building and structure – how to facilitate team building, including through coaching support.
- Strategy – setting clear, motivating and achievable goals and how to address barriers to success.
- Action – how to motivate others to take effective action.
— enable teams to turn resources into collective power.
At various times, Labor campaign teams have used this approach to build the capability to win elections. The Community Independents from the Voices of Indi in 2012 to the Teals of today use a similar approach that uses elements of the Marshall Ganz method. We aim to do the same in our electorates.
The Fabians have been running courses, and Stephen Donnelly of Dunn Street also offers training. Stephen established Victorian Labor's Community Action Network (CAN). He now consults in community organising and anchors the Socially Democratic Podcast. A number of us have done the training, and together with you, we can build something very impressive. The Teals have done it, so can we!
With you, we can find and create 100 volunteers and 500 supporters. Please join us in this journey and RSVP
More information can be found in this conversation between Marshall Ganz of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and Victorian Trades Hall Council Assistant Secretary Wil Stracke, and chaired by Amanda Rainey, Deputy Chair of Australian Fabians.
In each session, we will summarise previous sessions, so anyone can join at any point in the journey.