It is usually used toward the end of an issue campaign after a great deal of strength has been built up. It requires the ability to turn out hundreds of people, and a sophisticated leadership that can run the meeting and put heat on the target. Like other tactics, it is placed in the last column of the strategy chart. It is a much more rehearsed and controlled event, but the real difference is that it is a big show of organizational power. It is your organization s event and there is no reason to present the other side or give time to opposing opinions.
Power is always a relative term.
An assessment of how much power your group has is the starting point for planning an accountability session. Begin with an analysis of the target, the person who can give you what you want. If the target is a non-elected official, the task of estimating power is harder. All appointed public officials are ultimately answerable to some elected person, and part of their job is to protect that person from criticism. No official wants to be publicly embarrassed.