Building your changemaker squad, one at a time

What we can learn from community organizers about recruiting to a cause

@ONA / @mmurphydc

#ONALocal

What we’ll cover

1. What is a 1:1? What are they good for?
2. Exercise: Thinking about your narrative
3. What are the components of a 1:1
4. Exercise: Practicing 1:1s

@ONA / @mmurphydc

#ONALocal

What’s a 1:1?

A purposeful conversation with one other person to learn about their motivations, concerns and resources, with a focus on getting commitments to specific actions

One-on-ones:

Are:

• An exchange of stories
• About the work you will do together
• Rooted in self motivations
• Conversations (two-way)
• About curiosity
• Scheduled
• Foundation for a longer-term working relationship

Are not:

• A list of tasks
• About friendship (although you can be friends!)
• Selling them on caring about something
• Interviews (one-way)
• About prying
• Rushed and driving towards a point
• Finite, one-time-only

@ONA / @mmurphydc

#ONALocal

What are they good for?

• Building strong, long-term commitments
• Teaching us about what motivates people
• Helping find the right people to join us in work
• Challenging assumptions/ stereotypes
• Helping us practice our narrative -- talking about why we do this

3

components to a 1:1

1. Self

Exchange stories that show your motivations for doing the work you’re doing, and discover theirs. Stay here about 80% of the conversation.

• Us
• Now

Exercise:

Write up some notes about your narrative.

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Stories about your motivation are made up of challenge, choice and outcome.

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What made you want to start an ONA Local group? What are you doing with it?

@ONA / @mmurphydc

#ONALocal

3

components to a 1:1

• Self
• Us

Finding a common identity that flows from and aligns our goals and motivations. What would we like to see? Stay here for about 15% of the conversation.

• Now

3

components to a 1:1

• Self
• Us
• Now

Make the ask -- for a concrete next step. Make a plan for follow-up. Spend 5% of the conversation here.

Tips

• Prep: What do I want to know about this person? What do I want to show them about me?
• Be forthcoming with the topic of conversation (“I’d love to have an hour or so to talk with you about your work with ________”)
• Allot time: 45 minutes to an hour, ideally
• Be authentic; don’t be afraid to show vulnerability
• Use why questions instead of yes/no
• Know the ask you want to make, but be ok with it not being the best fit or the outcome you thought
• Ask what they need!
• Don’t forget to follow up

@ONA / @mmurphydc

#ONALocal

Exercise:

Try out a 1:1 with someone else. Switch roles halfway.

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Sample questions, in case you get stuck:

How did you get involved in this work?

What would you like to see change?

What support do you need?

What do you wish you could learn?

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@ONA / @mmurphydc

#ONALocal