THE FOUR LAWS OF CHANGE

 

THE FOUR LAWS OF CHANGE.

 

1. 1.    Change comes from within. It’s an inside job. The process of change can be different for every one of us but one thing is always certain. Any change will always come from within the individual, from within the group, and/or from within the organization. Ideally, the change will be like a pebble thrown into a lake where the change will ripple from within all of these configurations. We can all thing of something that we would like to change within ourselves that we feel would make us a better person, but thoughts will not initiate that change. We must follow these thoughts with a rigorous plan of action.

 

What would you like to change about yourself?

What’s the first step towards making that change?

Who in your support network can help you towards this?

What are the barriers towards making this change?

 

2. Permanent change requires a vision. This means that unless we hold a clear and/or compelling picture of what the change that needs to occur is, the initial insight or energy or reason for changing will fade into the background until triggered by the next difficult reminder and/or painful event. This is all too common in the world and I ‘m sure that a number of you have had moments of clarity when you have been met with a situation or event or person that has thrown a little curve ball your way and sparked off all manner of negative thoughts, feelings and emotions. Recovery is all about action and always moving forward with positive steps no matter how big or small.

 

Think of a situation where this has happened to you?

What could you have done differently in that situation?

Who could have helped you with the situation?

What will you do differently next time?

How will this affect you and those around you?

 

 

 

1. 2.    A great learning must occur. This means that change is accompanied by a personal insight or a group awareness that is shared with the larger community. We are all about sharing our hopes and fears in a recovery community and this in turn helps others to learn from our lessons and be inspired by our successes. For an individual, this could be an insight that they are actually creating most of their problems by how they behave towards others. So as to make it a permanent change, the person needs to share it with others, who in turn will support them in the change. This is the essence of a recovery community. It’s not all about sharing the positive stuff but the negative stuff as well. There is great insight and options for learning in both. An individual does not achieve greatness and wisdom by perfection, but by making mistakes he will learn so much, providing he has the capacity and the humility to learn from each mistake. In doing this you are working towards being the best person you can be.

 

Think of a mistake you have made recently?

How did it make you feel?

How did it affect others around you?

What lesson did you take from it?

What could you have done differently?

 

 

 

For an organization or group, it could be a shared awareness that each person within the organization is responsible for how the organization functions, each individual has assets that can be utilised for the greater benefit of the organisation and / or group.  What grounds the change is that the insight or shared awareness becomes the responsibility of the organisation / group to sustain and support  the changes.

 

Make a list of your existing assets?

Make a list of your desired assets?

How as an individual can you use those assets for your own recovery and in the community?

How can the group support them?

 

 

 

 

1. 3.    A positive social network must be created. This means that for any change to be achievable and permanent the individual must have the support of the group and the  larger community. For an individual, it could mean that the insight or vision is shared with family and friends and any other individual within the persons support network. For a group, it could be that the change is shared firstly with the members of the group and then with people outside the group who can support the changes. Sharing positive change has positive outcomes and inspires people to look at how that change could affect them. It gives people hope to hear that change is possible and also gives them something to aspire to. Also sometimes change is so subtle that we do not see or feel it happening but others around us do. When someone stops you in the street and gives you a compliment it can sometimes lift your spirits quite significantly. This can also take away the feelings that can set in where we begin to feel nothing has changed, when in fact it has.

 

List 5 people who you would have in your support network?

List 5 more?

Share something positive that you have achieved in your recovery so far?

List 5 things you would like to achieve in your recovery over the next 6 months?

 

 

 

These four laws of change are simple and altruistic in their nature and improve our communication skills, our self esteem, our confidence and our respect both for ourselves and for others. Those feelings of isolation and loneliness, of feeling less than and worthless begin to be replaced by feelings of unity, togetherness, purpose and positivity. Remember change always works from the inside out and is supported fully be those around you so connecting to a positive recovery community full of likeminded people will enable you to be honest open minded and willing to share and to support others who are on the same journey. This is a journey of self discovery that is better served in the company of those who understand where you’ve come from, know where you are heading and will walk alongside you until you get there. We make the path by walking it. 

WHAT IS RECOVERY CAPITAL?

 

WHAT IS RECOVERY CAPITAL?

SOCIAL CAPITAL.

Social Capital relates to relationships and social networks. Every human being has a basic need to engage with other human beings. During periods of addiction we have a tendency to isolate, either willingly or not so willingly, and as a result, coming into recovery can seem like a daunting and scary prospect. We are riddled with feelings of not belonging, feeling less than, not being worthy, confusion, the list is endless. These feelings can sometimes consume us, leaving us feeling like we will not be able to re-engage with a community that, for whatever reason,  we believe we have become so far removed from.

Social networking is an imperative part of an individuals recovery journey and a positive social network reduces the demoralising thoughts and feeling that we may have about ourselves, and others. There can be a number of issues that we are holding onto in our pasts that we may not feel ready to deal with but can be major barriers to us becoming who we want to be and getting to where we want to be.

1: Who is currently in your support network?

2: How are these people important to you?

3: Are you a part of you’re local recovery community?

4: How could you’re network be improved?

5: What connections do you have in your local community?

6: What connections would make your recovery journey more sustainable?

7: What are the barriers?

7: How could we make this happen?

 

HUMAN CAPITAL.

Human capital focuses on education, knowledge, skills, hopes, aspirations, health, heredity. Gaining a productive and maintainable foothold within the community is made easier by engaging in education, training  and volunteering within that community. There are a number of options available on this score within the community. Knowledge is the key to success and having specific skills to get you where you want to be. We all have aspirations and dreams of how life should be or how we would like to see ourselves but sometimes we come up against barriers towards putting those aspirations in place, for example, health issues, fear of the unknown, lack of confidence..etc

1: Where do you see yourself in 6 months time?

2: What barriers are in the way of this happening?

3: What skills do you feel you may need to make that aspiration / dream a reality?

4: What skills do you already have and how could you improve them?

5: How could we make this happen?

 

PHYSICAL CAPITAL.

Physical capital focuses on income, savings, investments, property, tangible financial assets. Most of us come into recovery with a number of financial debts hanging over our heads, lack of appropriate housing, no, or low income and no savings. This can be another barrier to getting into a sustainable position in which you can look towards a positive recovery journey. Unfortunately finance is not the easiest issue to deal with, and as with many of the issues that we bring with us into early recovery, will take some time and some hard work to gain a foothold on. This can be a daunting and scary issues that many of us would rather not face. There are resources to help with these issues and the first step on your recovery and one of the first steps towards maintaining your status on your journey is to seek out these resources and make use of them. Unfortunately housing is in short supply and there is no magic wand to cure all issues, however, surely it makes sense to start somewhere before the issues gets completely out of hand.

