Inspired by a post by social justice communications strategist Kathryn LeBlanc, I compiled 10 Commandments of Organizing.
- Organizing is bringing people together to build power.
- Thou shalt have no action without a reaction.
- Thou shalt not take the name “organizing” in vain for a field program.
- Remember the relationships and keep them holy.
- Honor the leaders who are closest to the problem.
- Thou shalt not be blinded by a good solidarity speech.
- Thou shalt not commit mobilizing and call it organizing.
- Thou shalt disrupt white supremacy culture.
- Thou shalt not thank people for doing something that benefits them.
- Thou shall build power. And use it.*
- Thou shalt not do for others what they can do for themselves.
(Ok. there’s 11.)
When I posted this list to LinkedIn, several organizers added their favorites.
Bethany Snyder:
- Thou shalt not confuse access with influence.
- Thou shalt invest in the long game.
- Thou shalt not fetishize “nonpartisan.”
- Thou shalt rest and nourish thy people.
Diana Tang:
- Thou shall not take a maybe for a yes.
Beth Shipp:
- Thou shalt not center yourself in struggles led by others.
Ned Howey:
- Thou shalt not mistake tactics, tools, or turnout for change.
Sean Hardy:
- Thou shalt organize from abundance, not fear. Organize like liberation is INEVITABLE not impossible.
What’s missing from this list? Reply in the comments!
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