My 2025 A to Z Challenge theme is activism. I’ve been a Black Lives Matter activist for over a decade. I’m not an expert. I do have experience to share and I’m hoping to learn from your experiences, too. We’re all in this together.

Community organizing benefits from organization (in the other sense of the word).

Keep physical files

I have a different color accordion file folder for each group that I work with. I carry my handwritten notes from previous meetings, extra copies of handouts (they’re helpful when new people join to catch them up to what we’ve done in the past), and documents about organizations where we’re advocating for change (the strategic plan of the school district, for example).

Keep computer folders

Any time that anyone in my group creates a graphic, writes a statement, or designs a handout, I keep a copy of it on my computer and/or in a shareable Google drive folder. I rarely start from scratch when I’m making new material because I have years worth of inspiration, formats, and information to draw from.

Keep logs

When I start a new project, my habit is to start a new log. I pull up a blank document, type the date, and then free-write everything I know about the project. I record every thought I’ve had about both content and process. I capture the links of articles and posts that have relevant information.

The next time that I work on the project, I type the new date and continue recording thoughts and capturing information.

My logs serve multiple purposes:

• They are a container for ideas and research
• They form a timeline of activity which can help in a variety of situations:
  • When I come back to a project after time a way
  • When I need to remember the history of actions taken to report to others
  • When I want to estimate the time it will take for further action
• They provide a blueprint for similar projects in future

Do you have organizational tips for activists?