1: Do you have debts that have an impact on your future?

2: Are you in adequate housing?

3: Are you aware of support organisations to help with these issues?

4: Are you engaging with these organisations?

CULTURAL CAPITAL.

You’re cultural capital focuses on you’re values, beliefs, attitudes that link to social conformity and community engagement. Everyone has their own beliefs and values. These beliefs can be beliefs that have been ingrained in us from childhood or beliefs about our selves that may or may not have grounding and realistic origins. Our beliefs around specific aspects of our lives can have an effect on how we see ourselves and how others see us. They can also have an effect on how we interact with the community around us. The community’s beliefs can also have a similar effect. Some of us may have low self esteem and confidence issues that may have a detrimental effect on our values. We may have been victims to stigma within the community that we are now trying to re-engage in and feel that this may be a major barrier. However the best way to address stigma is to work on ourselves and reduce the ammunition for it.

1: What are you’re beliefs?

2: What are you’re values?

3: Which beliefs and values are rational?

3: How do these fit in with you’re recovery?

4: How can we improve your beliefs and values to enhance your recovery?

 

When building on recovery capital there are bound to be barriers that you will repeatedly come up against. These are part of everyday living and can sometimes very easily become a reason or excuse to use. What we must keep at the forefront of our minds at all time is that you are neither special nor are you different and you are capable of dealing with these issues in a productive and safe manner. Sometimes you will feel like giving up but with the right support and direction these problems do get easier as you continue on your recovery. Support can come in many forms from treatment to mutual aid. Looking at ways of improving your social networks will give you an idea as to where to get the right support and also who would best suit you’re needs and wants at any given time during your recovery journey. Building a social network of like minded people can be accomplished by becoming active in an already established community such as N.A. C.A. A.A. SMART RECOVERY,

SERVICE USER REP GROUPS, SPIRITUAL GROUPS, RELIGIOUS GROUPS, TREATMENT GROUPWORK. LOCAL COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT GROUPS. GYMS, ART GROUPS….Etc. A good place to start is by asset mapping your community and looking at what is out there to get involved in, what matches you’re skill set. What matches your interests?

 

 

There are five evidence based ways of improving both your mental and physical health and wellbeing. These have been highlighted as being important in maintaining a healthy and secure structure towards a full recovery.

 

These five ways are simple yet effective and enhance recovery capital.

 

1: CONNECT: Build social networks around you to match your needs and wants. Improve relationships and work on the positive rather than the negative people around you. Family, friends, colleagues, etc. No-one need ever be alone when trying to get a stable and solid footing on the road to recovery.

2: BE ACTIVE: Go out for regular walks in the park or countryside. Do some gardening, go out cycling, join a gym, go swimming.

3: TAKE NOTICE: Take notice of what is around you, there are a number of things out there that we might like to get involved in or have an interest in or just visit. Museums, or art galleries that we’ve always looked at, but were to busy to take the time to go to. Take in the beauty of the community around you, take time to understand the cultural differences and explore them. Go for a walk in the park, smell the fresh air, the freshly cut grass, watch the animals scurry in and out of the trees, watch the people as they go about their day to day living. Embrace your recovery rather than endure it.

4: KEEP LEARNING: Always challenge yourself to learn something new, find new avenues that you have an interest in and take time out to enjoy learning about them. Enrol in a college course or just spend time in the library finding out about something that you find interesting. Pursue knowledge at every chance you get.

5: GIVE: Be generous with your recovery, remember it was given to you free and others may benefit from your experience, strength and hope. Become a valued and positive member of your community by giving back to it in whatever way you feel you can. Volunteer for local services, whatever the nature of them, charity shops, youth centres, old age housing, dog walking, mentoring, the list is endless. But doing esteemable things promotes self esteem. And also reduces the ammunition used against your community members through stigma and contempt prior to investigation.

 

 

AND REMEMBER AT ALL TIMES TO REFRAIN FROM TAKING YOURSELF TOO SERIOUSLY….RECOVERY IS ALL ABOUT HAVING FUN AND CREATING MEMORIES WITH EACH TOMORROW THAT COMES. 

WARRIOR DOWN PRACTITIONER GUIDE (DRAFT)

WARRIOR DOWN PRACTITIONER MANUAL

 

 

Warrior down projects operate in an unusual environment of being both service provider and host of an emerging recovery community and this dual responsibility requires careful management, not least in maintaining appropriate boundaries in how we respond to a ‘warrior down’ or a  request for help from a significant other. It’s not our place as a provider to outreach someone who hasn’t asked for help, but as a recovery community we can adopt the ‘warrior down’ approach to reach out into the community and provide assertive support.

What do I mean by this? Adopted from a peer-to-peer programme originally designed to provide support and community referrals for Native Americans in recovery, ‘warrior down’ is the cry to signify that a warrior has been wounded or incapacitated and needs help. The warrior down initiative creates a response team to provide support and finds the resources to get that person back into their recovery process.

Recovery isn’t just staying sober – it’s a way of experiencing life through new eyes, new  thoughts, and a new spirit. Re-establishing one’s life following treatment for alcohol or substance abuse or incarceration requires a community effort. Without the support of a knowledgeable family and community, many who try to return to healthy, productive lives find themselves frustrated by the need for a job, training, education, housing, mental health care, medical support or connections with others who value sobriety and healthy behaviours.

Throughout the evolution of the UK recovery movement there has been close liaison with colleagues and friends in the USA, and it was in 2011 that Phil Valentine came to the UK and told us about the White Bison Warrior Down Program. The whole warrior down ethos and philosophy had an immediate resonance to those in recovery communities in the north of England, where small but influential groups of addicts have come together to create abstinence-based recovery communities.

They have done this most obviously in NA and AA – many got there via prison or simply stopped taking methadone and dropped out of treatment. It’s very rare to find people in abstinence-based recovery who got there via community methadone treatment and, similarly, the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous have facilitated peoples’ recovery and been the driver for them to reach out to those who are still in battle.

Given the numbers of people entering recovery it was only a matter of time before people started to relapse, and we asked ourselves how we should respond. This really is brand new territory. Treatment professionals are not used to assertively reaching out to people who relapse – people in 12-step fellowships may respond with comments like ‘God or drink and drugs will bring them back – one way or the other’, but neither standard treatment assertive outreach or benign 12-step fellowship felt like the right thing to do.

