A change
to a society
that protects people first
before it protects profits
will not come
because we wish for it to happen
or because we wait for it to happen
It will come only
if we make it come.
(Kahn 351)
SYNOPSIS OF RESEARCH BRIEFING:
1. Definition and Purpose of Grassroots
2. Issues and Considerations for Students
3. Methods for Overcoming Obstacles - how to be active
4. Examples of Grassroots Involvement and Organizations
What is Grassroots? Why Use Grassroots?
A way to influence people's opinions or actions, a way to educate people, and a way to
empower community members that is community-driven and centered around people and their
needs. Like it sounds, the roots of these efforts germinate in the community and sprout out to
involve others who share a concern.
There are various reasons for taking a grassroots approach when trying to fight for an
issue. The most obvious reason is that grassroots is the natural place to begin. Our sources
discuss the difference between starting at the top and starting at the bottom. Public administrators
and politicians begin at the 'top' when trying to influence change. They are in contact with people
who make the decisions concerning policy. Service organizations and student groups start at the
'bottom.' They must gather enough momentum from a population to influence the top portion of
the political pyramid. The goal of grassroots is to get people working together "with the spirit of
reciprocity" (Lacey, 9). As a student trying to encourage change, it is natural to start with a
grassroots approach.
The second reason for using grassroots is to gain understanding by aiding a situation.
Gaining understanding involves, first, a general map of the phenomenon including knowledge of
people involved, variations of the phenomenon, and conflicts involved. Secondly, understanding
involves an "historical-sociological analysis of how the phenomenon has been shaped and
maintained" (Lacey 5). Finally, it involves an effort to decipher what future possibilities/outcomes
may be; this aspect entails predicting future occurrences from current experiences.
Issues and Problems Students Face
Many problems face students trying to make a difference through grassroots programs.
Main issues to be aware of include:
A) Determining Interest: A student must make sure the community is interested in the issue she sees is a problem. She must make sure the goals of the grassroots effort match the real needs of the people it will affect.
B) Measuring Success: How do you know you are making a difference? Some grassroots efforts may be thwarted or may result in some action that receives little notice. Students should find a way to monitor the accomplishments of the organization, and also to keep track of their own contribution.
C) Deciding on Action: What level of involvement should an outsider assume? Grassroots campaigns may actually be counterproductive if violence or destruction of property dirties your group's reputation. How do you decide what's effective and what's embarrassing? Do you do illegal things or play by the rules? How do you avoid doing more harm to a community than good?
D) Combating Apathy and Prejudice: What if you are more interested in an action than the people it most directly affects? Should you pass comment or criticism? What happens when you elicit the responses, "who are you to tell us what is good for us?", or the "white, rich" stereotype?
E) Communication: In the fight concerning welfare, Professor Hugh Lacey points out that two main problems are that: 1) people trying to help are not fully tuned into the needs of the people, and 2) "voices of the poor themselves are largely absent" (Lacey 3). These two issues stem directly from a lack of communication, which can be the most troublesome issue confronting grassroots efforts.
F) Many Problems Face Grassroots Organizations: The student should be aware of the multiple obstacles which impede grassroots progress, such as: funding; time spent getting funding; getting consistent involvement when community members must also survive; powerful opponents with more money, legal standing, and social status; and lack of organization.
Methods and Suggestions
The following points address the above issues:
A) There are two routes to make sure goals match needs:
C) As far as individual involvement, students should generally get involved but not lead an effort. Communities need to devise their own groups, but also need allies. A good campaign will be well organized and visionary so it is not foolish. Find or create such campaigns. Part of the trick is determining what skills you have to offer and what creative outlets you enjoy using, and then finding a group that can use you or in which you can flourish. Find a method of reaching people that works for you, whether it be music, gardening, or lobbying.
D) The responses you generate will vary. It is important to recognize that although as college students we are intelligent, we will not be able to grasp everything about a community and its interests right away. But the effort must be made to understand as much about the community as possible. It is most important, according to community organizers, that you "bring your brain". You need to be yourself but learn how to do so respectfully.
E) To overcome communication problems, it is important to understand the community.
The community knows best. They know when they're suffering and when they're not, and they
know what to ask for. To understand their needs, it is crucial to do on-site work.
F) To be an integral part of a successful program, a student must have all the attributes of a
competent leader. He or she must be willing and able to adapt to changes, fix problems, and
courageously work toward the final vision He must also:
-enjoy working with people
-listen well to what others have to say
-build trust with constituents through honesty
-be able to clearly express his ideas
-help people believe in themselves through constant encouragement
-allow the group as a whole to take credit for accomplishments
-be self-disciplined and lead by the example of working hard
-not allow himself to be discouraged too often
-have a grasp of his own identity so that he can help others do the same
-constantly ask questions
Student organizations may often be held together by only one or two people, but grassroots campaigns rely on the courage and involvement of many people with leadership qualities.
How to Get Involved
There are two general classifications of contributions a student can offer a community:
service and organization. Organizing refers to helping labor workers or a community become
empowered on their own. To these ends, students may pursue grassroots action on college,
regional, or nation levels.
A) Opportunities on campus: CIVIC, and it forthcoming directory of active groups and
volunteer opportunities in the Tri-Co area, Professor Mendel-Reyes' class on "Public Service,
Community Organization, and Social Change", Earthlust
B) Regional Groups - CRCQL, American Friends Service Committee, Women's Law
Project, Colors, Chester Community Improvement Project, People's Emergency Association,
Maternity Care Coalition
C) Notable national groups - United Farm Workers Union, Service Employees'
International Union, Campaign to Save the Environment, ACORN, and others.
Sources
Professor Meta Mendel-Reyes, grassroots organizer and activist (mmendel1)
David Reese, student, Empty the Shelters (dreese1)
David Zipper, student activist (dzipper1)
Build magazine - youths involved in grassroots (available in CIVIC office, Parrish Hall)
Professor Hugh Lacey, "Listening to the Evidence: Service Activity and Understanding Social
Phenomena" Swarthmore College (hlacey1)
Si Kahn, Organizing: A Guide for Grassroots Leaders, 1982, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New
York, NY. (McCabe Library)
Suggested Reading
Saul Alinsky, author
Gary Delgatto, author
John Hoerr, author