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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October 2002 Activity

Keeping The Judicial Branch Democratic!

WHY THIS ACTIVITY?

The United States democracy was set up with checks and balances through three primary branches of government: the executive, the legislative and the judicial. (In Oregon many describe the electorate, through the initiative process, as a fourth branch.) The judicial arm is supposed to be the least politicized. The extremist right launched a campaign to politicize the judicial branch of government. We have watched different efforts towards that end in Oregon. Now we face a November election in which the judicial ballot measures (No. 21 and No. 22) seem fairly innocuous and yet, if passed, will further weaken the judicial arm as a balanced place to interpret the law of the land.

WHAT IS THE ACTIVITY?

For October the ROP has used the Democracy Grid to frame these two tricky judicial ballot measures for public understanding. But first we need human dignity leaders to digest the information and then determine how best to help spread the word. We ask that each group share/discuss the analysis. We then ask each group to use a letter to the editor to share the information with the community. You might also find it to be a good newsletter insert to your supporters, or to share with other local newsletters (League of Women Voters.)

STEPS TO COMPLETE THE ACTIVITY:

  1. Decide whether your group wants to do this activity;

  2. Review, distribute and discuss materials. Some groups may need this material sent to you on e-mail to make distribution easier -- just ask!

    Download the Democracy Grid for the measures in .pdf format.

  3. As you discuss make a list of any questions/concerns you made need more information on -- get that list to the ROP so we can make sure that you feel fully informed.

  4. If and when you feel resolved that these judicial ballot measures would negatively impact democracy in Oregon, determine how your group can share this information with your community. A group letter to the editor, a meeting with the editor of the paper to lobby for an editorial on your position, broadcast posts via email, newsletter inserts, carrying materials as you do get out the vote work are all options. The ROP can get you bulk copies as you request them.

  5. Engage the volunteer supporters that you need to make the plan work.

Other Issues

U.S. Engagement in a War Against Iraq: Popular support of a war is fast shifting as the public gets better informed. Now is the time for human dignity groups to create a visible opposition to the war. The ROP has a draft letter available for local groups to sign on to. Please contact the ROP for a copy of the letter to circulate to your papers and congressional delegation. Contact Marcy@rop.org.

Doing Democracy: The ROP is forming study groups using the Bill Moyer's book Doing Democracy. The goal is to create space to consider how our local and state work is positioned in historical, current and future social change movements. If your group wants more information, bulk discounted copies of the book and to schedule a time to work with ROP staff on getting such a study circle operational in your community please contact us at Marcy@rop.org.

Creating Change: NGLTF is hosting its annual gathering of queer progressive activists in Portland November 6th through 10th. It is a GREAT event. The ROP has discounted registration options. Let us know if you want to attend as soon as possible! Contact Marcy@rop.org.

Previous Kitchen Table Activities

Questions? Please contact us!