Tactics
Now that you have a sensible strategy in mind, you can choose your tactics.
Tactics should:
- Fit into an overall strategy. For example, if you are trying to democratize a certain process, you shouldn’t use any tactics that don’t have democratic support from your group. There is no way to democracy, democracy is the way!
- Make sense to your members and supporters. Don’t do something that your members think is crazy.
- Be flexible and creative. If your methods fit the same old patterns, you’ll get the same old responses. If possible, do something that is outside the experience of the target. Befuddle them if you can.
- Have follow-up built into them. How often have you done something, had fun doing it, and then wondered where it got you? Each step should set you up for the next one, just as a good pool player sets up for the next shot.
Consider the following when determining your tactics:
- Who are we trying to influence with this tactic? How will it influence them?
- What kind of power are we bringing into this situation? How are we applying it?
- How are we following through? How does this tactic build our power for the next step?
You need to be clear on these things if your tactic is to have any long-range impact. Is your rally to influence the public or the administration? Will the media you get from it raise awareness for an upcoming vote? Why should the President care about 100 students on her front lawn anyway?
Follow-up is especially important. Are you demanding a meeting and setting a deadline or just making some noise and walking away? What will you do if they do nothing?