This document gives a step-by-step overview on how to start your own group – use what you find relevant and ignore the rest. It was created by Pete Eyre and Ademo Freeman (it does not speak for others involved at the decentralized CopBlock.org).
Cop Block is decentralized, which means each offshoot has complete autonomy. If you’re interested in starting a group there is nothing that you *have* to do.
Consider the document below a rough framework. Take from it what you find useful and ignore what’s irrelevant. Feel free to skip some steps now and add them later.
That said, if you and those in your group engage in Copblocking, outreach and education, why not leverage your efforts?
When you document and share your actions via outlets like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or a website, it’ll get more eyes (and minds) on your content, advance your mission, and likely help you to connect with more like-minded folks from the area. Also, it’ll serve as an example to those elsewhere, who may find something worth replicating.
If we can help you along the way, or if anything is unclear, let us know: [email protected]
Step 1:
Create your group name
Branding is important – the name of your organization will communicate a lot of information in just a few words. Others who have created offshoots have tended to use their location (city, state, or country) followed by “Cop Block” (i.e. “Nevada Cop Block”, “Pittsburgh Cop Block”, etc.).
Step 2:
Create a Gmail account
Create an email account specifically for your group. The contact information will then be tied not to you but to the group profile. This this will help ensure a smooth transition if you happen to move on and will provide some separation between the public face of the group and your personal privacy. Visit: http://gmail.com
Step 3:
Create a Facebook page
A presence on this social networking site is imperative. It’ll be a place where you can post relevant content, interact with followers, and allow people from your area to find and connect with you. Visit: http://facebook.com
- log-in > go to: https://www.facebook.com/pages > click on: “Create Page” in the upper-right > select “Company, Organization, or Institution” > select “Education” from the drop-down > type in the name of your organization > click the checkbox to agree to terms > select the “Get Started” button and enter relevant information. Feel free to copy or use as a starting-point the mission statement at http://copblock.org/about
- if you’re not able to choose a concise name when creating the page, once your page gets over 25 fans create an easy-to-remember URL by going to http://www.facebook.com/username > click on “Set a Username” > select the correct profile from the drop-down > type the desired name > click “Check availability” > share online, via word-of-mouth and on materials
Step 4:
Create a Twitter account
Some stay abreast of world going-ons exclusively through Twitter. Take a few minutes to create a profile for your group to ensure you have a footprint in this medium. The 140-character maximum will cause you strip out the excess and convey only the most pertinent info. Content from your Facebook page can be auto-fed to your Twitter profile. Visit http://twitter.com
Step 5:
Create a YouTube account
Video is powerful because it is objective. Use it! Ideally to upload your own videos but if you don’t have that capacity yet you can still share, favorite, and communicate with others. If you created a Gmail account, log-in then on the very top of the page in the center click on “More,” select “YouTube” and proceed accordingly.
Step 6:
Create a website
Buy the domain (usually ~$10-20) then contact our friends at LibertyWebAlliance.com to inquire about hosting. We suggest using WordPress.
Step 7:
Create a Scribd account
Scribd is document-sharing website that allows you to upload documents of various formats and embed them into a web page or post. This is especially helpful to house and share court documents, police reports, etc. Just create a profile for free and you’re good to go. Visit http://scribd.com
Step 8:
Let the world know about your operations
Do a write-up about the offshoot you founded – what were your motivations? what is your goal? how can people get-involved to help? – and share it via http://copblock.org/submit We’ll post it to CopBlock.org and add your group information to the map embedded on the homepage and to the list of links housed at CopBlock.org/About
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After you’ve started your group, check out the Group A Group document:
http://CopBlock.org/GrowAGroup
