Kitchen Table Activism

Background: Kitchen Table Activism (KTA) is a monthly project of the Rural Organizing Project. Often building on quarterly themes, short actions are described in each KTA. The theory is that basic steps and tasks can lead to powerful collective results as small groups of people gather to complete the same action throughout the state of Oregon.

ROP works to keep the basic tasks easily achievable so that groups with other projects or groups with limited immediate energy can still manage to complete the KTA each month.

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April 2005 Activity

Raising A Flag of HOPE

Why This Activity?

Plans are moving forward for the Walk for Truth, Justice & Community coming up this June 12th-18th (see attached article.) We’ve clarified the route, signed up dozens of walkers, and have a great program plan in the works. Every day more people let us know that they want to help use this march to say Not In Our Name. Now is a time when we all want a chance to go on record in a big way. And the more we stand up, the harder it is for democracy to decay any further on our shift.

Each day as we walk and each night as we set up our Tent City in a different community along the route, we will be accompanied by flags — symbols of who we are and what we stand for. Flag development becomes a symbol for each community figuring out their overall role on this march. Since we intend to represent all of Oregon and Oregon has 36 counties, we seek 36 flags.

What Is This Activity?

The activity is to design and produce a flag or banner that is a colorful symbol of why we are walking and what we are representing. It should be lightweight. One person at a time should easily be able to carry it. It should have a way to be staked up or hung at night.

As you build consensus on your symbol, we ask that you have all the many additional conversations that are needed to define your full role in this large, sustained action. How many people will represent you? Is your campsite planned? Do you need to raise gas money? And have you sat down with your local paper yet? See the attached planning sheet.

Steps To Complete The Activity

  • Read the attached article about the Walk for Truth, Justice & Community. Xerox for other community leaders or request an electronic copy from ROP to allow you to share via email.
  • Review the attached County Plan check list.
  • Consider a time this month when you and others from your community can meet to decide collectively how you want your county represented on the Walk.
  • Who else in your community would want to be a part of this conversation? (To find out who has already signed up from your county, contact the ROP office). Invite them to join in your planning discussion.
  • Let us know back here at the ROP office ASAP what you are planning - what kind of tools you need (like flyers, newsletter articles, etc), how many spots you’d like to reserve on the March, and what ways we can support you as you figure out your county plan.
  • Keep the energy, outrage, and hope alive locally while connecting to the larger movement statewide. And don’t forget to get that flag made!

Please Note: almost every community has an arts guild or quilt/fabric shop — consider approaching these sources for technical support in flag development. ROP also has a team on loan that can consult on your textile and other props. Let us know what help you might seek.

Previous KTAs are now located in the KTA Archive.