Table of Contents >
   Part I. Organizing for Effective Advocacy
(Chapters 3... >
      Chapter 33. Conducting a Direct Action Campaign >
         Section 8. Establishing Lines of Communication with the Oppo... >
             Tools & Checklists - A checklist that summarizes the major points contained in the section. >

Establishing Lines of Communication with the Opposition's Traditional Allies

  

Tools & Checklists

 Contributed by Phil Rabinowitz Edited by Bill Berkowitz


Checklist

Here you will find a checklist summarizing the important points of the section.

 

 

What is establishing lines of communication with the opposition's traditional allies?

__ You establish lines of communication with your opposition's traditional allies in order to create a channel through which you can talk with one another when there is important information to be passed on or discussed, and to develop understanding and a basis for possible cooperation or alliance in the future.

 

Why would you establish lines of communication with the opposition's traditional allies?

You establish line of communication with the opposition's traditional allies to:

__ Alleviate misunderstandings.
__ Find allies wherever you can.
__ Reduce your opposition's power base.
__ Expand your own power base.
__ Expand your network of contacts.
__ Change your opposition's minds through their allies.
__ Set up future alliances, and perhaps new relationships, among your opposition's traditional allies.

 

How do you establish lines of communication with the opposition's traditional allies?

You have conducted gathered background information and information about the interests of these groups:

__ Your opponents.
__ Their allies.
__ Your allies.

You have timed your initial communication with the opposition when (may be one or more of these):

__ Your opposition's traditional allies contact you.
__ You know that the opposition's traditional allies are sympathetic to your cause or your point of view.
__ Your opposition has done something to alienate one or more of its traditional allies.
__ You've just learned of or gained a particularly good contact.
__ You have something to offer.
__ You have something specific to communicate about.
__ You're at the beginning of an initiative.
__ You decide who will make the initial contact.
__ You decide how to make the initial contact.

 

You have decided who will represent you in the first significant interchange based on:

__ Interpersonal and communication skills.
__ Background and information.
__ Flexibility.
__ Status.
__ Familiarity with the other party's world.

 

You have decided on the content of the first real interchange, choosing one or more from among:

__ Starting an open-ended conversation - perhaps, but not necessarily, about the advocacy issue - with no specific goal.
__ Offering help or counsel to the other party in some way.
__ Asking for something specific.
__ Establishing common ground.
__ Discussing common problems or issues, with an eye toward a solution.
__ Apologizing for or explaining an error on your part or a misunderstanding on the other's.
__ Letting the other party know about something you're about to say or do.
__ Asking for noninterference, cooperation, or collaboration. 

 

__ You take action on making contact and holding a first significant communication.
__ You follow up on your conversation, and try to schedule future communication.
__ You maintain communication lines indefinitely.