First Steps: Simple Ways to Take Action Now

Taking your first steps towards collective action will be different for everyone.

For one person, it might mean reading or watching a video, for others, it might be having a conversation, doing a litter pick with friends or setting up a WhatsApp group for the local allotment.

Here are some simple 'first steps' to inspire you

Got 5-10 minutes:

Notice where you feel frustration: "There has to be another way."

Grab some chalk and take it for a walk - see where drawing on the pavements takes you

Put a "help yourself" box of books, plants, or produce outside your home

Pin a "skills I can offer" card on a community noticeboard

Read the original Dance of Collective Action article

Share your own "aha moment" with one other person

Got an hour:

Find two friends and invite them for a walk/litter pick. Take some gloves and a bin bag for each friend and start collecting litter as you walk and talk. This is a great way to take action while also starting conversations about things other than what to watch on Netflix.

Find a friend and some paint - go and spruce up a local bench near you

Set up a Street Chat group - use Signal or WhatsApp - knock on your neighbours' doors with a poster / QR code to join the group.

Here's a suggestion as to how to explain it to your neighbours:
"Hi, I'm XX from number X. I'm setting up a street chat group where we can share resources and ask for things we need – like borrowing tools, recommendations for a plumber, or sharing surplus food. It's a simple way for us all to feel more connected and valued. The chances are it'll be just the start of something good for our street. Would you like to join? No pressure – just use it when it's helpful."

Got half a day:

Start a conversation in your community about a shared concern and see where it takes you - go where people already meet - the library, the pub, the local repair cafe

Ask: What are the collective action movements already happening in this space?

Map the six movements of collective action in something you're already passionate about

Establish a regular skill-share evening in your community (cooking, mending, tech help)

Got longer:

Create a street map showing who in your area offers what skills or items - include contact details and skills your community has to share

Set up a toy library or Toy Swap for local families - No Crap parties have some guides on how to set these up.

Join something that's already moving rather than starting from scratch - #CitizenFriday is a simple place to start - Share, Repair, or get out in the fresh air at some point every Friday

Attend an ACTionism connection call to explore collective action across different domains

Find us on Instagram for more information and to find others who are ACTing