What is civic organizing?
Civic organizing is bringing people together to influence how their community is governed. It can mean running for office, building advocacy groups, mobilizing voters, or connecting neighbours.
At its core, it’s about power—building enough collective power to make change happen.
You don’t need permission
Anyone can organize. You don’t need political experience, wealthy donors, or a large network. If you care about your community and are willing to put in the work, you can organize.
Two paths
Running for office
If you’re considering a run for city council, school board, or any local position:
Find your reason
Why you, why now, why this office? Your answer doesn't need to be profound, but it needs to be genuine.
Craft your message
What will you do if elected? What's different about you? Start simple—it will evolve.
Plan voter contact
How will you talk to enough people to win? Door-knocking, phone calls, events, online—you need a realistic plan.
Learn the rules
Contribution limits, disclosure requirements, spending limits. Know before you start.
Get your tools
Track supporters, collect donations, send emails, manage volunteers. That's where gov.vote comes in.
Building an organization
If you’re starting a neighbourhood association, advocacy group, or tenant union:
Define your purpose
"Make the neighbourhood better" is too vague. "Stop the development at 5th and Main" is specific enough to organize around.
Find initial supporters
You don't need many—five committed people can start something real. Who already agrees with you?
Plan for growth
How will you find more people who care? Online, door-to-door, through existing networks?
Set up communication
How will you stay in touch? Email list, group chat, regular meetings?
Develop your theory of change
How does activity lead to outcomes? If you get 1,000 petition signatures, then what?
First steps for anyone
Talk to people
Before building anything, have conversations. What do people care about? What frustrates them?
Find your core team
You can't do this alone. Find 3-5 people who share your goals and will commit real time.
Set a concrete goal
Not "improve transit" but "add 10 buses to the 501 route by next budget." Specific, measurable, achievable.
Build your list
Start collecting contact information for supporters. This is your most valuable asset.
Plan your first action
A petition launch, a community meeting, a door-knocking day. Something that moves you forward.
Keep learning
Campaign Playbook
Running for local office? A practical guide to municipal campaigns.
Community Organizing
The fundamentals of building community power.
Fundraising Guide
Raising money from your community without wealthy donors.
Digital Strategy
Using online tools effectively for civic engagement.
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