The people who had relapsed had become our friends and allies. They were almost family, and you don’t leave one of your own out there on the battlefield, in the madness of addiction, to die. You go and get them and do everything you can to get that warrior back into their recovery process.

Warrior down response teams are driven by ethical governance as opposed to clinical governance, and they work across geographical boundaries. Recovery communities have been utilising this approach for years. The approach is made up of informal coalitions of work colleagues, treatment professionals, friends and family members, as well as those supporting family members like Loved Ones Unite and Al-anon, faith-based group members and peers in recovery. They operate inside the recovery system, but outside of the treatment system. They respond to anyone who is in need, at any stage of their journey.

Many recovery slogans and clichés have become part of people’s lived reality. People in recovery know that ‘you alone can do it, but you cannot do it alone’, because they have tried it on their own and failed time and time again. They know that ‘I can’t but we can’, they have been that addict or that alcoholic who has sat on their own thinking about recovery while ordering two bags of brown and one of white. Then there is the addict whose thinking turns to drinking: ‘I’ve never really had a problem with alcohol, it was just gear and crack – I’m sure I’ll be OK having a drink.’ These experiences prove that an addict on their own is indeed behind enemy lines – rhetoric soon becomes reality when you realise that we really are in this together.

 WARRIOR DOWN RELAPSE PREVENTION PROGRAM.

PURPOSE: The Warrior down program is set out to provide a relapse prevention and recovery support group for peers who are completing treatment and returning to their community after a period of addiction or incarceration.. It is also set up to provide support for those already on that journey who may be struggling with life on life’s. The principles are based in the altruistic movement that is evident within already established recovery communities and the core value is the therapeutic value of one addict supporting another on their respective journeys. This program has been adopted, quite successfully, by recovery communities up and down the country, peer support groups and recovery champions.

WHAT IS WARRIOR DOWN: Warrior down is the cry used to signify that a warrior has been wounded or incapacitated in some way and needs help. The warrior down program creates a response team that provides the support and finds resources to get that warrior back into the recovery process. This is a peer to peer program that is designed to equip individuals with recovery support and community integration techniques to support a sustainable and successful recovery journey that accepts relapse as part of that journey and puts protocol in place to support that part of the recovery journey. Recovery is not just about staying sober or drug free. It’s about seeing life through new eyes, new thoughts, and a new spirit. Re-establishing ones life following the absence of substances or following a period of incarceration requires a community effort. Without support from a strong knowledgeable social network, peers, family, professionals, etc. Many who try to return to healthy, productive lives find themselves frustrated by the need for employment, training, education, housing, transport, mena tal health care, medical health care, social services, spiritual and cultural support or connections. A positive connection with a like minded individuals, who value their new found way of life,  within the community, who has bee n through the stages of recovery can make all the difference and show that recovery is possible and achievable.

CULTURAL AND SPIRITUAL SUPPORT FOR RECOVERY AND  RE-INTEGRATION:  The original warrior down program has its origins in the Native American culture and some of the principles are deeply spiritual and cultural in  practice. Original healing process  included healing circles and traditional ceremonies. Ceremonial activities have a distinctly spiritual focus, and the incorporation of intergenerational activities that include both elders and children. The involvement of family and significant others in the process is an integral and important part of the process. It is recognised as being essential for the well-being of all involved in the process, which inevitably has an effect in the overall community around those involved in the re-integration process. The teachings of the Elders and the Clan mothers provided wisdom and quidance. Unfortunately some of those that we come in contact with have no family support or significant others in their lives  for numerous reasons and this can be a major barrier to re-integration in some areas. Those who are isolated in this way may benefit from having a mentor, guide, or sponsor as such to provide the same guidance and wisdom around issues that may seem daunting and overwhelming to an individual at any given stage of their recovery journey. Th spiritual pathways provide meaning and purpose but again are a misunderstood concept in that they are not religious in content but can be seen to be in their delivery in certain mutual aid environments. A spiritual act is simply an act done in support of a fellow warrior, such as going for a coffee, meeting up for a chat, helping someone across the road. Cultural activities create a social and emotional foundation for reconnecting and re-establishing a sense of belonging and identity. Most individuals who are on the recovery journey are driven by a spiritual ‘need’ to help others and have a desire to share their journeys with other recovering individuals or those that have that same desire for change. This promotes and empowers re-integration into the community and supports the individual to sustain a balanced emotional, mental, physical and spiritual  wellbeing throughout their journey.

RE-ENTRY BEGINS IN THE TREATMENT ENVIRONMENT BUT MUST BE RECOGNISED AS JUST THAT, A BEGINNING. THIS IS MERELY THE START OF THE JOURNEY WHERE A SOLID FOUNDATION CAN BE PUT IN PLACE FOR THE INDIVIDUAL TO BUILD ON. STRUCTURED RECOGNISED TREATMENT OPTIONS ARE NOT TH EONLY WAY OF RE-ENTRY AND THERE HAS TO BE RECOGNITION GIVEN HERE TO OTHER FORMS OF MUTUAL AID AND PEER SUPPORT AS A VALID AND EFFECTIVE WAY OF INTRODUCING AN INDIVIDUAL TO THE EARLY STAGES OF RECOVERY.

 

 

 

PHASE 1: PROGRAMS FOR RE-INTEGRATION WITHIN THE TREATMENT SETTING.

(medicine wheel and possible 12 step curriculum)

 

The 12 step recovery program is specifically designed to meet the spiritual and cultural needs of member s of the community who are entering the recovery journey and also offers support for those on that journey. There is already a established community that has been successful for over 70 years. It has proven to be successful in its approach and is by far the most recognised mutual aid support network within our communities, however, this is not for everyone and there are other mutual aid options available to those who find the 12 step program is not for them. Of these other forms of mutual aid there is SMART Recovery which is another growing community nationally and is rapidly becoming known as  the ‘alternative’ to 12 step. THE SMART program is a peer led initiative that consists of a series of tools  that are based on tools used in CBT, MI and REBT counselling. The SMART program is a four point program that consists of…

 1: Enhancing and maintaining motivation to abstain.

 2: Coping with urges.

 3: Managing thoughts, feelings and behaviours through effective problem solving.

 4: Balancing momentary and enduring satisfactions  to achieve lifestyle balance.

SMART Recovery is different in that it advocates choice and leaves the individual the freedom to choose what works best for them, providing a number of different options. SMART aims to support the individual towards achieving a balanced and healthy lifestyle and works towards a ‘graduation’ whereby the individual then moves into the recovery community. This is different from the 12 step principle in that the 12 step program advocates for lifelong membership and commitment. Some of the specific tools used in the SMART program include….

