Get 50 People in a Room

Inspired by a question we got at a meeting last week, we turn to nuts and bolts of an on-the-ground tactic this week.

The question was this: how would do we get 50 people to support a policy proposal at a City Council hearing? Our answer in 3 parts:

1. Decide which 50 people you need. Do you just need to fill a room, or do you need people who are ready to speak (to the city council, the press, or anyone else)? Do you need people the council members might recognize? People from a particular neighborhood?  Steps 2 and 3 will vary dramatically based on who, exactly, you need in that room.

2. Identify your prospects. If any 50 people will do, figure out where you’ll find 300 people to talk to about it — nearby college campus? outside the grocery store? apartment building across the street from City Hall? – and go forth with inducements.   If you need to be more specific than that (i.e. people who are directly affected by the issue and might be able/willing to testify at the hearing) then you might want to start with lists – of voters, of political donors, or people who have signed petitions, etc.  Hire organizers, or if you’ve got them, mobilize volunteers to make calls, knock on doors, stand outside the grocery, etc. to earn commitments to be at the meeting.

3. Thank, recruit, remind, remind again, remind one more time, train, and thank. If you need 50 people at the meeting you need 100 to say they’ll come and 50 more to say they might come.  Your list of “yesses” and “maybes” should be thanked for making the commitment, reminded about the details, reminded about the details again, offered a ride or other logistical support (and, oh by the way, don’t forget this is the where and when), provided any training they’ll need (talking points, answers to FAQ, etc.), and thanked profusely for doing their part for truth, justice, and the American way.

Need more help getting 50 people in a room?  We’re here for you – give us a call.