The Righteous Indignation Project

Creative Action One Pager

Creative Actions/Activities as Organizing Tools

What are creative actions?

"Creative actions" is a broad term used to describe non-traditional forms of non-violent action. Creative actions include: banner drops, puppetry, die-ins, social barometers, games, mock elections, political theatre, and many many more.

Why creative actions (a very short answer):

• Creative actions attract attention! People who might walk past a protest or feel intimidated by canvassers, might approach a skit or be interested in something artistic - it's easy to refuse a leaflet, but not so easy to ignore a banner hanging outside a building.
• Creative actions provoke emotions! Seeing a visual representation of how many people have died in Iraq (let alone creating that visual) is much more upsetting than seeing the total number - amplify your impact!
• Creative actions attract the media! Local papers love a good picture and creative actions provide you with a means of telling a story with a visual. You can often get a photo with a caption into a city paper, even if you can't get a fully reported story.
• Creative actions attract policy makers! Engage with elected officials through creative actions outside their offices. Deliver Valentine's Day cards to State reps who have done something you like; have a food drive drop-off station outside the city council office to highlight poverty... and much more!

Using creative actions strategically

As with all organizing, there is a time and a place for creative actions. So before planning an ask your group/leaders: "How does this further our cause at this time? Will this help us achieve our campaign goals?"

You also want to make sure your action strikes the right tone. Identify the goals of your campaign, and the goals of your action, before developing the action itself. For example, if you are trying to win over a particular group of people, mocking their past actions is not a good way to go! But if you want to cause a stir, then there is no need to be polite!

Creative actions often cause a disturbance. Be sure to check what is and isn't legal (what you do with that information is up to you J If you are considering civil disobedience/getting arrested, you should check in with lawyers first).

Creative Actions are no different - follow-up!

Grassroots organizing is all about follow-up. So provide opportunities for people to sign-up (if you are looking to build your base) at the action site, and follow-up! Follow-up!