CHANGE PLAN WORKSHEET: This is a chart in which you list your goals and how you will attain them, the ways in which you will overcome obstacles and challenges, etc. The process of completing a change plan worksheet clarifies both your goals and the potential roadblocks to attaining them.

COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS: This tool is especially useful for increasing motivation to abstain from addictive behaviour.

THE ABC’s OF REBT: This tool from Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy, founded by Albert Ellis, helps to identify irrational beliefs, which in turn lead to poor consequences.

DISARM: Destructive Imagery and Self-talk Awareness and Refusal Method, This  tool exposes the thoughts and images which urge us to pursue our addiction as inaccuracies, excuses and rationalisations.

BRAINSTORMING: This technique is often used in face to face and online meetings. A participant introduces a question or problem. Other participants then offer ideas or suggestions without judgement.

ROLE PLAYING / REHEARSING: This tool is used mostly in group environment. An example of which could be….rehearsing how  to avoid addictive behaviour in a chosen situation where there is a high risk or medium risk. Group members would play various roles in the situation and play out the role.

Other possible forms of mutual aid that can be looked at and explored during the initial first phase are Therapeutic communities.. These are community approaches that are based on 14 key competencies highlighted by both David  Kressel and George De Leon.

Other more specialised approaches and ideas for group environment work could be fatherhood initiatives, parental guidance courses….etc..

PHASE 2: RE-INTEGRATION CONTINUES IN THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TREATMENT TO COMMUNITY (CIRCLES OF RECOVERY, 12 STEP, SMART, THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT)

 

Again the need for mutual aid is paramount within this setting and should by this time be established and instrumental in the next phase of development. By this time the individual should have a good idea of where they want to be and which form of mutual aid support best suits their needs….and wants to support them in their new setting. This of course may change as the individual moves on with their recovery and their understanding and needs and wants evolve. This phase of the recovery journey is facilitated by ‘firestarters’.  Firestarters are peers and recovery champions who are established in the community and available to support an individual through mentorship, coaching, sponsoring  and other various ways in which the recovery journey can be enhanced and supported.  Part of the Warrior down concept seeks to support an individual into securing housing, employment, benefit support, social support, emotional support, and general support with etc. and members of the response team should be well versed and trained in these. General  lifeskills and  everyday living skills.  There are a number of individuals in the community who are available to sponsor people and there  are also  a handful of individuals already available in the community who are in a position to support this  by means of a relatively new concept known as recovery coaching. A positive, empowering and innovative approach to supporting members of the community in sustaining their journeys.

RECOVERY COACHING: Recovery coaching  is a form of strengths-based support for persons with addictions or in recovery from alcohol, other drugs, codependency, or other addictive behaviors. Recovery coaches work with persons with active addictions as well as persons already in recovery. Recovery coaches are helpful for making decisions about what to do with your life and the part your addiction or recovery plays. Recovery coaches help clients find ways to stop addiction (abstinence), or reduce harm associated with addictive behaviors. Recovery coaches can help a client find resources for harm reduction, detox, treatment, family support and education, local or online support groups; or help a client create a change plan to recover on their own.

Recovery coaches do not offer primary treatment for addiction, do not diagnose, and are not associated with any particular method or means of recovery. Recovery coaches support any positive change, helping persons coming home from treatment to avoid relapse, build community support for recovery, or work on life goals not related to addiction such as relationships, work, education etc. Recovery coaching is action oriented with an emphasis on improving present life and reaching goals for the future.

Recovery coaching is unlike most therapy because coaches do not address the past, do not work to heal trauma, and there is little emphasis on feelings. Recovery coaches are unlike licensed addiction counselors in that coaches are non-clinical and do not diagnose or treat addiction or any mental health issues.

SPONSORSHIP: Sponsors are people who have worked through the Twelve Steps and are available to help others in their recovery. If you want to work the steps as outlined in the book Alcoholics Anonymous, a sponsor can offer guidance based on their personal experience. However, it is important to mention that your recovery does not depend on having a sponsor. This program will take you on a personal spiritual path, and sponsors are merely messengers of the experience, strength, and hope that this program offers.

While the book Alcoholics Anonymous provides a description of how to work the Twelve Steps, a sponsor can offer specific assignments that help the process along. Moreover, a sponsor’s personal experience can assist us to confront problems, and move through them to change and growth.

You are ready to be sponsored when you have recognized a desperate need for help and a willingness to go to any lengths to recover. A prospective sponsor will suggest that you read the book Alcoholics Anonymous, and may make other suggestions for you to follow before you both decide whether to work together.

There are many benefits to being sponsored. Actively working with someone else offers you a chance to engage in a relationship based in honesty–an acquired skill for many of us with this illness. It is also an important venue to expose the illness and explore spiritual remedies. Usually we have blind spots. A sponsor who practices loving confrontation can help us break through these and gain a deeper self-understanding. Often people find that they are better able to help others because of the example provided by their own sponsor.

MENTORING: Mentorship is a personal development relationship in which a more experienced or more knowledgeable person helps to guide a less experienced or less knowledgeable person through specific barriers that may arise during the recovery journey However, true mentoring is more than just answering occasional questions or providing ad hoc help. It is about an ongoing relationship of learning, dialog, and challenge.

“Mentoring” is a process that always involves communication and is relationship based, but its precise definition is elusive. One definition of the many that have been proposed, is….

Mentoring is a process for the informal transmission of knowledge, social capital,, and the psychosocial support perceived by the recipient as relevant to work, career, or professional development; mentoring entails informal communication, usually face-to-face and during a sustained period of time, between a person who is perceived to have greater relevant knowledge, wisdom, or experience (the mentor) and a person who is perceived to have less.

All of these together, and more, should be integral in the building and initiating of a warrior down response team and all have their own individual place within that team so that all avenues towards recovery are covered and all aspects of a fully inclusive recovery journey can be supported and maintained. All members of the recovery community Also members of the response team here would benefit massively from being involved in shadowing those in the professional capacity who specialise in potential barriers to recovery. ETE (Employment, Training, Education), Housing support, Benefits support, Debt management, etc. All resources should be looked at and made readily available to the community. This list will grow as the community grows. And ongoing training needs and support needs should be addressed and relevant training looked at in order to maintain a high level of support within the community.

PHASE 3: RETURNING TO THE HOME COMMUNITY.

