Many partners in Palestine Portal and other organizations have created helpful guides and toolkits for justice advocates, and we present here some that we have found useful: how to plan for diverse types of events, engage with the mainstream media, advocate with Congress, and more.
Do you know good toolkits and guides for social action and related work? Send them to us! [email protected].
ADVOCACY
BDS Toolkit and Videos
US Campaign for Palestinian Rights
https://uscpr.org/campaign/bds/resources/bdstoolkit/
This toolkit and short video series from USCPR can help you organize effective boycott, divestment, and sanctions campaigns in your communities in support of Palestinian rights.
The Contents of the 18-page toolkit includes: I. About BDS II. Why BDS? III. BDS Victories to Date IV. Types of BDS Campaigns V. Cultural & Academic Boycott VI. Group Building in an Anti-Oppression Framework VII. Picking a Campaign and Target VIII. Preparing Your Campaign IX. Launching Your Campaign X. Escalating Tactics
XI. Sustaining Your Campaign & Resisting Attacks XII. Celebrating Wins
The three videos are PowerPoint presentations on:
• BDS 101: What is BDS and How Does it Work?
• How to Prepare a BDS Campaign
• How to Win Your BDS Campaign
Advocating for Palestinian Rights in Conformity with International Law
Civic Coalition for Palestinian Rights
Download the pdf: https://www.palestineportal.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Advocate-in-conformity-to-International-Law.pdf
This resource was the outcome of the conference “Options and Strategies for the Palestinian People in International Law.” Published by the Civic Coalition for Palestinian Rights in Jerusalem in cooperation with the Birzeit University Institute of Law.
Lobbying Congress Tips
US Campaign for Palestinian Rights
https://uscpr.org/campaign/government-affairs/resources/lobbying-congress-tips/
This helpful resource has detailed advice on scheduling a meeting at the offices of Members of Congress and what to do before, during and after that meeting.
Everybody Freeze! The Art of Public Demonstrations for Palestine on College Campuses
American Muslims for Palestine (AMP)
https://www.ampalestine.org/publications/campus-activism-handbook
AMP, a national education and advocacy organization, has developed this activism handbook that can be utilized easily by student groups seeking creative ways to engage their campus communities on Palestine. Get tips and tools for conducing successful campus events to raise awareness for Palestine. Educate your peers about Israel’s violations of international law and Palestinians’ human rights. Want to know how to conduct a rally? A Sit-in? What’s the best way to do a Flash Mob? This handbook is for you.
[Palestine Portal note: This guide could be useful for demonstrations in many other venues also.]
EVENTS
Guide to Planning An Event
United Methodists’ Holy Land Task Force
Download the pdf
The nuts and bolts of planning many types of events, for those who have never done it before or experienced event organizers. From United Methodists’ Holy Land Task Force.
Plan a Film Screening
Just Vision
Download the pdf
This toolkit from film producers at Just Vision was made to help plan a successful screening of the film Wanted 18, but it has information than can be applied to any film screening you may want to present.
Memorial Circles Toolkit: Gaza War & Al Nakba Day Memorial Ritual
Jewish Voice for Peace
Download the pdf
Jewish mourning tradition can provide us with the language and tools to cope with unfathomable loss. The very same liturgy provides us with the framework to discuss accountability and guilt. This ritual was first observed at the JVP 2015 National Members Meeting by JVP members across the world. The ritual was a collaboration between JVP’s Rabbinical Council and Artist & Cultural Workers Council. The Memorial Service was envisioned as a time to give people the opportunity to sit still and take in the enormity of loss that they had experienced during the previous year. It took place at the National Members Meeting that followed the 2014 siege in Gaza, so the loss was great and the sorrow was intense.
Palestinian Crafts Fair
Israel/Palestine Mission Network (IPMN) of the Presbyterian Church (USA)
http://new.israelpalestinemissionnetwork.org/partnerships/palestinian-products
See some ideas from IPMN for promoting Palestinian products and crafts and supporting Palestinian farmers and artisans in your congregation.
COMMUNICATIONS
JVP Media Kit
Jewish Voice for Peace
Download the pdf
Eighteen pages of advice, sample materials, talking points and tips to maximize and amplify your message in the media. Although the contents are focused on and for JVP’s members and chapters, the information can be very helpful for an activist or organization.
Contents include: • Media’s Role in JVP Organizing • Core JVP Talking Points • Eight Steps for Gett ing Media Coverage • Media Advisory Template • Press Release Template • Speaking to Media & Staying Up on the News • Relationship Building with Media & Messaging Tips • Letters to the Editor & Op-Eds • Tips for Social Media • Tips for Editorial Board Meetings • JVP Elevator Pitch and Boilerplate
Media “How To” Resource
Institute for Middle East Understanding (IMEU)
Download this pdf
IMEU are experts in media work and a valued partner in advocacy for Palestinian rights. This simple 6-page resource provides: • Framing and Messaging Tips • Interview Tips • Press Releases – Best Practices and Templates, and • Tools for Making Your Own Media.
Advocacy Action Kit, for Email Marketing
Salsa Labs
Download the pdf
Many organizations use “email marketing” services like Salsa Labs, Mailchimp, Constant Contact, NationBuilder, and others to communicate with their members, call them to action, and do fundraising. Salsa Labs has a practical guide full of helpful advice on how to best use these tools to empower justice advocacy. View and download