NETWORK is excited to be launching a new initiative: Squads!
Squads are smaller, hyper-local groups (could be as large as a county or as small as a neighborhood) that take action together once per month to engage their local communities, build power, and create change. Anyone can form a Squad!
Squad Goals
Each month, NETWORK will share three opportunities for action, called “Squad Goals.” Squads (or Squad leaders) are encouraged to choose one of these Squad Goals each month and take action with a few of their friends. Each month’s Squad Goals will come with written guidance and the materials you need to be successful at your goal (may require printing). NETWORK staff members also support Squads through written guidance and coaching support. See below for this month’s Squad Goals.
Squad Goals
Gather some friends, choose your goal, and get started!
Choose one of the following goals to complete with your Squad during the month of May:
1. Host a “We the People” mini pop-up rally!
Grab 3-5 friends, make some signs (or print NETWORK’s new, pre-made signs), and make yourselves visible in your community!
Click here for the pop-up rally instructions guide.
Members of Congress will be home for Recess the first week of May, and we want to let them know how their policies harm our communities and that we care about our neighbors.
2. Canvass with NETWORK’s new zine
Grab 3-5 friends, print and fold NETWORK’s latest zine, and go talk to your community members at a farmers’ market, grocery store, or other community location.
Click here for the zines canvassing instruction guide.
Canvassing is a great way to get physical materials out into our communities and engage in meaningful dialogue with our community members – to listen to their concerns and to educate them about one real cause of the harm your community may be experiencing. This zine explains how last year’s Big Bad Budget law is harming us and how some lawmakers are trying to pass another immoral budget this year that could hurt immigrants and working families even more. Our zine also gives folks the chance to contact their Members of Congress about the upcoming budget bill and ensure that our tax dollars are used for the common good.
3. Host a Letters-to-the-Editor Writing Party on tax justice!
Invite a few friends over for tea, cookies, and writing letters to the editor (about taxing the ultra-rich)!
Click here for the How to Host a LTE Writing Party instructions guide.
Additional Resources:
Resource: Tax justice talking points for LTEs
Video: How to Write and Submit a Letter to the Editor
Letters to the editor are among the most-read sections of the local newspaper, and a “mini-campaign” of 3-5 letters printed around the same time really builds the perception that people in your community care about building a world that works for everyone by taxing those who have the most. Even if just a couple of your collective letters get published, it can make a big impact!
Build power, strengthen your community, and amplify your advocacy! Grab a few friends and take action together.