 

Firestarters in local communities set up circles of recovery that are specifically designed to support those reintegrating into the community after a period of isolation, addiction, imprisonment..etc. This can cover a multitude of different aspects in an individuals recovery process and by this stage in the recovery journey those who have been introduced to this program will have become stable and secure in their recovery and in a position to carry their message to those who are beginning this journey. This in effect expands the support network and circle of recovering individuals to offer a wider and more supportive structure for supporting newcomers into the program. The nature of a therapeutic community is that the support of it’s members is never ending and not bound by any timescales. This support is ongoing and is always available to those who have come through the stages of the reintegration process and moved on successfully to become recognised and valued members of their community. Those who follow this process and successfully re-engage within their community can be a major inspiration to those walking into the program for the first time as are those walking into the program for the first time. Regular talks, discussions and events to bring members of the community together can be hosted to show that as members of an ever growing community recovery is possible and achievable. It really does work if you work it

FIRESTARTER TRAINING: This is designed to empower individuals to carry out all aspects of the Warrior down program. Suggested training could include Recovery coaching, sponsorship, mentor training, peer support training, Understanding the 12 steps, SMART recovery training, breaking free online training, boundaries and confidentiality, conflict resolution….the list is endless with regards to what training may be looked at and with the focus always  on the individual’s journey the requirements of the group and indeed the community will be an ever changing, ever evolving natural progression process. This training should be designed to promote all different aspects of a full recovery agenda so that all options are explored and all members are fully armed with the facts in order to give a full and comprehensive package to suit the needs and wants of those they would support and in turn to keep them focused on their own recovery.

To summarise the process:

 

 The first stage of the program is about finding your footing and the right pathway to suit you as an individual. Recovery is all about having choices and support in promoting those choices to enable a solid foundation on the journey you are about to embark on.

 

 The second stage is about finding yourself and clearing the wreckage of your past in order to look at different coping  mechanisms and strategies that would empower the early stages of your journey for a more positive and productive future.

 

 Stage three is about strengthening your relationship with others and building a social network around you of likeminded people who are supportive, non-judgemental and positive in their approach to the community environment.

 

 And finally stage four is about carrying this message and advocating for others by maintaining and continuing to move forward forging a path for others, leading by example. 

CAMPAIGN CASE STUDY GUIDE.

CASE STUDY GUIDE.

It is really important to always document your campaign at every level for a number of reasons. One of those reasons is so that others can learn from them. Anywhere you look these days you can find documented case studies of previous campaigns. Some will be really helpful in becoming aware of what works and what doesn’t. What’s been done and what’s current. Documenting your own progress and everything to do with your campaign may help others in another time or place. This guide can be used by groups or individuals to determine what information would be useful to document in your case study. It can also be useful in reminding us what we may want to consider in organising our own campaigns.

 

OVERVIEW.

• What is the nature of the campaign, what is the issue, when did it start.
• Brief historical and geographical context.
• Who was involved….analysis of class, ethnicity, gender, age, sexuality, ability or disability.

CHRONOLOGY.

• Starting point.
• Were there or are there distinct clear phases.
• Where were/are the particular moments of expansion.
• What were/are the peaks
• Highlight other ley points or events.

MEANS. 

• How were/are official channels, lobbying, constitutional mechanisms used and what impact did they have.
• How did you use social media.
• What role or influence did this have.
• What avenues did you use to develop or use your own public media or alternative media and what was the impact.
• Did you try to establish alternatives during your campaign and what was the outcome.
• What means did you use to build a foundation for movement culture and connectedness, did it acheive the desired effect.
• Did you use withdrawal of co-operation as a tactic at any point and what effect did it have.
• Did you try to disrupt or obstruct an activity at any point on your campaign, at what point did you use this tactic, with what focus, and to what effect.
• How did you use conventional means of protest and how did you combine them with other methods.

ORGANISATION.

• Did your campaign agree on a fomal structure, what was it.
• What informal structures played an important role.
• How did you link up with other groups or individuals.
• Was your campaign concernsed with having a participatory structure or organisation and decision making.
• What importance did you give to coalition building and what were the criteria for the alliances.
• How did you cater for members need to learn, grow, rest, and maintain their initial level of commitment
• What kind of provision was put in place for those most effected by repression during the campaign…and after.
• Did you have a clear timeframe or was/is your campaign open-ended, and what was your concept of strategic development.
• How did you develop your resources, human, social and economic…etc.

GOALS AND OUTCOMES.

• What were/are your initial goals.
• Have your goals evolved, if so why.
• How did you empower all those involved.
• Did you allow for flexibility to revise goals, to respond to any particular events or to build on successes.
• How did your campaign expect change from the institution holding the power or from those who ‘benefit’ from being in the dominant position. For example…to be converted, to accomodate some of your proposals, to be co-erced into accepting some of your proposals, to accept all your demands, to dissolve.
• To what extent were your goals achieved….short term….medium term….long term.
• What were the side effects both negative and positive.
• Did those you were campaigning against make any distint mistakes that geve your campaign a solid foothold for progress.

EMPOWERMENT.

All of the above questions/quidelines have an element of wmpowerment to them but to bring this back home to empowerment with more focus and definition we need to look at the power within….power with and power in relation to.

• Who was empowered by your campaign.How were they empowered.
• What contributed to this sense of empowerment. For example….training, group confidence, achieving strategic goals. Overall who was empowered by the whole event and outcome.
• How did involvement in the different stages and the different stages in general effect the sense of empowerment.
• Was there evidence that some members didn’t feel empowered. Why not. Was it internal or external factors.
• How were your strategies of empowerment discussed or constructed throughout your campaign on personal, group and social levels.
• If an individual or various members were disempowered, how did this affect the whole campaign.

 

 

LONDON USER FORUM: 22nd FEB, 2013

The London User Forum is an organisation committed to improving Service User Involvement and issues affecting Drug and Alcohol Service Users in London. We believe, unequivocally, that every person has the right to be Seen, Heard, Valued and Respected.

Every Individual has a voice. Service User Involvement is about making sure the voices of people who use Health and Social Care services can be heard. The London User Forum has been established for people who have been marginalised and excluded and Service User Involvement is a part of the process by which their voices can be heard.

Drug and Alcohol treatment services are being challenged by new attitudes based on social inclusion, an enormous focus on recovery outcomes and the introduction of Payment by Results. Service User Involvement is a part of the process of regaining independence, autonomy and self-respect. Participation, quite often, has a therapeutic impact in its own right.

The London User Forum is increasingly alert to new trends and works closely in partnership with the vast majority of London service providers so that a cohesive approach to treatment can be constantly improved upon.

