The group initially met with protest from some churches, pastors, and church contributors who disliked the radical associations of Saul Alinsky, IAF's founder. However, members persisted and are now credited in local papers as a driving citizen force on many political issues. Maribeth Larkin, the lead organizer, says her job includes identifying leadership, developing strategies, and assisting research. Besides holding house meetings, members elect nine co-chairs who meet weekly to plan actions. The purpose of all this meeting is, of course, action.
Action usually means meeting with, and trying to influence, public officials.
Some meetings are called research actions, during which a team of 12 visits officials in their offices to discuss possible solutions. Then there are larger actions to create public pressure. It is common for 100 to 300 members to attend these meetings, and attendance has reached 2000-3000. In the public arena, people respond. Visits from higher-ups are also a useful tool for leverage on the local level.