1. Effectively counter extreme demands and provide a reasoned voice in campus discussions.

1. Maintain sustained engagement with university administration.

1. Address immediate concerns while laying groundwork for long-term improvements in campus climate and policy.

1. Raise awareness about antisemitism and the challenges faced by Jewish students.

1. Influence university policy and decision-making processes.

• Aim for a mix of personalities and skill sets. You'll benefit from having:

• Strong, assertive voices who can lead discussions and negotiations

• Empathetic individuals who can share personal stories effectively

• Detail-oriented members for research and documentation

• Journalism or communications students who can liaise with the press

• Tech-savvy individuals to manage social media and digital outreach

• Foster an environment of open communication and mutual respect

• Encourage diverse viewpoints while maintaining focus on shared goals

• Establish clear decision-making processes to avoid internal conflicts

• Share this playbook with all team members

• Hold regular strategy sessions to ensure everyone understands the campaign's objectives and tactics

• Encourage continuous learning and skill-sharing among team members

• Familiarize yourself with your university's code of conduct, free speech policies, and protest guidelines.

• Understand the process for filing complaints or grievances.

• Research any existing policies related to discrimination, harassment, or antisemitism.

• Look into the university's disciplinary procedures for student organizations.

• Identify key decision-makers in the administration (e.g., Chancellor, Dean of Students, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs).

• Understand the role of the Board of Regents or Board of Trustees.

• Research the faculty senate or other academic governance bodies.

• Identify influential student organizations and their leadership.

• Review recent incidents related to antisemitism or other forms of discrimination on campus.

• Assess the overall political and social climate on campus.

• Understand the demographics of the student body, including the Jewish student population.

• Research any existing initiatives or programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Look for student groups that might be natural allies (e.g., other minority or religious groups, free speech advocates).

• Identify faculty members who have spoken out on related issues.

• Research local community organizations that might support your cause.

• Be aware of groups or individuals who might oppose your efforts.

• Familiarize yourself with campus media outlets (student newspaper, radio station, etc.).

• Identify local media that covers campus issues.

• Research which reporters typically cover higher education or campus issues.

• Research past incidents of antisemitism or related issues on your campus.

• Understand how the administration has responded to similar situations in the past.

• Look for precedents that might support your cause.

• Understand relevant state laws that might impact campus policies or your advocacy efforts.

• Be aware of any ongoing legal cases related to campus free speech or discrimination issues.

• Establish a system for collecting and organizing incidents of antisemitism, discrimination, or policy violations.

• Use a standardized form or template for reporting incidents, including: • Date, time, and location • Detailed description of the incident • Names of victims, witnesses, and perpetrators (if known) • Any immediate actions taken • Photos or videos, if available

• Encourage students to report incidents promptly, emphasizing the importance of detailed, factual accounts.

• Consider setting up an anonymous reporting system to encourage those who might be hesitant to come forward.

• If your school has a standardized bias reporting process, be sure to encourage individuals to submit bias incidents through the process in addition.

• Thoroughly review your university's: • Code of Conduct • Non-discrimination policies • Free speech and protest guidelines • Disciplinary procedures

• Identify any inconsistencies in policy enforcement or gaps in protection for Jewish students.

• Research peer institutions' policies for comparison and potential improvement suggestions.

• Organize your findings into clear, well-structured reports.

• Include: • Executive summary • Detailed incident logs • Analysis of policy violations • Impact on Jewish students and campus climate • Recommendations for action

• Use data visualization (charts, graphs) to illustrate trends or patterns.

• Have team members review and fact-check all information before finalizing.

• Consult with legal experts or organizations specializing in campus antisemitism.

• Utilize resources from national Jewish organizations for data on broader trends.

• Consider Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for relevant university documents if necessary.

• Protect the privacy of individuals who report incidents.

• Ensure all documentation adheres to ethical standards and university privacy policies.

• Be prepared to redact sensitive information when sharing reports publicly.

• Present your findings in meetings with administration.

• Share relevant data with media, always respecting privacy concerns.

• Use documentation to support policy change proposals.

• Keep records updated for ongoing advocacy efforts and to track progress over time.

• Utilize secure, collaborative platforms for storing and organizing data.

• Consider using data analysis tools to identify patterns or trends in incidents.

• Implement a version control system to track changes and updates to your documentation.

