Theory of Change is essentially a comprehensive description and illustration of how and why a desired change is expected to happen in a particular context.
This tool or this can help you visualize your work on this important foundation for your activities.
Here are 9 steps with proven methodologies on how to craft a successful social movement strategy:
1 Start peaceful
Here’s the evidence that it’s more successful!
Greta – no rules 
study – 3.5% 
study – peace wins 
198 Forms of Civil Disobedience
2 Understand your environment
Societal Forms 
The TIMN Era
3 Think big – create a societal tipping point
Find out about the science here. And read about climate solutions.
Societal Tipping Points 
Societal Tipping Points
4 Find your pillar of focus
pillars of power 
pillars of power – process 
pillars of power – strategy
5 Create an Influence Map
and re-frame the conversation based on the values
of your audiences and be mindful of polarization.
Influence Map – Shift 
overton window – shifting norms 
polarization – green new deal 
adoption curve
6 Do a Social Landscape Analysis
7 Create SMART goals & plan ahead
…but stay agile
SMART Goals 
OKR – Objective – Key Results 
plan of action
8 Be in it for the long game
Find out more here.
cycle of support 
agenda setting 
civil rights movement progress
A very good Step-by-Step Guide to Direct Action. What It Is, What It’s Good for, How It Works.
9 Move your activists up the Engagement Pyramid
Engagement Pyramid
Bonus: good Sunrise Movememts post to a 4 step plan to build up local activism/power
First they ignore you,
Mahatma Gandhi
then they laugh at you,
then they fight you,
then you win.