A HANDBOOK FOR GRASSROOTS LEADERS
When we find someone interested in becoming a FAIRtax grassroots leader, their next question is, “What do I do?” Do we have a list of responsibilities and tasks, a state leadership plan or manual, or something that would give a new leader a good breakdown of expectations?
Those are all reasonable questions; unfortunately, we have not had much guidance until now. About fifteen years ago, when the FAIRtax management had an office in Houston and paid staff, we had a handbook. We recently reviewed that handbook and saw that it no longer reflects current practices—if it ever did. The old document called for a hierarchy of regional directors, state directors, directors for each congressional district, and community coordinators.
In 2014, the FAIRtax movement was handed over to the grassroots. Unpaid volunteers replaced paid staff. In that new environment, we needed to give our grassroots leaders more relevant and more realistic guidance. Recently, we had a virtual meeting and approved a new handbook that more closely reflects our values and expectations.
You can view the new handbook here: https://fairtax.org/about/make-a-difference. Scroll down to the last bullet point, and you will see it. An icon in the upper right corner lets you print the handbook to your printer or a *.pdf file.
The new Handbook for FAIRtax Grassroots Leaders starts by explaining who we are. It presents an overview of the two pillars of our current strategy--state-level FAIRtax initiatives and public education.
Under public education, the handbook explains what one can do as an individual and what one can do as a leader, including a discussion of the database. A section on metrics, evaluation, and timelines follows.
The section on guidelines stresses the need for FAIRtax to be
- Nonpartisan, and
- Single-issue.
Remembering those two principles minimizes problems.
Sometimes, a new leader will take the initiative to create some new materials. Generally, this is encouraged, but if you create anything new, please understand that our logos are trademarked. Any new material with a FAIRtax logo on it must be cleared with our Marketing and Social Media Team Leader, Randy Fischer before it can be used. Randy can be reached by phone at (352) 804-0007, or by email at Randy.Fischer@FAIRtax.org. We need to know what our logos are on and where they are going. Randy turns these requests around quickly.
The handbook has a section on the press, budget (including fundraising), materials and supplies, and useful contacts.
We plan to revisit the handbook every nine months to ensure it is current and provides valuable information to you, our grassroots leaders. I would love to hear from you how we can improve the handbook.
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WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED – IF YOU LET US KNOW.
As a reminder, event insurance coverage is available, but you must let us know. Once the event is underway, it's too late. If you are planning an event, let me know the who, what, when, and where, and I will get you a certificate of insurance.
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TAKE BACK CONTROL!
🇺🇸 Call For Pictures & WriteUps - We need more of you to send in pictures and news. If you have something to share, please send your material to me, Jim.Bennett@FAIRtax.org, (908) 578-4975, or fax (908) 598-2888. When others see your activity, they are inspired, and the process snowballs. When the process snowballs, Congress Members, Senators, and even the President start to listen.