Social Change & Advocacy

Social Change & Advocacy

  • (Problem definition precision: What specifically is to be changed (policy, norm, practice) and why.
  • Theory of change clarity: Causal pathway from action to outcome; assumptions made explicit.
  • Legitimacy of aims: Moral grounding articulated without absolutism; proportionality considered.
  • Stakeholder mapping: Allies, neutrals, opponents; incentives and constraints for each.
  • Power analysis: Sources of power (institutional, economic, cultural), leverage points, asymmetries.
  • Non-violence integrity: Boundaries that prevent coercion, intimidation, or harm.
  • Strategy vs tactics distinction: Coherent strategy guiding tactics; sequencing and escalation rules. 
  • Narrative discipline: Frames that inform and persuade without dehumanization or misinformation.
  • Coalition governance: Decision rules, internal dissent handling, accountability.
  • Risk & backlash assessment: Polarization, repression, co-optation, fatigue. 
  • Ethical constraints: Truthfulness, consent, avoidance of manipulation. 
  • Sustainability: Volunteer burnout, funding, leadership succession. 
  • Measurement of progress: Leading indicators aligned to outcomes, not vanity metrics. 
  • Exit/settlement criteria: When to declare success, compromise, or stop. 
  • Misuse risk: Advocacy methods repurposed for harassment, silencing, or mob dynamics.