Introduction
Rural or small city organizing presents challenges and opportunities that are unique from urban or larger city environments. This toolkit aims to support climate advocates and organizers in rural and remote communities in empowering their friends, families, and neighbours to unite and transform themselves and their communities into climate leaders.
The toolkit:
- is tailored to the specific needs and context of rural and remote climate action organizing.
- includes overview of local governance structures and community organizing best practices.
- has case studies that explore themes related to
- accessibility,
- language,
- collaboration and
- avenues for advocacy.
- is by the Climate Reality Project Canada and the Climate Justice Organizing Hub.
Quick link to access the toolkit HERE
Purpose and Learning Objectives
This resource is intended for individual or group grassroots organizers/advocates in rural and remote communities. It intends to spark the following outcomes:
- Equip grassroots rural and remote organizers and advocates with actionable suggestions for mobilizing and organizing more effectively in rural and remote areas.
- Learn from the lived experiences of organizers/advocates living in rural and remote communities.
- (Bonus) Discuss new ideas to add to the roundup of suggestions currently listed in the toolkit!
Format and Delivery
This resource is currently presented in written guide format. Suggestions for reviewing and processing knowledge:
- Read the guide individually and take what is relevant back to a group or assign as group reading
- Draw ideas from the guide and hold a group brainstorming discussion
Estimated time: 1-2 hours to review. Group discussion time may vary.
Table of Contents
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Primers
- a. Local Governance Structure
- b. Organizing Tactic
- 3 Case Studies
- a. Accessibility Case Study
- b. Language Case Study
- c. Collaboration Case Study
- d. Avenues of Advocacy Case Study
- 4 Additional Resources
Sneak Peek into Toolkit
Credits
- The Climate Reality Project Canada’s mission is to connect networks of empowered individuals in communities across Canada by equipping them with the tools and knowledge to move towards a low-carbon, resilient, and just future. Through resources and tools, the Community Climate Hubs provide guidance and logistical support for resident-led advocacy in their city, town, village or regional municipality’s public policy on climate and collective wellbeing.
- The Climate Justice Organizing Hub is a support structure designed around the needs of grassroots social movement organizers in so-called Canada that respects organizers’ knowledge regarding their own challenges and priorities. Through responsive troubleshooting, skills and strategy sharing, and other capacity-building activities, its mission is to help organizers find their way to building a critical mass of engaged people who are working towards a just transition.
