• Introduction
• Get Started
• Organizing
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• Tool Kit
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• Reading Room

Introduction to Bottoms Up: A Guide to Grassroots Organizing

Published online in 2001, Bottoms Up: A Guide to Grassroots Organizing is compiled and updated by the staff of November Coalition. Drawing from experiences of hundreds of community volunteers, Bottoms Up is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to creating the social change you want.
Chances are that you're reading this because you want to change unfair drug laws, be part of that "reform movement" you've heard about, but are unsure how to begin. Many readers have a loved one incarcerated and want to channel anger or frustration into positive action to change bad laws. You are joining an active network of family, friends, and concerned citizens advocating for prisoners of the war on drugs.

You don't need experience in organizing to take action now. If you're motivated to make changes, and to work with others who feel the way you do, this guide offers "tools" to help you become an effective leader in the fight against drug war injustice.

Events can be a public forum, a neighborhood planning meeting, vigil, march, meeting with officials, a media interview, church presentation, informal discussion group, or a potluck, to name some specific examples. Show a provocative documentary and have a discussion -- we have films available.

Your group might be new, your organizing skills limited, but you want to end drug war injustice and bring needed reform to prisons and the criminal justice system. To make the job easier, we have included suggestions, checklists and supplies for each type of event. No matter whether you're a beginner or seasoned activist, organizers are coached to be creative. When more involved, you'll be eager to share your ideas with others. We hope to see your upcoming meetings or events in Local Scenes soon.

We welcome any comments or constructive criticism.

New in 2009!

Coalition members all over the country want leaders to adopt a decarceration goal. To learn more this year's organizing ideas, visit Project Decarceration.
Be sure to check the online calendar for November Coalition's and allied group events.

For other ideas about community action and organizing, visit Local Scenes, a website section where regional volunteer leaders share reports of their local activities.

If you aren't already a member, your annual dues are foundation to our programs for 2008 and beyond. We make supporting our organization easy -- Join Today!

If you have suggestions for Bottom's Up or any volunteer activities presented here, we'd enjoy hearing from you.

—November Coalition staff 2009

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