Service Users must have the opportunity to contribute to and influence both the direction and quality of the services they receive themselves and in the wider world of Health and Social Care provision. An inclusive society listens to the voices of all its members. The London User Forum listens closely to people who access drug and alcohol treatment services and who have a wide range of complex needs. Service Users can offer considerable experience and insight across a wide range of issues. The London User Forum will ensure that this experience and insight is used effectively to improve overall service delivery within all commissioned drug and alcohol treatment services in London.

The London User Forum aim to support and encourage the Involvement of any Service Users with Substance Misuse backgrounds irrespective of: methods of recovery; race, ethnicity, gender, sexual-orientation or religion.

To encourage partnership working with Service Providers, Commissioners, Service User Representatives and other relevant Organisations, including Public Health and Local and National policy makers.

Positively promote the benefits of Service User Involvement and encourage the embedding of Service User Involvement in feedback.

Provide 4 Forums per year.

Explore new mediums of Service User Involvement including Social Media.

Hold a minimum of 8 Management meetings per year.

FOLLOW THE HYPER LINK BELOW TO CONNECT TO THE LONDON USER FORUM….
http://londonuserforum.org/

FOLLOW THE HYPER LINK BELOW TO SEE THE FULL PROGRAM FOR THE NEXT FORUM ON 22nd FERUARY, 2013….

Click to access luf-flyer-for-22-feb-2013-pdf.pdf

DDN 6th NATIONAL SERVICE USER CONFERENCE: VALENTINES DAY, 2013

FOLLOW THE HYPERLINK BELOW FOR FULL DETAILS AND PROGRAMME…

http://drinkanddrugsnews.com/category/ddn-conferences/be-the-change/

THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA IN YOUR CAMPAIGN

THE ROLE OF MEDIA.

Why should you use media in your campaign? An important question for groups to ask themselves before beginning a relationship with mainstream or alternative media outlets. The nedia is pervasive in modern life, where sounds and images via tv, radio, the internet, billboards, etc…bombard us everywhere we go.

But….attempting to use media in your campaign is like picking up a double edged sword. the media canmake or break a campaign andshould be approached with extreme caution and also with a clear and direct understanding or what you want to achieve form the relationship.

 

GROUP AIMS.

Think about what your group want ot achieve out of the media. Discuss this in your group and be very clear about your aims, which could be to….

1. Gain new members and participants for an action or for a specific event.
2.          Apply critical pressure on a specific issue through showing widespread opposition.
3.          Make more visible an issue or way of working that you criticise
4.          Send messages to those you are campaigning against.

 

MESSAGING.

Spend time as a group working out your ‘key messages’. Define them as carefully and concisely as possible. Write them down and make sure everyone in your group agrees with what you are setting out to achieve. Remember these are your public messages, so be as clear and direct and put them in a language everyone can understand. Think about how your target groups might receive these key messages, could your messages be made more attractive without losing power in their focus. Defining and agreeing on your message is useful because it can enable and empower more people in your group to communicate with the media. It eill make your communication more consistent, reinforce your position, and keep you focused.

 

TYPES OF COMMUNICATION.

There are many ways of communicating and engaging with the media. The imporatant thing to always remember is that in order to approach the media you must think like the media you are trying to reach. Ask yourself…What is newsworthy? What is interesting for others to read? What is currently in the news? But never lose focus on your intended message.

PRESS RELEASE.

A good press relaes wil get picked up, see if there is anything currently in the news that relates to your cause or your campaign actions. For example if the government or a ‘Brand’ celebrity has made a statement about your general field, write a small press release the same day in response. You cans also use this opportunityto flag an event or action you have planned or a particular campaign strand you are currently working on. This might ramge from a petition to a local action. Be snappy, topical, clever and direct. Does your group have a recognised ‘media’ person within their ranks. If so this person should strive to have direct contact with the local newspapers either via e-mail, phone or whatever chosen contact the media specify suits them. Assign this role to a member of your group. This member must be proactive in collecting all contact details of local media platforms and also be responsible for desemminating the information once it has been ratified by the group. Quote facts and background and always be clear how you have come to the final message in your release.

SPOKESPERSON.

Always make sure you have an identifiable cantact point for media. Get that group member contact details for the local media outlets. Always make sure they are well briefed and constantly watching the media coverage for any developments in your field so that you respond adequately to all new information. You must at all times keep your media person connected to all your movements while at the same time ensuring that they are safe from any frontline action.

MEETING JOURNALISTS.

Building good relationships with individuals journalists is possible. Always remember to provide good quality, fact based content, accurate information is a must. Make sure that what you say is what is taken down and that you are not misrepresented or misquoted.

AGENCIES.

If your group is high profile make sure that your releases are sent to all national press agencies. Sometimes the content of your release may not be used straight away but will surface when a similar story appears on the news. Call the agencies you have sent out your release to or better stil e-mail, to make sure they recieved it. Aks if they are going to use it. Make sure they know who you are and what you represent andalways offer to keep the information regular and current.

LETTERS PAGE.

One good way of communicating your message to the general public is to have one or two people in your group but the local paper regularily and have them write letters about content in the newspapers which relates to their field. You can get a lot of letters published in this way and connect with other groups to do the same locally in their areas. Such visabilty helps make your campaign seem bigger, stronger and more engaged than it actually may be. Don’t always have the same people write the same letters, after a while the editors will notice!!

WEBSITE.

Your website is an important tool for communicating your messages, media persons may look to it for background information, male sure it is always updated. Consider creating a ‘media centre’ if it has the option to do so, for any press releases and any related media such as pictures, feedback, and good solid information including what is happening in other areas that is similar to your action plan. Enhance your community via your website and include direct links for all similar groups so that in a web search, those in other areas can find groups of similar standing in their areas. Always remember that anything put on the website is not retractable!! And always make sure that you are prepared for what you put out there to be reused by similar groups and also by those you are targeting, another possible double edged sword that needs careful consideration. Your website should have all direct contact details on it and if viable a 24 hour helpline number. A blog is also a way of spreading information and every member of the group can have their own blog to increase interest and scope on the web. Always make sure the information is consistent if you are going to adopt this approach. Don’t write things that you do not want the media to adopt or print.

WRITING FOR AND ENGAGING WITH ALTERNATIVE MEDIA.

