Published online in 2001 as Basics of Grassroots Activism, Bottoms Up was expanded extensively, renamed and tied directly to the Journey for Justice in June of 2003. While dedicated to Journey planning and events, this Guide also serves as a basic education on becoming an organizer or activist.

Bottoms Up is a comprehensive, step-by-step primer in how to educate the public and get the social change you want. Useful for both beginning activists and seasoned organizers, this how-to manual covers topics such as Organizing a Public Event or Private Meeting with Officials, Designing Flyers and Posters, Working with Others, Leading a Demonstration, progressing to Building a Relationship with the Media and Elected Officials. Also included is a generous sampling of artwork, press release examples, educational literature, studies and reports, graphs and displays to share with the public, meeting forms, and other resources for organizers of different levels of skill.

The links at the left under 'This Way To Participate' will take you step by step through the online Bottoms Up.

Introduction to Planning a Journey for Justice Event

Journey for Justice events can include public forums, a neighborhood meeting, vigils, marches, meetings with officials, media interviews, church presentations, informal discussion groups, potlucks and more!

Make a point of choosing an event or events that will suit the needs and abilities of your local supporters, organization, or family group. A review of reports and media coverage at the Journey for Justice archive may help you or your group decide what type of event is appropriate and manageable to plan.

Event types usually fall into the following four categories and not all require experience and exceptional skill to plan:

• Speaker's Forum or Panel Presentation
• Discussion group
• Media appearance
• Private Meeting

Organizing a Journey for Justice event will help you and your group learn or increase your skills in:

Your group might be new, your organizing skills limited, but you want the Journey for Justice to visit your area. Perhaps you don't know others who might help you organize. If so, then read our webpages on basic grassroots activism. It's no nonsense and easy to understand. If you follow the instructions, you're certain to find at least a few people to help you locally.

Almost anyone can plan a Journey event. To make the job easier, we have included suggestions, checklists and supplies for each type of event. No matter who you are, beginner or seasoned activist, Journey organizers are coached to be creative. As you get involved, you will be eager to share your ideas with others.

The Journey brings together November Coalition members, reform activists and the general public to meet Nora Callahan, Chuck Armsbury and other activists in November Coalition. More importantly, people in the same geographical regions, often strangers to each other before, meet and are eager to work together.