How To Start A Grass Roots Organization

How does one start a grass roots organization? I first became interested and involved after reading the book by Robert Mendelsohn, "How To Raise A Healthy Child In Spite Of Your Doctor" and after my daughter had an adverse reaction to her DPT shots. I then read numerous other books, articles and studies on vaccines. I think the most motivating factor in this campaign, has been to follow through with the courage of my convictions. This has seen me through some tough and bleak times while listening to people that said that won’t work, or this won’t work. There are still tough times but knowing that I am helping someone far outweighs the temporary set backs that occur with this type of endeavor. Be very persistent and let no one stop you. If someone tells you they are not interested, let it go for the moment and try it again in a few months. They are not rejecting you, just the idea at the moment.

Be impassioned about what you are doing. That shouldn’t be too hard, since that is probably what got you interested in the first place. Be prepared to spend money out of pocket and to expect that people think you are on an unlimited government backed budget. Also ask for donations and remember this money is used only to work on the vaccination issue, copying, research, phone calls, etc. Below are just some things that I have done to try and bring about changes in the system and how I went about them. Pick and choose from this list as some may or may not work in your campaign. You may have other ideas to add to this list also. Try brainstorming also to get more ideas. Don’t limit yourself.

Radio--Call and press them to do a talk show on vaccinations. Get them to bring on experts on vaccines (this is usually easy to accomplish with out of town experts because of phone interviews). I got KLBJ in Austin to have Neil Miller (Vaccines: Are They Really Safe and Effective) interview. I was on KIXL for an hour show and was heartened by the callers with a positive response.

Legislature--If you need a philosophical exemption in your state, lobby at the state level, by contacting all the senators and representatives, preferably your own district representative first. Don’t be afraid of their no’s just keep plugging. Let the rejection serve as an inspiration to spur you on. I spoke directly to the author of the immunization bill in Texas and getting a meeting was not difficult, convincing the representative was a whole other story! I was told in no uncertain terms that she would not endorse a philosophical amendment to the bill she authored. She did however give me the impetus to go to the Public Health Committee and lobby them for help. People fight harder when they are defensive. Remember, the best defense is a good offense and that is what the government, health departments and pharmaceutical companies are doing now. It might work in your favor if you don’t know all the ins and outs of politics, at least for me it has let me pursue my agenda without the knowledge of what or what won’t work.

Television--Contact reporters at local TV stations and ask them to investigate claims made by experts about the ineffective and unsafe vaccines on the market. When the NOW show broadcast a piece on vaccines, we got the local news to a piece on a woman here in town. Inform the local stations of the parent’s group holding a meeting and who will be at the meeting. This might be especially useful if you have a medical person from either side addressing the group. Contact program managers of shows and ask for rebroadcasts of vaccine pieces. If there is interest, they may do a another piece on the subject.

Public Health Department--Ask to be a source for people who have questions about vaccinations. I had a social worker give out my name to a parent who had questions about vaccinations. This one is tricky and takes courage because of possible repercussions. However I have found and believe that the more visible you become the less at risk you are. That is my hope. Also be a watchdog and alert the public health when PL99-660 is not being followed through with. I talked to a person there asking if the informed consent law was indeed in force since I hear of numerous times from parents who are not informed or given the information sheet. After that chat, I heard that 2 quality assurance people were assigned that very task of making sure the parent/guardian is given as much information as required.

Cable Television--The local Cable stations have public forum opportunities for the general public to do shows on whatever subject. They usually air 5-6 times/month. If a producer is interested in your subject, he might offer to produce a series for you. You can speak alone, bring on guests, interview someone, chair a debate, etc. I recently appeared on Cable TV and my biggest fear was faced and alleviated, questions from the opposition. Those calls actually served to strengthen my conviction of what I am doing and most have to defer to me as I come fully prepared with the research I have done. I also stress my main goal of freedom of choice.

Newsletter--Start a monthly, bi monthly, quarterly newsletter to send to interested parties, Chiropractors, Acupuncturists, Homeopaths, Midwives, La Leche League, Naturopaths, etc. In your newsletter ask for a subscription so that you can keep the newsletter going and have many more on hand for people that might want to know about your group.