Alternative media can also be an ally to your cause in gaining support. It may not be read by as big an audience but sites in the global indymedia network can help you communicate in a more open and direct way with a generally sympathetic audience. This is less likely to apply critical pressure or make your cause mainstream but it may howaever gain momentum and attact a few new activists for your cause. Be careful with this one as police and some other companies are monitoring this way of communicating constantly. Alternative media can also provide a space for disparate campaigns to identify with each other and work together to explore new ideas and old and see what works and what doesn’t based on a collective experience.

 

PLANNING A MEDIA CAMPAIGN.

So, here we have some practical ideas of practical methods of communicating your message but to get the most out of you effort you must invest some time planning a ‘media campaign’  This means figuring out how to communicate both effectively and strategically and must always be done with he consent and ratification of all members of your group. To get the most out of your media campaign though you must follow every interaction with a direct action within your community and realise that your media campaign is only a part of your overall strategy.

 

SUMMARY.

Try to buil;d effective and productive relationships with your local media. Always release to agencies nationally as well as locally as you never know when your message may become relevant in current climate. Always have a designated member on hand to deal with all media related interactions. Kepp press releases short and sweet. Stay focused. Go for local angles. Always stay connected to other campaigners, share knowledge, and always keep yourself trained and on point around what is current when planning your next move.

STAGES OF ESCALATION IN A CAMPAIGN.

WHEN DEVELOPING AND CARRYING OUT A CAMPAIGN FPR SOCIAL CHANGE, WE NEED TO GO BEYOND PUBLICISING AND PROTESTING SOCIAL INJUSTICES, REFUSING TO CO-OPERATE WITH OPPRESSORS, AND INTERVENING. WE NEED TO IMPLEMENT CONTRUCTIVE PROGRAMS IN WHICH WE ACTUALLY LIVE THE CHANGE THAT IS OUR GOAL.

The early stages of a campaign emphasise bringing an issue to the public eye. A well organised campaign will use the public domain in numerous productive ways to raise the publics concern and interest in the cause and encourage change.

If this does not acheive desired results, the campaign may move to ‘stage two’. In stage two the campaign moves to increase public pressure by staging legal forms of non-cooperation, boycotting services, organisations and individuals who are in support of the issues that your campaign is seeking to change. The goal at this stage is to raise the the stakes and minimise the rewards for those committing or benefiting from the injustices. At the same time the campaign will most likely still continue oit’s actions from stage one.

This might be sufficient to reach the desired results. But if not, participants may look at other non conflicting action to move onto the next level. This may be risky for some activists, and must be carefully planned prior to making any solid committment to the campaign. This stage will present a much more powerful and poignant message or statement ot the public. The third stage of escalation is civil disobedience, both as a protest but also as civil usurption, carrying out actions that excercise authority or implement a structure without a legal right to do so. Examples of this can be seen all over the world in the occupy movement, where self contained camps are set up to provide sanctuary for those who are actively advocating for change on a global level.

As campaigns develop, their strategies will escalate  from one stage to the next but they will continue to use actions from the previous stages. It is useful to look at the interactions between each stage and realise the full implications of each stage prior to making the next step on your campaign and the kind of actions that go with each stage of escalation. A campaign may consciously decide to move from one stage to another, up or down, as it chooses the most effective plan of action for each situation. Throughout the campaign it is important to maintain an ongoing dialogue with your opponents, trying ot find solutions that include all parties. At certain times, for example, the dialogue may start more easily if the campaign temporarily reduces it’s public pressure. A campaign may also decide that it is more effective to increase it’s work on constructive action and to hold back on confrontational actions, or vice versa.

Carrying out a successful campaignn requires an ongoing evaluation of the campaigns activities and their effectiveness. You group can use the following framework to track a campaigns implementation of constructive as well as confrontational actions over time to evaluate how they work together to achieve your goals.

 

STAGE OF ESCALATION.

1. BRING THE ISSUE TO THE PUBLIC ARENA: Confrontational action would involve protest, demonstration, petition, vigil. Constructive action would involve Presenting alternatives, teaching lectures, seminars, conferences. This works by publicising and convincing.

2.  LEGAL ACTIONS THAT DEAL WITH THE ISSUE: Confrontation action would include legal non-cooperation, boycotting, go-slows. Constructive action would consist of legal innovative activities, such as non-violent interactions, ethiczl investments, alternative solutions. This would work by raising the stakes and minimising therewards for those committed or committing the injustice.

3.  ILLEGAL ACTIONS THAT DEAL WITH THE ISSUE: Confrontational action would be civil disobedience, sit-ins, resistance to the opposition. Constructive action may include pirate radio stations, sanctuary movement, taking over derelict or empty buildings with a view to proving that your ideas for change are possible.

Confrontational action must always be directed against injustice within your community and society in general. Constructive actions are those that help to construct an alternative and just order within your community or society.

(Next blog will look at the role of social media in your campaign)

 

 

CONSTRUCTIVE PROGRAM.

According to Ghandi, the basis of  social change requires building a new social structure, society, in the shell of the old. This is what is known as constructive programming. Formulating campaigns that are intimately related to the wider struggle for social justice, economic self reliance, ecological harmony, as well as a quest for self realisation. For the individual constructive programming means increased power from within through the development of personal identity, self reliance, and fearlessness. For the community it means the creation of a new set of political, social and economic relations.

Ghamdi posited three elements needed for social transformation: Personal transformation, political action and contructive program. He saw them as intertwined and all equally nesessary to achieve social change.

The core elements nesessary for transformation and liberation involve programs of equality, unity, education and economic self reliance. Equality means creating political campaigns and co-operative enterprises across social divides. Asset mapping your community and utilising it to meet your needs.

The process of working on constructive program has fundamental benefits, the first of which is providing immediate assistance to those in greatest need. As people who come together in community, not individual, action, they build constituencies for social change. Constructive program offers training for civil disobedience, this often involves non-cooperation. Constructive work provides opportunities to develop the skills needed to build a new society. Some of the goals that are achievable with constructive program are….

1.  To prevent stigma from creating demonised and disadvantaged groups within your community.

2.  To form a support network to prevent further stigmatisation.

3.  To provide evidence based methods to address stigma and to deal with conflict resolution through self empowerment.

4.  To provide economic strategies to support the basic needs of those you represent.

A GUIDE TO BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN: PART ONE

YOU’RE CAMPAIGN SHOULD ALWAYS INCLUDE A CLEAR COMMITMENT TO NON-VIOLENT APPROACHES. MOST OF THE BASIC STEPS IN CAMPAIGNING ARE THE SAME: RESEARCH AND COLLECT INFORMATION, EDUCATE AND TRAIN, INFORM AND DEVELOP A STRATEGY.

