Coal Blooded Action Toolkit - Climate Access

Engaging in Direct ActionWhen working to create change in thecommunity, a number of approaches can betaken. Most will likely include nonviolentdirect action. Nonviolent direct action isdirect action primarily defined by theirconfrontational, public, disruptive andpossibly illegal nature. They can be donewith large or small groups of people. Theyare most effective when carefully planned.Nonviolent direct action can be a verypowerful tool when organizing. Beforetaking action, consider these questions: Will an action advance orset back your cause? Will you have broadsupport? Can you convince others that it is necessary? Are you ready to handle the difficulties of any backlash?Once your unit has considered and discussed these questions, the next step is to select the type ofnonviolent action that the unit and or partners want to use. This should be a focused effort and the timing ofthe action should be aligned with key events or days if possible. However, the more planned an action is,the better the execution of the unit’s message to the public. This will be another opportunity to engage thepublic and gain support from community members. Actions that can be taken include:sit-inspeaceful strikesmarchespermitted protestsNonviolent direct action is a planned effort and the preparations taken are just as important to the unit. Hereare suggested guidelines when preparing to use nonviolent direct action.Focus the Action: What specifics of the issue does the unit want to highlight? If opposing a permit of acoal plant, will the protest occur in front of the coal plant? Make sure that the building that the unit and itspartners plan to visit is open and the people who the unit is directing its attention to are present. Map outexit routes for safety measures.Timing of Action: Maximize your effectiveness by timing your action. This may not be ideal during anegotiation unless little to no action is being taken by the coal plant. Use this as an opportunity to organizearound a long standing community issue rather than a new issue. The community will likely back the unit’sefforts concerning a long standing issue that has yet to be properly addressed.NAACP Coal Blooded Action Toolkit69 | P a g e