activism in small groups?

Why have 21 people looked at this and nil replies? =( sad.

Haha, don't worry too much. It's probably because most people who have viewed the thread live interstate.

But yeh, the first few times I got active I had to go it alone. And even for a few times after that - after repeatedly asking for people to come along via unleashed - I still ended up going alone.

Doing things like leafleting alone is pretty crap. But I suppose I couldn't, no matter how shit each session was, not do it as I knew not enough people were doing as it is. I knew the animals were due far more sympathy than I ever would be.

BUT, saying that, for example, leafleting alone isn't as bad as it seems. Handing out the first few is pretty tough, but in a matter of moments you'll start feeling like a leafleting machine! Also, being in a capital city, you're sure to come across other like-minded people who are interested in taking up the fight.

For now, I'd organize some leaflets, make a date and throw a thread up on unleashed asking people to come along at a time you can commit to. Yeh, the first time you'll probably have to go it alone like I did, but after a while I can guarantee someone will put up their hand and come help out. In my experience, I found that many people were willing to get active.... They were just waiting for someone else to make that first step. And sometimes, we ourselves need to male that first step.

It can and probably will be hard at first... But you can do it. Someone else later will magically turn up, and you'll have yourself a team. You just gotta make that first step.

Oh yeh, have you got into contact with any NSA animal lib org yet? They might send out an email for you asking for vollies

Goooooood luckkkkkkkkk

But yeh I too wish wish wish more people on unleashed were more willing to get active.  There is a major problem people... we need to fix it!!! Complaining on forums and signing internet petitions (shock horror) won't get anything for the animals, let alone their absolute liberation.

That's just how it is. There are very few activists, but a lot who interested in being active, at some point.
Effective organisations harness those who want to do a lot, and those who will only be bothered to do a little.

If you can harness a small group of 3 or 4 friends you can get a lot done. You would be able to  distribute 500 leaflets a week with 4 people, taking just 3 hours a week, if you find the right spot. You won't manage this at first, leafletting is a skill and it takes time to develop your confidence.

Yeah I know I'd feel part of something special if a few more people wanted to do it in a group. That's kind of what I wanted to cultivate through Unleashed because people add you, but don't really get to know you. Actually meeting up in our major cities even on the same day in different states and comparing experiences would be really cool methinks.
I think if Unleashed issued action alerts like that it would be really motivating.
I am on the Animal Lib email list, I often get updates about meetings but can rarely attend; sometimes I'll get protest alerts too but not for just leafletting.
I'd probably rather leaflet for Animals Australia because they have a less provocative name =)

BTW who changed the name of this thread?! I named in "Activism in small groups?" now all of a sudden it says "-Sydney" at the end!! Confused.

Woops - Me, sorry.   I read this quickly and thought it was about finding others in Syd. Since there are people from all over Aus here I thought putting Sydney in the title might help to draw the attention of the right people. I see now it's more a general discussion -- changed back

Haha all good, I thought it was something like that but then freaked out and started to wonder if I had done it and forgotten! =)