Magazines--Write articles or letters for Mothering, McCall’s, Ladies Home Journal, Newsweek, Time, US World & News Report, Nurturing Parent, Family Connections, Mothers At Home (Many names available in Mothers Resource Guide) Vegetarian Times, local magazines, etc. This is not an exhaustive list but you get the idea.

ACLU--Get the local and national ACLU on your bandwagon. I joined and spoke at one of their monthly meetings and was well received and have made some very important contacts through that meeting. The ACLU is going through the process to see about assisting in lobbying efforts at the state level.

Speeches--Speak at Parent’s Groups or those you know will be open or accepting of this extremely controversial subject. I am very closed mouth as to my activities unless I trust my audience and know that people will respect if not agree with my views. Once again, the group’s view is one that most people in America relate to. Freedom of Choice Information. The audience is more open with that point of view.

Advertising--While more expensive, paid advertising may reach a wider audience. This again can be national, local, newspaper, newsletter, TV, radio, etc. There is also free advertising in local newspaper publications that deal with parents, kids, etc. Each publication usually has a free calendar section.

Flyers--These are a good source to get the word out about meetings, issues and gatherings of your group. They can be posted at or sent to La Leche League meetings, Chiropractors, Acupuncturists, Homeopaths, Midwives, Naturopaths, Libraries, Health Food Stores and Restaurants. If you are really courageous, try public schools, pediatrician offices, doctor’s offices, public health clinics, immunization fairs, etc.

Meeting Room--The public library should have a free meeting room that can be booked a year in advance, usually for a once a month meeting. It is public, free accessible and non-controversial. Make a time that is consistent so that people remember it and it doesn’t change.

Press/Media--Write articles for the local news, write Letters to the Editor, write pieces for Public Forum, get a local reporter interested in your idea and convince him/her to write an investigative piece. If a biased article comes out in favor of vaccination with no other view, call the publisher of the paper directly and voice your opinion. I called the publisher after a very biased piece on pro-immunization came out in the Lifestyle Section. The publisher called me back instantly and the news editor has assured me any future vaccination article would be more objective and that I would be contacted for information. Also send articles or letters to other city or national newspapers.

Prime Time--Write letters encouraging vaccination pieces and experts who would speak on these issues. Try CNN, 20/20, NOW, Dateline NBC, Connie Chung, Nightline, Maury Povich, American Journal, Crusaders, 60 Minutes, etc.. Their address can also be obtained from the public library. You could also try local shows in your area.

Letters--In addition to the press you can write to celebrities that you know or have heard might be aligned to your cause, Lisa Bonet, Susan St. James, Lindsay Wagner, to name a few possibilities. (I haven’t heard from any of them yet but I keep trying.) Especially write to the authors or sources of the articles, studies, information that you have read through your investigative search on vaccinations. Their address can usually be obtained from the public library. Write to people that are pro-immunization and let them know the other side to the issue, many of are unaware, i.e., Anita Baker (she has just done a video on immunizations), McDonald’s (they are pushing immunizations in their restaurants), Whoopi Goldberg (spokesperson for immunizations) etc. Heather Whitestone (Ms. America who was made deaf by a reaction to the DPT vaccine), Ann Landers (she presents one-sided pro-vaccination pieces occasionally)

Day Time--Write letters encouraging vaccination pieces and experts who would speak on these issues. Try Meet The Press, Tony Brown’s Journal, Oprah Winfrey, Phil Donahue, Ricki Lake, Jenny Jones, Sally Jesse Raphael, Montell Williams, Geraldo, Jerry Springer, etc.. Their address can also be obtained from the public library. You could also try local shows in your area.

Other Groups/People--It has been said politics make strange bedfellows. This holds true where vaccines are concerned. I have aligned myself with many groups some have said I shouldn’t but I believe that I will work with anyone who can help get the word out and inform parents about the risks and dangers of vaccinations. This diverse group has included Libertarians, Patriot Party, Democrats, Republicans, La Leche League, Midwives, Homeopaths, Naturopaths, Medical Doctors, Acupuncturists, Veterinarians, Chiropractors, Alternative Practitioners, Pro-Life and Pro-Choice people, etc.

I have said As I said before this list is not exhaustive but it might serve as a jump off point. Remember, there is strength in numbers and there are many, many people out there that believe the same as you; together we can make a difference in the world and in the lives of our children. Good Luck and Remember the Hundreth Monkey.

Karin Schumacher