Learning from success
These case studies illustrate principles of effective civic organizing. While we’re a new platform, these examples show what’s possible when communities organize effectively.
The Parkdale rent strike
Toronto, 2017
The situation
Tenants in Parkdale, a working-class Toronto neighbourhood, faced aggressive rent increases from their landlord, MetCap Living. Increases of $100-200/month threatened to displace long-time residents.
The organizing
Parkdale Organize, a tenant organization, went door-to-door talking to tenants. They held building meetings. They built a network across multiple buildings.
When negotiation failed, tenants in 12 buildings—over 300 units—went on rent strike simultaneously.
The outcome
After months of pressure, including media coverage, court battles, and sustained organizing, tenants won:
- Reduced rent increases
- Maintenance improvements
- Precedent for tenant power in Toronto
Lessons
- Start with conversations — Door-to-door outreach built the base
- Collective action — Individual complaints were ignored; coordinated action got results
- Escalation — They tried negotiation first, then escalated to direct action
- Staying power — The strike lasted months; commitment mattered
Jane Jacobs and the Spadina Expressway
Toronto, 1960s-1971
The situation
The City of Toronto planned to build the Spadina Expressway, which would have destroyed neighbourhoods and cemented car-centric urban planning.
The organizing
Citizens, led by figures like Jane Jacobs and David Crombie, organized opposition. They built coalitions across affected neighbourhoods. They made the case for walkable, livable cities.
The campaign combined:
- Public meetings and community organizing
- Expert research and planning alternatives
- Political engagement and electoral pressure
- Media advocacy
The outcome
In 1971, Premier Bill Davis cancelled the expressway, famously saying “cities are for people.”
Lessons
- Long game — This campaign took years
- Coalition building — Multiple neighbourhoods and interest groups united
- Alternative vision — They didn’t just oppose; they proposed something better
- Political engagement — Ultimately, elected officials made the decision; they needed political pressure
The Fight for $15
Multiple cities, 2012-present
The situation
Fast food and retail workers across North America were working for wages that couldn’t support a family.
The organizing
Starting in New York City in 2012, workers walked off the job demanding $15/hour and union rights. The strikes spread to other cities.
The campaign combined:
- Worker organizing and strikes
- Coalition with community organizations
- Policy advocacy for minimum wage increases
- Narrative shift about the value of work
The outcome
Multiple cities and states have implemented $15 minimum wages. The conversation about living wages shifted fundamentally.
Lessons
- Worker leadership — Affected people led the campaign
- Direct action — Strikes created visibility and pressure
- Policy goals — Clear, concrete demand ($15) was easy to understand and support
- Movement building — This became a movement, not just a campaign
Vancouver’s Yes In My Backyard (YIMBY) movement
Vancouver, 2010s-present
The situation
Vancouver’s housing affordability crisis was driven partly by restrictive zoning that limited housing construction in established neighbourhoods.
The organizing
YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) groups organized to counter NIMBY opposition to new housing. They showed up at public hearings, advocated for zoning changes, and supported candidates who backed more housing.
The outcome
Vancouver has implemented some of the most progressive zoning reforms in North America, including allowing more density in single-family neighbourhoods.
Lessons
- Show up — Public hearings matter; who shows up shapes decisions
- Counter-organize — NIMBYs were organized; they needed organized opposition
- Policy literacy — Understanding zoning and planning gave them credibility
- Long-term engagement — This wasn’t one campaign; it’s ongoing civic engagement
What these examples share
Despite different issues and contexts, effective civic organizing tends to share:
Clear goals
Specific, concrete outcomes people could rally around.
Base building
They didn’t just mobilize people for one event; they built lasting organizational capacity.
Escalation
They started with less confrontational tactics and escalated when needed.
Leadership development
They developed many leaders, not just one spokesperson.
Staying power
These campaigns took months or years. Quick wins are rare.
Coalition
They built alliances beyond their immediate base.
Your story
What will your community accomplish?
The tools are just tools. The power comes from people, organized, taking action together.
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