SEEING THE RULE
In some ways this rule is one rule that sums up the other twelve. According to Alinsky, this is the main tactic of effective campaigns. They will wear down the opposition: breaking through a stone wall of conviction one blow at a time. This tactic requires firm and unflinching resolve and courage.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Carolyn Viss)
USING THE RULE
When beginning to work on a campaign for change, a group’s leadership should consider if there are ways to bring together a multiplicity of organized groups that can each work their own special interests but also work together for common change. This is much more impactful than a single group standing alone. According to Alinsky, the repetitive nature of your actions will work to wear down your opponents’ resolve.
This leads to the need to educate, educate, and educate some more. This is at the heart of the mandate to keep the pressure on. Keep your opponent reacting rather than doing what they are planning to do. Keep the opposition constantly answering your voice and issues. Start something good on your campus. Because they represent minority opinion on most campuses, here is an example of what Conservative students around the country are doing to maintain constant pressure:
“The major premise for tactics is the development of operations that will maintain a constant pressure upon the opposition. It is this unceasing pressure that results in the reactions from the opposition that are essential for the success of the campaign.”
