Educational Tactics
First, ask nicely and smile. If that doesn’t work, don’t hesitate to have sit-ins on the university president’s home lawn the next day (unless they just sprayed some nasty pesticides...). This is a survey of possible tactics. Depending on your situation, some of these tactics might seem too radical and drastic, or too moderate and ineffective. Pick what seems right.

Canvassing
This means knocking on people’s doors. If you want to build your organization, you should canvass on campus. If you want to build community ties or raise money, you should go off campus. You could ask people to write a letter or postcard, educate them about an upcoming election, tell them about a local fight against an incinerator or raise money. If you want to ask for money, you need a permit; contact the town clerk. Canvassing is a form of free speech, so they have to give you one; hopefully they’ll be friendly.

To canvass, you need a Rap. This is structured, yet flexible and open, “speech” you give to the people you talk to. Every rap at every door is different, but they all include the basic same elements. These should probably include:

• Who you are
• What your group is
• Legitimization of your group (why should they care?)
• Discussion of an issue, or ask them what they’re concerned about
• Here’s a sample letter they can write (for instance)
• A request for a contribution (optional)

It might go like “Hi, I’m China and I’m with Chambana SEAC. We’re in your neighborhood today seeking community input and support. We worked last year on improving the mass transit system, and now we’re trying to clean up our water supply. Do you have any concerns about our water? Can you think of other issues that we should work on?”
This is the part that makes you unique—you’re a local group that is actually interested in their input. It also sets up a very nice two-way communication.

“We’re working to build a local network of groups to work on these issues. If you could make a contribution, that would be great.” By that point they’ll be falling over themselves (maybe) giving you money. You should also tell people about meetings, especially if they’re students.