Organizing a Boycott

1
Organizing a Boycott
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What is a boycott?

• An effort to convince a number of consumers not
  to do business with a particular person or
  business.

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The purpose?

• To create negative publicity for the business
• To hurt their "bottom line"

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Why organize a boycott?

• As an end in itself
• To destroy an individual or corporation
• As a bargaining chip

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Advantages of a boycott

• It can change policies
• Lets people put their money where their values
  are
• Calls attention to your cause
• Encourages other businesses to negotiate

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Things to consider

• Could a boycott alienate your supporters?
• Is there a possibility for legal consequences?
• Are you willing to put in the required time and
  effort?

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Organizing a boycott

• Have clear, realistic goals
• Do your research
• Know everyone you want to boycott
• Collaborate with others
• State your intentions
• Convince people to join
• Make joining easy
• Praise publicly
• Be relentless

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Writing letter of intent

• Be clear and professional
• Write on your letterhead
• Say who is involved
• Say why, what, and where
• Have head of agency sign
• Check and recheck spelling/grammar
• Know who to send it to