Civilrights.org

Grassroots Tool Kit

A Manual on Event Planning, Coalition Building, and Grassroots Advocacy

You can also download a printable version of the full toolkit (pdf).

Resources & Budgeting

• Grassroots Resources
• Budgeting for Public Policy Activities

Communications & Outreach

• Communication Strategies
• Promoting Public Policy Activism and Collaboration
• Sample Alert

Using Technology to Promote Public Policy

• Using E-mail Effectively
• Spotting E-mail Hoaxes

Working in Coalition

• Forming an LCCR/LCCREF Coalition in Your State
• Involving College Campuses

Communicating with Congress

• Making Your Voice Heard in Congress
• The Legislative Process
• Lobbying
• Legislative Definitions

Event Planning

• Issue Forums
• Planning Timeline
• Other Event Ideas
• Promoting Your Event
• Event Guest List (pdf)

Visibility Through Community and Media Outreach

• Identifying Reporters
• Getting Results from Reporters
• Contacting the Media
• Media Advisories & News Releases
• Letters to the Editor & Op-Eds
• Editorial Board Meetings
• Radio
• Television Interviews
• Sample Media Advisory (pdf)
• Sample News Release
• Media Sign-in Sheet (pdf)

All content related to encouragement of and training for grassroots advocacy is provided by the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights. Information regarding building coalitions and conducting voter education is provided by the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights Education Fund.