Call Someone Who Knows (Step 3 of 6)

[SARN Memo for October 14, 2009]

[In this six-step series, we’re looking at the spiral model of community organizing. It’s a great tool to help groups make change by working together. It works well for small groups. This week: Step Three.]

In Step Three, your group gathers new information. You’ve picked your issue to work on (Step Two); now decide what else you need to know to help you succeed.

Let everyone ask the questions they have. In most cases, you need some new ideas and new facts. You won’t have all the answers in the room. Go get it! (Next week: Step Four – Plan and practice your action.)

1. Step Three of the Spiral Model of Community Organizing: Gather Information
2. More about the Spiral Model of Community Organizing
3. Group Activity: Where to Look for Help?
4. Resource

• Respond to this memo!

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1. Step Three of the Spiral Model of Community Organizing: Gather Information

Now that you have chosen your issue to work on, discuss and decide what additional information is needed in order to act upon your issue. Self-advocates should ask questions they have about the issue.

Don’t be limited by the knowledge of the people in the room. If other members of the group do not have the answers, have the group determine where the information can be obtained. Divide up the work of information gathering.

For example, ask the group: “Are there community experts or resource people who understand this issue?” “Could we learn by studying other groups who have done something similar?” or “Is there research available?” Be sure to divide up the work of information gathering.

(In Step Four, you’ll plan and then practice taking action on your new issue.)

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2. More about the Spiral Model of Community Organizing

The spiral model of community organizing is a six-step process that leads to lasting change. It’s a method for groups to identify areas of common concern and then address these issues by working together. Like all community organizing, using this model will strengthen your self-advocacy group. It will build leadership skills in all members. (The method was developed by the Doris Marshall Institute of Toronto.)

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3. Group Activity: Where to Look for Help?

For most issues that you work on, you’ll need more information before taking action. Use this exercise to practice deciding where to go (or who to ask) to find out information you need.

Read the list below. For each item, ask people to come up with an idea of who would know this, or where to go to find out. (Note: In this exercise, you’re not actually doing it; you’re just practicing the skill of deciding where to look and getting used to the idea that we need information to succeed at what we’re doing.)

• Law about ramps and public buildings
• Policies of your group home’s microwave
• Past record of rude bus driver on Line 23b
• Places to have your 5th anniversary party
• What local churches might be up for a presentation on self-advocacy and the R-word
• How to write a letter to your legislator—a letter that makes a difference

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4. Resource

Step By Step: Understanding the Spiral Model of Community Organizing
In this self-led workshop, you can learn together about the Spiral Model of Community Organizing using a variety of interactive exercises.

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