Judy Hertz, Midwest Academy
Channel: Chi Hack Night
Date: 2018-04-18

Much of what we do at Chi Hack Night can be described as organizing. Though technology and data are the focus, every breakout group has to identify a problem they want to address, research it, come up with a plan of action, and execute it.

This week, we welcome Judy Hertz, Executive Director of Midwest Academy. She gives an introduction a nationally known tool for power analysis and planning community organizing strategy known as the Midwest Academy Strategy Chart.

Judy looks at the key pieces of a public policy campaign, and how they fit together.

 - defining what public policy change you want to win
 - assessing your own organizational power
 - analyzing the power of the decision-maker (the person with the power to say yes to you)
 - principles for building up your coalition
 - what tactics to use to show off your power and get to yes

Then she discusses with the group the research and data needs of community organizers, and how a group of Internet savvy people can be helpful.