Action Tips: How to Organize a Boycott

Boycotts may seem like a remnant from your parents’ childhood – like the 1955 Montgomery bus boycott during the Civil Rights Movement. Boycotts since then have not been as widely popular, but they can be really successful.

It may take a lot of organization, but a boycott can make a real statement, forcing a company into changing its ways.

Decide the Problem

Find out what business or product is responsible for contributing to a certain problem. There should be a clear connection (i.e. "This company doesn't pay its employees minimum wage.") Just be sure to keep the message simple yet emotionally appealing.

Research

If you disagree with the manufacturing of a product, for example, try to find out why the company uses those methods and what alternatives there are - try to offer a positive solution in your message.

Start Small

First, try to get all of the kids in your school to join the boycott. If you can get a number of kids on board, alert your school or local newspaper to raise awareness. Once more people know about it, your boycott can grow.

Spread the Word

Your boycott will gain steam if you use word of mouth, awareness campaigns, e-mails and websites. Maybe even start a petition.

Recruit Others

Depending on the size of your boycott (if you can get all of the parents of students in your school to join in, if the local community joins the effort, etc.) you may be able to take the boycott to the company itself. Perhaps they will actually make some changes once you show them the number of people against them.

Sources:

eHow

To boycott or not to boycott