Opinion: Old School Tactics Could Be Key for the Future

A columnist reflects on the value of 'old school' community organizing methods in an increasingly digital world.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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In a recent opinion piece, a columnist reflects on a conversation with a state congressional representative's field staffer, where the topic of 'phone trees' as an 'old school' method of rapid communication and community organizing came up. The columnist argues that while such methods may seem outdated in the digital age, they represent a level of personal connection and accountability that is often lacking in more modern, online-driven activism and advocacy.

Why it matters

The columnist suggests that over-reliance on digital tools and 'awareness' rather than concrete action has left many activist movements and community efforts feeling unstable and disconnected. They argue that a return to 'old school' tactics like phone trees, door-to-door outreach, and face-to-face organizing could help build the kind of deep, trust-based relationships needed to weather political and social upheaval.

The details

The column was sparked by a meeting the author had with a state congressional representative's field staffer at a local coffee shop. During their conversation, the author mentioned having previously asked about the possibility of a 'phone tree' system to quickly disseminate information. The staffer was unfamiliar with the concept, prompting the author to explain it as an efficient way for one person to call a few others who then call a few more, creating a rapid chain of communication. The author then reflects on how 'old school' tactics like phone trees, door-to-door outreach, and in-person organizing may be more valuable than modern digital tools in building the kind of trust-based relationships needed for effective community mobilization, especially in times of political and social instability.

  • The column was published on March 4, 2026.

The players

Cassie McClure

The author of the opinion column, a 2002 graduate of Clovis High School who now lives in Las Cruces and serves on the City Council. She writes a syndicated column for Creators Syndicate.

State congressional delegate

The state-level elected official whose field representative met with the author.

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What they’re saying

“What's a phone tree?”

— Field representative (The Eastern New Mexico News)

“Old school.”

— Cassie McClure, Columnist (The Eastern New Mexico News)

“Old school.”

— Field representative (The Eastern New Mexico News)

The takeaway

The column argues that in an era of increasing political and social instability, a return to 'old school' community organizing tactics like phone trees and door-to-door outreach may be more valuable than relying solely on digital tools and 'awareness' campaigns. The author suggests these methods help build the deep, trust-based relationships needed to weather chaos and effectively mobilize communities.