Pennsylvania Stands Up - Investing in Membership

Founded as a coalition of grassroots chapters across Pennsylvania Stands Up has emerged as a powerful force for building multi-racial democracy and working people's power. The organization operates through multiple chapters connecting underinvested rural communities with urban minority communities facing similar challenges.

Overview

PA Stands Up implemented a membership fee structure experiment to increase their dues-paying membership and build financial independence.

By investing in chapter infrastructure, standardizing metrics, and creating clear pathways for engagement, PA Stands Up built a foundation for sustainable funding while strengthening their community organizing capacity.

The project transformed their approach to organizing and created new opportunities for year-round community engagement beyond election cycles.

Key Strategies & Tactics

• In-Person Organizing: Implementing door-knocking campaigns with deep canvassing and hosting low-barrier community events called "troublemakers cafes" to bring more people into the organization
• Multi-Channel Approach: Combining in-person organizing with social media promotion and text message follow-ups to create multiple points of contact with their target audience
• Automated Systems: Implementing email notifications when memberships lapsed and creating a pipeline for organizers to follow up with lapsed members
• Structured Engagement: Developing a clear ladder of engagement for members, providing pathways for deeper participation and leadership development
  
  

Lessons Learned

• Invest in Infrastructure First: Proper systems, training, and standardized metrics are essential foundations before launching a membership program
• Prioritize In-Person Connection: Face-to-face organizing proved more effective than digital advertising for building authentic community relationships
• Implement Automated Tracking: Members often weren't aware their memberships were lapsing, making automated notifications crucial for retention
• Focus on Year-Round Organizing: Creating consistent engagement beyond election cycles builds deeper community connections and member loyalty
• Use Local Messaging: Strategies that work in urban areas don't necessarily work in rural communities; locally-focused messaging resonates more than generic progressive talking points
• Build Multi-Racial Coalitions: Creating opportunities across racial, geographic, and generational lines develops cross-community solidarity

By The Numbers

The Multiplier Effect

Impact

The financial independence gained through membership dues enabled PA Stands Up to challenge external parties who wanted to impose their will, using data and their own relationships in the community to stay true to what they knew their communities needed. This autonomy allowed them to participate in and help lead 3-4 statewide coalitions, using their messaging research and data to effectively challenge the governor and support their positions.

Perhaps most importantly, the membership program allowed PA Stands Up to implement year-round organizing rather than just during election cycles. This consistent presence has allowed them to become more embedded in their communities, building trust and relationships that extend beyond political moments. By creating a structured ladder of engagement for members, they've provided clear pathways for participation that improve tracking and leadership development, nurturing the next generation of community organizers across Pennsylvania.