Keys to Successful Rural Organizing
Blog written by Othellious Cato, South Georgia Organizer
Pictured: Albany State University after the flood of 1994. Source: Albany Herald.
Rural communities in Georgia are largely responsible for the success of the state’s leading industry, agribusiness. Yet, rural communities have historically received the lowest investment in health, education, food and economic security. This is especially true for rural communities of color.
According to the 2018 National Climate Assessment, due to lower income levels, limited resources, and lack of economic diversity, rural communities are more vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Extreme heat in Georgia in particular is putting strain on day laborers and livestock. Shifting rain patterns are degrading water quality and clean water supplies. This is not to mention the expansion of Georgia’s timber and biomass industries which are threatening the health and environmental prosperity in Cook County and surrounding areas.
In my hometown of Albany, Georgia, I remember when we lost 31 people to a catastrophic flood in 1994. The loss of those lives and the over 5,000 homes that were destroyed was completely avoidable. The dam on popular Lake Blackshear should have been opened in preparation for Tropical Storm Alberto. Instead, the dam was kept closed to ensure the lake would be sufficiently filled for the upcoming 4th of July holiday. This disregard for safety in our rural community cost us dearly, but was the inspiration for my rural organizing work moving forward.
Over my almost ten-year career, I’ve learned two main principles to successful organizing:
Listen
Amplify.
Listen
Bringing rural towns together around community-specific issues starts with listening to the community. It goes further than issues mining, or simply looking for problems. The key to working in local neighborhoods is making personal connections.
Conversation with people in congregations, on doorsteps, in barber shops, and at coffee houses is the foundation for building a grassroots movement. It is in these conversations you hear about the burden of utility rate increases, about factories upstream ruining water quality, or about the local government not working for the people. Each of these issues can mobilize a community and be the catalyst for grassroots action.
Amplify
After listening, it is time to amplify. This is where rural investment comes into play. Organizations like Georgia Interfaith Power and Light (GIPL), may offer staffing and training to get out and galvanize support in neighborhoods. We can facilitate the forming of Green Teams in congregations or groups of three or more people dedicated to advancing environmental justice in their areas.
We frequently encourage residents to attend civic meetings and advocate for policies that promote the health and well-being of all Creation. We also support citizens in implementing practical climate solutions that bring greater resiliency to their communities.
Together listening and amplifying is how we bring about just change, and hold government and corporations accountable to Sacred Earth and all her creatures!
