What Do Community Organizers Do?

A Look at Raising the Minimum Wage and Nonprofit Action

Community organizers are the driving force behind many social movements, working to improve the lives of vulnerable communities. One of the issues they often tackle is raising the minimum wage, a goal pursued by nonprofits and grassroots organizations nationwide. Here's a breakdown of what community organizers do, using this example of minimum wage advocacy.

1. Identifying and Understanding the Community and Its Problems

The first step in any organizing effort is identifying the community and understanding its needs. For a campaign to raise the minimum wage, organizers focus on low-income workers struggling to make ends meet. They gather stories, conduct surveys, and analyze the system that keeps wages low, often revealing deeper issues like corporate practices or political inertia. This understanding helps create a clear picture of the problem and its root causes.

2. Developing a Shared Solution and Narrative

Once the issue is understood, organizers work with the community to develop a shared solution. In the case of raising the minimum wage, the solution is straightforward: increase the minimum wage to a living wage.

But this isn't just about numbers, it's about creating a compelling narrative that everyone can rally behind. Organizers will highlight stories of workers struggling to survive on low wages, framing the issue as a moral imperative for government action. This narrative becomes the cornerstone of all advocacy efforts.

3. Creating an Action Plan to Win Collective Power

With the problem and solution outlined, organizers then create an action plan to mobilize collective power. For raising the minimum wage, the plan might include:

• Researching existing laws and identifying what needs to change

• Building a coalition of unions, organizations, and community leaders to show widespread support

• Lobbying politicians to push for legislative change

• Public education campaigns to raise awareness about the issue

• Protests and rallies to generate media attention and apply pressure

This plan outlines concrete steps to bring about change, focusing on uniting as many people as possible to influence policymakers.

4. Building Relationships and Educating the Community

One of the key roles of an organizer is to build relationships and educate people on how they can contribute to the cause. Organizers engage directly with community members—particularly low-wage workers—and help them understand how the issue affects them personally.

Through town halls, workshops, and outreach, organizers show people how they can get involved. Whether it's signing a petition, attending a rally, or calling their legislators, everyone is encouraged to play an active role in the movement. This relationship-building creates a sense of collective ownership of the cause.

5. Keeping the Plan Moving Forward

Community organizing is a long-term effort, and organizers must keep the plan moving forward, even in the face of setbacks. This requires ongoing support and adaptation.

For the minimum wage campaign, this means:

• Training volunteers to engage with media, legislators, and the public

• Providing regenerative support to prevent burnout and keep momentum going

• Building coalitions with other groups that share similar goals, such as housing or labor organizations

• Using media relations to continue educating the public and applying pressure on lawmakers

By maintaining focus and constantly evolving the strategy, organizers ensure the campaign remains relevant and impactful.

Community Organizers: The People-Driven Problem-Solvers

Community organizers are uniquely positioned to drive change. They juggle various roles—event coordination, recruitment, relationship-building, and more—while keeping a clear eye on the end goal. In the case of raising the minimum wage, these organizers are working tirelessly to unite people, develop solutions, and push for change. The ultimate goal is to create a world where workers are paid fairly for their labor.

The road to change is often long and challenging, but community organizers are experts at keeping the momentum alive. They know that lasting social change requires collective action, and they work tirelessly to ensure that people have the tools, knowledge, and support needed to take meaningful action.

If you're interested in getting involved in a cause like raising the minimum wage, consider reaching out to local organizing groups. There’s always room for more voices in the fight for justice.

Continuing the Legacy

How BDBC Services Empowers Communities and Drives Results

Throughout history, Black movement leaders have pioneered the most effective grassroots organizing strategies, from voter mobilization to direct advocacy and transformative leadership. Figures like Ella Baker, Septima Clark, Fannie Lou Hamer, the Combahee River Collective, and Kwame Ture built power from the ground up, ensuring the most marginalized communities could advocate for themselves and create lasting change. Today, that legacy continues through the work of BDBC Services, a consulting firm dedicated to empowering non-profits with the tools to execute impactful campaigns.

