It’s a truism in politics to say that “all politics is local”, but truisms are truisms because they’re usually true. In this case it’s right on the money. And the precinct is the most “local” organizational unit in American politics.

Put simply, a "precinct" is essentially your neighborhood. It’s a geographic area with specific boundaries, (usually defined by your state), that surrounds the place where you go to vote. The name of your precinct is listed on your voter registration card.

There are more than 203,000 precincts in the United States, each with an average of about 1,000 registered voters. Politically, they represent the building blocks that comprise all other political districts in America, (whether local council, state legislature or congress). And precincts are where the voters are – which means that’s where the power is in our political system.

Political influence goes to those who are the most organized at the precinct (or neighborhood) level. And good grassroots organization emphasizes the important role that precincts play and the idea that all politics is local by focusing on individuals who are willing to identify and organize others in their own neighborhoods.

That goes for campaigns, grassroots lobbying efforts and gaining influence in the Republican Party.

It's another case of "think globally, act locally".

Related entries:

• The four rules to winning an election
• A menu of effective grassroots activities
• Three venues for conservative grassroots organization

(You can find tips like this and much more in my “Grassroots 101: Grassroots Training Series”.)  read more »

Whether you're organizing for a campaign, a group or just an issue you care about, there are three areas that it pays for conservatives to focus their time. And each area has different benefits as well as challenges.

Organizing by precinct

Organizing by precinct is more geographically focused and as a result it can have a more direct and greater potential impact on a specific area. Plus, the American political system is built around the precinct. Meaning that elections are held in districts which are built on different combinations of precincts, and if you're organized in the precincts you can influence an election - or an elected official who wants to run for re-election.

Organizing in churches

Organizing in churches allows you to work with people you're probably more familiar with, and are likely to have more in common with. It also has the benefit of involving people across multiple neighborhoods (or precincts), which can "sow seeds" of activism in more than one area.

Online organization

Online organization can exist on its own or as a compliment to church and/or precinct organization, (ex. online "groups" via Yahoo, Google, Ning or Facebook; or online petitions and campaigns at AktNow - or a combination). And when you organize online, you make it easier to share informatoin with others and for others to find you.

Where to focus your time?

In order to determine where you should focus your time and efforts, ask yourself the following questions:  read more »

Are you frustrated?  Upset with what you see going on in our country today? Want to do something about it, but not quite sure of the best way?  Looking for tips?

Conservative patriots all across the country are joining together to let their voices be heard.  But being heard is not enough.  In our system of self-government you get what you pay for – or work for. 

No victory or defeat is permanent, and the battles always rage.  As Ronald Reagan once said, “Freedom is never more than one generation from extinction” – which means we need to get busy!

All of which brings us to the basic who?, what?, why?, when?, where? and how? of Tea Party activism.

Your Free Tea Party Activism Resource

Several months ago I put together an e-book that would give even the most unitiated would-be activist a heads up on how to be effective.  And it's free for everyone who subscribes to the Daily Updates from the Outpost.

Simply click the image or the link below and then sign up via the Feedburner pop-up.  You'll then receive a confirmation link via email w/your free download link to "Tea Party Activism".  read more »