Relational organizing is one of the most effective methods of contact for campaigns, advocacy organizations, unions, and more. A recent study from Analyst Institute, conducted in partnership with Community Change Action and Impactive, found that outreach from a friend or family member makes a contact 6.5x more likely to sign a petition, and 8x more likely to opt-in to an organizing event than if reached through peer-to-peer texting.

Organizing experts from Community Change Action and Impactive, along with practitioners from New Jersey Organizing Project and Michigan People’s Campaign, discussed the findings from this research and shared best practices for year-round relational organizing. Panelists covered proven methods to build a robust relational organizing program, including regular follow-ups with volunteers, online meetings, combined check-in and action-taking requests, and more; the event also included a Q&A to expand the conversation around relational programming.

Panelists included:

• Kristee Paschall, Director of Strategic Initiatives at Community Change Action
• Mike Griffin, Senior Electoral Organizer at Community Change Action
• Ken Whittaker, Executive Director at Michigan People's Campaign
• Allison Arne, Executive Director at New Jersey Organizing Project
• Sara Orton, Director of Client Strategy at Impactive