Why Grassroots Organizing Matters Now More Than Ever

Grassroots organizing remains one of the most powerful tools for achieving real change. Whether it’s mobilizing voters, advocating for policy shifts, or building sustainable leadership within communities, data-driven and community-centered strategies are essential. BDBC Services has extensive experience helping organizations reach thousands of voters, secure critical funding, and build sustainable campaigns that amplify underrepresented voices, especially in African immigrant communities.

What Makes BDBC Services the Best Choice for Grassroots Organizing?

BDBC Services is not just another consulting firm—it is rooted in a deep commitment to movement-building, strategic expertise, and an intersectional approach to organizing. Here’s how we help non-profits and advocacy organizations scale their impact:

1. Data-Driven Campaigns with a Cultural Lens

Much like Fannie Lou Hamer’s voter registration efforts in the South, we understand that effective organizing starts with meeting communities where they are. BDBC Services specializes in:

• Voter outreach and engagement strategies that resonate with diverse communities.

• Customized canvassing plans, ensuring every dollar spent maximizes voter impact.

• Deep-dive issue-based canvassing, aligning community concerns with long-term advocacy goals.

2. Leadership Development & Grassroots Power-Building

Following in the footsteps of Ella Baker and Septima Clark, BDBC Services prioritizes bottom-up leadership development by:

• Training local leaders to advocate for themselves and their communities.

• Providing non-profits with the tools to build in-house organizing capacity.

• Designing transformational leadership workshops to ensure sustainable movement-building.

3. Political Strategy & Electoral Campaign Execution

BDBC Services has led multiple high-impact voter engagement campaigns, ensuring thousands of African voters participated in crucial elections. With experience in data management, electoral planning, and mobilization, BDBC Services provides:

• Targeted voter engagement strategies that increase turnout.

• Electoral campaign execution, from canvasser hiring to field operations.

• Fundraising strategies to support long-term organizing goals.

4. Wellness-Focused Organizing for Sustainable Change

BDBC Services understands that burnout is a barrier to movement success. Inspired by the Combahee River Collective’s holistic approach, we integrate wellness-focused organizing pedagogy, ensuring leaders and organizers can sustain their work for the long haul.

Work With BDBC Services to Transform Your Organizing Impact

At BDBC Services, we don’t just consult. We co-create impactful strategies that drive measurable change. Whether you’re a non-profit looking to launch a voter engagement campaign, strengthen your advocacy work, or develop long-term community leadership, our team is ready to provide the expertise and structure you need.

Ready to build real grassroots power? Book your free consultation today!

Building Bridges

How BDBC Services Champions Culturally Competent Campaigns

In today’s diverse world, understanding the unique needs of communities is no longer optional—it’s essential. Cultural competence isn’t just a trend; it’s the foundation for meaningful, impactful work. With years of experience and a keen understanding of cultural dynamics, BDBC has redefined how nonprofits connect authentically with the people they serve.

Communities are not monoliths; they’re rich tapestries of traditions, languages, and lived experiences. Campaigns that fail to recognize this often miss the mark. BDBC’s approach ensures that organizations move beyond surface-level outreach to truly understand and resonate with the people they aim to help.

Imagine a team working on community outreach without anyone who reflects the community they’re serving. It’s a recipe for disconnection. BDBC Services prioritizes building diverse teams that bring firsthand knowledge of cultural nuances, ensuring campaigns are rooted in authenticity.

No two communities are the same, and neither should their messaging be. BDBC specializes in creating campaigns that speak directly to the heart of specific populations. By focusing on shared values and addressing unique challenges, her work turns outreach into meaningful dialogue.

Through hands-on workshops and events designed with cultural sensitivity, BDBC has empowered individuals to navigate complex challenges, from housing rights to civic participation. Her ability to connect strategy with cultural understanding has transformed countless lives and strengthened community ties.

Authenticity starts with cultural competence. Let BDBC Services guide your organization in designing campaigns that truly resonate. Together, we can create a lasting impact—one community at a time. Contact us today to start your journey toward authentic engagement.

