Challenge:
The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) is dedicated to making cancer issues a national and global priority. In order to accomplish this, LAF wanted to move beyond an advocacy model that relied heavily on electronic action alerts and limited ongoing engagement of advocates. Rather than merely building a list of names, LAF sought to actively engage their advocates in fresh, innovative ways.
Solution:
grassroots solutions conducted a comprehensive assessment of LAF’s strengths, grassroots resources, and potential obstacles. Based on the assessment results, grassroots solutions:
- Crafted a comprehensive grassroots plan for building a robust national network of grassroots advocates, with detailed timeline, staffing, and budget recommendations;
- Designed the grassroots network around local, autonomous LIVESTRONG “Local Armies” made up of active volunteers.
- Developed a comprehensive Grassroots Field Manual for Local Armies and advocates to use as an organizing and advocacy resource over the long term.
- Created a 12-session training program, complete with trainer guides, session content, exercises, and activities.
- Continues to work with LAF to implement the grassroots plan, including developing detailed timelines, targeting criteria, digital organizing mechanisms, advocacy campaigns, and ongoing evaluations.
Results:
- Over 325 Local Armies were built, and over 200 advocates trained across the nation in the program’s pilot year.
- 500 Field Manuals were distributed to active grassroots supporters throughout the country in the first few months alone.
- Over 625 “Local LIVESTRONG DAY” events took place in every state, to bring attention to cancer issues and to pressure elected officials to take notice.
- Presidential candidates made appearances at the LAF’s presidential forum in Iowa.