Many organisations and campaigns are commited to nonviolent approaches, have statements with clearly set out principles that explain their perspectives. Approaches to successful campaigning can be a combination of active resistance, civil disobedience and dialogue. It can combine non operational withdrawal of support from a system of oppression, with constructive work to build alternatives. When engaging in a conflicting situation you must always bring a plan of action that supports reconciliation with it: strengthening the social fabric, empowering those seen to be at the bottom of societys structure, and including a diverse and all encompassing group of individuals seeking the same solution. Even when aims and objectives cannot be immediately achieved you must always adhere to your principles.

 

The following list identifies specific principles particular to non-violent campaigning. The use of these principles may lay out a guideline that best defines your agreements as a group for the purpose of your campaign.

• Acknowledge the value of each member as an individual.; This is fundamental: recognising the dignity and humanity of yourself and others. Never set out ot mistreat your opponent of see them as your enemy.
• Recognise that you are always in possession of part of the truth, no-one has all of it. No one is right or wrong. All campaign information gathering, education and action should reflect this.
• Your actions should always emphasise openmindedness ot promote communication and democratic process. You should always work towards processes that express ‘power with’ not ‘power over’ Empowering all involved in your campaign is important. Always promote democratic structures both internally and externally to maximise self determination.
• Always ensure that your actions and behaviours are consistent with your end result. This should include affirming better quality of life in your chosen end game, opposing oppression and seeking justice for those you represent, valuing every person. Your strategy must be based on this principle, you cannot justify a ‘victory’ obtained through intimidating or decietful methods.
• Always be willing to undergo suffering rather than inflicting it. Refusing to inflict suffering by intimidation tactics or negative conflict is based on the value of each person and is a strategy that draws attention to your commitment and your cause. This will also keep your momentum going in the public eye and maintain the respect of others with an interest in your cause. You must always be prepared for conflicting situation and have a structured plan to adopt should this happen.
• All members should be commited to following all principles and guidelines set out prior to any campaign launch. These should be agreed upon as a group prior to any action being undertaken.

All participants in any form of campaign must be fully informed of all aspects of the campaign and be regularily updated on anything even remotely connected to their campaign. They must firstly be fully aware of the aims and objectives of the campaign and all guidelines and principles to support the campaign.

The guidelines and principles are not the same. Guidelines are agreements on how participants in the campaign will behave when carying out any form of action related to the campaign. They will be set out in very practical terms and can be very simple or very philosophical. Depending on the nature of your campaign. One philosophical guideline ot always adhere to may be….

”WE SHOULD ALWAYS GATHER TOGETHER IN A MANNER THAT REFLECTS THE WORLD WE CHOOSE TO CREATE”

Even in a small group discussions will constantly bring up different interpretations and varied levels of understanding and direction. This must be seen as a means of growth and accunulating strength. Not as a sign of weakness.This will depend on how the group approach each situation and how quickly it is resolved. Guidelines make clear what is expected and set a unified spirit within the group and all participants. In the midst of your campaign it is easy for the tone of any interactions to move into some form of conflicting nature. Always be aware that is the aim of any opposition to provoke a negative reaction from you and discredit your group or movement. Specific agreements and training can reduce the risk of a negative reaction when in a situation of this nature.

It is crucial that all participants in any interactions reflect the principles of your group to maintain an effective campaign.

 

PLANNING YOUR CAMPAIGN.

Singular actions will not bring results to your campaign if not supported and in conjuntion with other events or actions. This can sometimes be the result of jumping into action or activity without stepping back or looking ahead. Too often groups go straight from identifying a problem to picking a tactic to address it. Or at the other end of the spectrum ‘paralysis of analysis’ educating yourselves and others but never putting in any action and therefore never achieving their goals. The power of any group depends on creatively combining tactics, strategic thinking and an individuals commitment.

Influencing change on a specific issue usually requires a campaign that is connected to a series of events, actions and activitiescarried out over a period of time to achieve specific goals. Campaigns are startd by groups of individuals with a common concern. A common understanding and vision, specifically identified goals, an intensive process of research, education and training strengthens and expands the number of participants who will productively engage in activities and action.

A campaign has goals on many different levels. First is a specific demand or goal. Most campaigns challenge policies made by people at the top of some kind of hierarchy. To effectively reach this goal there needs to be a new factor brought to their decision making. This can be done by persuading themwith new evidence based information, convincing those on whose support they depend, or warning them of the resistance they may face and the reasons behind the resistance. A campaign also has internal goals such as building hte capacity and number of their participants. This involves empowering all who are involved and those who may be affected by the policies or proposed plan of action that you are campaigning against. A successful camaign takes people through a process of empowerment at all levels, inclusion rather than exclusion, civil and human rights, addressing oppression, etc. This in turn promotes collective power building within your group and all others involved. In training and planning you must consider all aspects of personal empowerment, social empowerment, community power and people power. To develop an effective strategy you must develop effective straegy rthinking skills.

 

DEVELOPING EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES.

Creative campaigns are built up from a collective group of individuals who are excited about the idea of collective power to effect change. They are more likely to develop an effective campaign, more likely to develop an effective strategy. If working towards social change in your community you may want to undertake a group process to prepare an effective strategy for moving towards the desired change. A group process draws on the resources already in the group and can generate enthusiasm and commitment.

First step should be to have members of the group discuss and share their own knowledge and experience of the issue and previous campaigns they may have been involved in. A discusion around how change happens and looking at previous similar campaigns is an effective way of learning a successful and positive strategy. Looking a previous campaigns can also raise determination, resourcefulness, passion and dedication levels. If your group has a great deal of knowledge this along with the research and case studies of previous campaigns can provide a solid and effective platform on which to base your campaign. A useful guide to developing an effective strategy could be…

1. Name and describe the problem or situation and have an indepth conversation around this. Learn the history and build up to the current status of the problem.
2. Analyse why the problem exists. Know your enemy.
3. Create a vision of what the group and those the group represent wants and needs, including clear goals.
4. Develop a strategy to reach the desired goals.

 

NAME AND DESCRIBE THE PROBLEM:  For many who face problems in their daily lives, describing and analysing problems is a natural part of the process of living. But others need to be more intentional about it. These steps are intended to help people move together in a non-hierarchical, inclusive process towards a deeper understanding of effective strategies. Naming and describing a problem or situation may seem like a simple first step but if it is not done collectively you may find tht individuals have different assumptions, different descriptions, different messages and different goals. Goinf through this process together strengthens the participation of the individuals while developing collective action plans.

(to be continued or edited soon….)