Peace out,

Tsehaitu

Connect the Dots

How Nonprofits, Businesses, and Government Can Work Together in 2025

What if nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies could actually learn from each other to create real, lasting impact? That’s a question I was exploring during a bit of a rant on my Instagram story. A friend watched it and said, “This needs to be a podcast!” Well, I’m not quite there yet, but here we are turning it into a blog. Sometimes the best ideas come from just speaking your mind, right?

My journey has taken me through all these spaces—nonprofits, labor unions, businesses, and even government partnerships. I studied ethnic studies, focused on race, class, gender, and immigration. I organized workers and rallied communities. Later, I pursued an MBA to learn how decision-making happens “on the other side.” And here’s what I’ve realized:

Each sector—nonprofit, for-profit, and government—has strengths. Nonprofits are driven by mission, but they struggle with limited funding. Government agencies have resources but are stuck in red tape. Small businesses? They’re agile but often disconnected from larger societal goals.

The truth is, none of them can succeed alone. The magic happens when we connect the dots.

And that’s where people like me—and maybe you—come in. As a consultant, organizer, or even just someone who’s been in these trenches, I see myself as a matchmaker. Translating languages between these sectors. Sharing skills. Building bridges. Because imagine this: nonprofits adopting efficiency and creativity from businesses, or government agencies designing programs with a nonprofit’s heart and agility.

But the biggest challenge is accountability. It’s so easy to lose sight of a mission, or compromise on values, especially when the pressures of funding, politics, or survival creep in. That’s why we need people (or teams!) who aren’t afraid to ask the tough questions. To remind us why we started and hold us to it.

This isn’t just theory for me—it’s how I live and work. I’ve seen the power of aligning mission, vision, and action, and I’ve also seen what happens when organizations lose their way.

In 2025, it’s clear: we need more collaboration, creativity, and courage. We need to challenge silos and build partnerships that actually serve people. At BDBC Services, this is exactly what we do. We’re not just talking about ideas—we’re helping nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies align their work with their values and their communities.

So, what’s next for you? Let’s figure it out together. Set your goals, create a timeline, and build the partnerships you need to make it happen. Because staying true to your vision isn’t just a goal—it’s the only way to create change that lasts.

Talk to you soon,

Tsehaitu

Why Nonprofits Underestimate the Power of Marketing and Branding

Nonprofits are vital in addressing challenges in our society and driving positive change. Unfortunately, lots of organizations in the sector consistently undervalue marketing and branding. This hesitation often stems from the belief that the strategies are secondary to mission-driven work, leading to missed opportunities and challenges in growth, visibility, and impact.

While nonprofit leaders are supposed to be experts in their fields, there can be doubt and lack of action when it comes to adopting marketing strategies that have proven effective in other industries. This mindset can become particularly obvious during annual planning and budgeting cycles when organizations confront barriers to engagement, funding, and outreach.

Many nonprofit leaders focus heavily on their mission and the direct services they provide. While this dedication is commendable, it sometimes leads to a mindset where marketing is seen as unnecessary or even misaligned with the organization’s values. Studies reveal a common disconnect between nonprofit goals and marketing efforts. For instance, a significant percentage of organizations acknowledge struggles with visibility and donor engagement but fail to prioritize branding or storytelling as solutions.

Nonprofits often assume that impactful work will naturally attract attention and support. But even the most meaningful initiatives need effective communication to resonate with broader audiences. This lack of investment in marketing can lead to donor fatigue, stagnant growth, and reduced community engagement.

Marketing and branding are not just tools for for-profit businesses. For nonprofits, they are essential for achieving visibility, fostering trust, and expanding impact. By embracing these strategies, organizations can break free from the constraints of outdated perceptions and unlock new opportunities for growth.

For nonprofits looking to take the next step, my message should be clear: marketing and branding are not optional. They are powerful allies in fulfilling your mission and reaching the communities you aim to serve.

Schedule a free consultation to discuss your goals and challenges.

I’m here to help,

Tsehaitu