Three Hundred Ways (Tips for Leaders)

[SARN Memo for December 23, 2009]

Want a stronger group? Give away power.

Here’s what Minnesota organizer Chris McNellis says: “There are usually about 300 ways to do something right—and only about five ways to do it wrong. If you ask someone to set up chairs or lead a song, let them (help them) do it their way. Enjoy their efforts. And enjoy the results. That builds leaders. That builds group strength.”

1. More About Chris McNellis
2. Group Activity: Invite an Organizer to Speak
3. Resource

• Respond to this memo!

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1. More About Chris McNellis

Chris McNellis is an organizer from Minnesota. She has managed political campaigns. Chris is also the source of our line from last week’s memo: “Every time you spend money, you vote.” She has a keen eye for how change happens, from building leaders to how we spend money—and everything in between.

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2. Group Activity: Invite an Organizer to Speak

Find a political organizer in your area. Then invite him or her to speak at your meeting. It could be someone who has managed a campaign for a political candidate. It could be someone who works for a union. It could be someone who works for a social change nonprofit.

Practice giving power away. Ask the speaker to talk about how to make change happen. Ask him or her to give your group one or two ideas for how to work together in a new way.

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3. Resource

Leading from the Middle
Use this self-led workshop to help your group find ways to use more members as leaders.

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