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Chancellor and Students May 6 Renew.pdf

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1. Clear and Concise Message: Your report should open with a clear, concise statement of your primary concerns and objectives. This sets the tone for the entire document and immediately communicates the importance of your cause. Example: We began our report with a brief overview of the encampment situation and its impact on Jewish and Israeli students, framing it within the context of the Wisconsin Idea.

1. Demonstration of Harm: Provide specific examples and evidence of how current policies or situations are causing harm to students. This section should be detailed and well-documented. Example: We included anonymized testimonies from affected students, photos of antisemitic incidents, and data on reported harassment cases.

1. Specific Policy Solutions: Present clear, actionable policy recommendations. These should be well-researched and feasible within the university's framework. Example: We outlined our 12 policy requests, each accompanied by a brief rationale and potential implementation strategy.

1. Evidence of Commitment: Demonstrate that your group is committed to seeing this through. This can be shown through the depth of your research, the organization of your report, and your plans for ongoing advocacy. Example: We included a timeline of our activities leading up to the report, as well as our plans for future actions, including media outreach and legislative engagement.

1. Detailed Supporting Evidence: Include an appendix with additional evidence, research, and resources. This shows the depth of your investigation and provides administrators with further information if needed. Example: Our appendix included full testimonies, relevant university policies, comparative data from other institutions, and legal precedents supporting our requests.

1. Executive Summary: A brief overview of the situation, your key concerns, and your primary requests.

1. Background: Provide context for the current situation and why action is necessary.

1. Impact Analysis: Detail the harm caused by the current policies or situation, using specific examples and data.

1. Policy Recommendations: Present your solutions, explaining how each addresses the identified problems.

1. Implementation Strategies: Offer suggestions on how your recommendations could be put into practice.

1. Conclusion: Reiterate the importance of action and your commitment to working towards solutions.

1. Appendices: Include supporting documents, additional evidence, and resources.

1. Use clear, professional language throughout the report.

1. Include visual elements like charts or graphs to illustrate key points.

1. Ensure the report is well-formatted and easy to navigate.

1. Have multiple people proofread the document for errors and clarity.

1. Consider the timing of your report submission for maximum impact.

1. Ensure all groundwork is complete:

• Finalize your report and key talking points

• Gather all necessary evidence and documentation

• Prepare responses to potential counterarguments

1. Hold a strategy session:

• Assign specific roles to team members based on their strengths

• Practice your presentations and responses to potential questions

• Agree on your non-negotiables and areas of flexibility

1. Document all outcomes, promises, and areas of concern

1. Plan your next steps based on the administration's responses

1. Communicate relevant outcomes to your broader support base

• Identify and address any team members who may derail your efforts by focusing on personal issues or topics outside your mission

• If necessary, have a private conversation with these individuals before the meeting to realign their focus or reconsider their participation

• Resist the urge to negotiate or give concessions during the initial meeting

• Any adjustments to your requests should be made after careful consideration with your full team

• Be aware that expressions of collaboration may be genuine or may be attempts to relieve pressure

• Judge the administration's intent by their concrete actions and commitments, not just their words

• Remember that this meeting is part of a longer campaign

• Be prepared to adjust your strategy based on the meeting's outcomes, but don't abandon your core objectives

• Create a comprehensive list of relevant media contacts, including: • Campus media (student newspaper, radio, TV) • Local newspapers, radio stations, and TV channels • National Jewish publications • Higher education focused outlets (e.g., Chronicle of Higher Education)

• Research and identify journalists who have covered similar issues in the past

• Regularly update your media list with new contacts and remove outdated ones

• Write clear, concise press releases that follow standard journalistic format

• Include a compelling headline, dateline, and lead paragraph summarizing the key points

• Provide relevant background information and quotes from key stakeholders

• End with contact information for media inquiries

• Use a professional tone and avoid inflammatory language

• See Press Release Writer

• Designate and train specific team members as media spokespersons

• Develop a set of key messages and talking points for consistency across all interviews

• Practice answering difficult questions and staying on message

• Prepare personal stories and concrete examples to illustrate your points

• Be ready with facts and figures to support your arguments

• See Media Interview Trainer

• Traditional Media: Pitch stories to newspapers, TV, and radio stations

• Social Media: Maintain active, professional accounts on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram

• Op-Eds and Letters to the Editor: Submit well-crafted pieces to relevant publications

