Table of Contents >
   Part I. Organizing for Effective Advocacy
(Chapters 3... >
      Chapter 33. Conducting a Direct Action Campaign >
         Section 3. Criticizing Unfavorable Action >
             Tools & Checklists - A checklist that summarizes the major points contained in the section. >

Criticizing Unfavorable Action

  

Tools & Checklists

 Contributed by Phil Rabinowitz Edited by Bill Berkowitz

Checklist

Here is a checklist summarizing the important points of the section.

What is criticizing unfavorable action?

You protest - usually publicly-that the action is:
__ Well-meaning, but ill-conceived action.
__ A public or private entity putting its own interests ahead of the public good.
__ Action, spurred by uninformed public opinion, that harms a cause or target population.
__ Actions that sweep problems under the rug.
__ Actions that are the result of unthinking prejudice or an ethnocentric world view.

Why criticize unfavorable action?

__ You criticize unfavorable action primarily to cancel or change it.

In pursuit of that goal, you may try to:
__ Spread the word about the situation.
__ Question the assumptions behind the action.
__ Correct false information.
__ Pinpoint what's wrong with the action.
__ Offer alternatives.
__ Garner support.

Who should criticize unfavorable action?

__ You choose spokespersons who are viewed as knowledgeable and trustworthy, with whom the audience can identify, and with whom they may be familiar.

When should you criticize unfavorable action?

__ You anticipate unfavorable action when possible, and criticize it before it begins.
__ You react to unfavorable action as quickly as possible in all instances.
__ You make your voice heard immediately when a previously unknown action comes to light.
__ You protest when new evidence of the unfavorable nature of an action surfaces.
__ You criticize immediately when necessary to prevent harm.
__ You continue to criticize until your succeed.

How do you criticize unfavorable action?

__ You did your research.
__ You were clear and specific in your criticism.
__ You supported your arguments with facts, expert and firsthand testimony, appeals to common values, and logic.
__ You offered viable alternatives.
__ You offered to work with your opponents to improve the situation.
__ You assumed good will on the part of your opponents if there was no reason to believe otherwise.
__ If there was reason to believe otherwise, you attacked like a pit bull.
__ You used the media and other appropriate channels to reach your target audience.
__ You were prepared to keep up your criticism for the long term.