• Campus Media: Engage regularly with student journalists and publications

• Coordinate media releases with significant events or milestones in your campaign

• Be prepared to respond quickly to breaking news or incidents on campus

• Consider the news cycle when planning your outreach efforts

• Be responsive and reliable when journalists reach out

• Offer exclusive stories or interviews to build rapport

• Provide accurate, timely information to establish credibility

As an advocacy organization, you should work with any elected official who will listen to your concerns and help you achieve your goals. This may mean working with legislators with whom you disagree politically. And because of the kinds of issues that legislators already care about, Jews may find themselves with "strange political bedfellows." The best thing you can do as an advocate is to reach out to both sides with the same core message, while tailoring your outreach to resonate with the things they care about.

• Research state representatives and senators whose districts include your campus

• Identify lawmakers who sit on education committees or have shown interest in higher education issues

• Look for legislators with a history of supporting Jewish causes or combating antisemitism

• Consider both majority and minority party members for bipartisan support

• Prepare a compelling note to the legislators that will highlight your concerns and request action

• Compile a list of state legislator's contact information, including emails

• Load this contact information into a customer relationship management system (CRM) like PipeDrive

• This will allow you to send personalized notes at scale and keep track of your efforts

• Transfer the note into an email template with a personalized to field like this: "Dear Senator {lastname}"

• Send the outreach note

• Request in-person meetings or video calls with legislators or their staff

• Attend town halls or other public events where legislators are present

• Invite lawmakers to relevant campus events or discussions

• Develop a concise, compelling presentation of your concerns and requests

• Prepare a one-page summary document to leave behind after meetings

• Practice your presentation with your team, anticipating potential questions

• Bring supporting documentation, including incident reports and policy analyses

• Clearly state the purpose of your meeting and your desired outcomes

• Share personal stories and concrete examples to illustrate the impact of campus antisemitism

• Explain how addressing your concerns aligns with the legislator's interests and constituents

• Be specific about how the legislator can help (e.g., writing letters to university administration, proposing legislation)

• Follow up after the meeting with a thank-you note and any promised information

• Research existing laws and regulations related to campus antisemitism and free speech

• Consult with legal experts or organizations specializing in higher education policy

• Draft clear, concise language for potential legislation or amendments

• Consider the broader implications and potential opposition to your proposals

• Organize letter-writing or call-in campaigns to legislators' offices

• Use social media to encourage supporters to contact their representatives

• Create petitions to demonstrate widespread support for your cause

• Request letters from supportive legislators to university administration

• Seek opportunities for legislators to make public statements or press releases about your issues

• Explore possibilities for legislative hearings or investigations into campus antisemitism

• Be prepared for varying levels of receptiveness from different lawmakers

• Maintain a non-partisan approach, focusing on the issues rather than party politics

• Be aware of legislative calendars and election cycles when planning your outreach

• Monitor relevant legislative activities and committee hearings

• Subscribe to lawmakers' newsletters and social media accounts

• Attend relevant legislative sessions or watch online when possible
  
  

• Technology can be a great equalizer in advocacy work, allowing small groups to compete with larger, established organizations.

• Personalization at scale is possible and highly effective when leveraging the right tools.

• Investing time in setting up and learning these systems pays off in increased efficiency and reach.

• Staying up-to-date with the latest technological tools can provide a significant advantage in fast-moving advocacy campaigns.

• Maintain a living document of useful tech tools and their applications for quick reference in future campaigns.

• Regularly explore new technologies that could further enhance advocacy efforts.

• Train team members on these tools to ensure widespread adoption and utilization.

1. Thorough preparation is your foundation. Understanding your campus environment, documenting antisemitic incidents, and crafting a compelling message are essential to your advocacy's success.

1. Flexibility in the face of adversity is crucial. While you should have clear goals, be prepared to adjust your approach when faced with resistance or unexpected challenges.

1. Technology can level the playing field. By leveraging AI, CRM systems, and other digital tools, you can amplify your voice and efficiency, allowing you to compete with better-resourced opposition.

1. Persistence is key in addressing deep-seated issues. Combating antisemitism is often a long-term effort. Stay committed, celebrate small victories, and keep pushing forward.

1. Your unique perspective as a Jewish student matters. Your lived experiences and insights are powerful tools for educating others and driving change in university policies and campus climate.