In a chaotic social and political environment, “defensive” social change tactics dominate strategy conversations. It’s logical that pro-democracy advocates are deep in the trenches on mutual defense and litigation. But a growing group of experts agree that leaders also must act to support “affirmative” social change. The future will not wait for activists to be …
Continue reading “Social Change Innovation is Essential Now: Take Steps to Better Support It”
Autumn has tightened its chilly grip, and that means one thing – the US Supreme Court is back in session. In 2025-2026 the US Supreme Court will consider the Trump administration’s attempted evisceration of birthright citizenship, a challenge to a majority-Black Louisiana Congressional district, and whether a Colorado law barring “conversion therapy” violates the First …
As 2025 unfolds, more social change philanthropies are providing “flexible funding” or “rapid response” grants to help grantees address chaotic times. Flexible funding / rapid response is a lifeline for many nonprofits and the communities they serve. It also provides valuable lessons about community needs and effective responses that philanthropies, advocates, and organizers can use …
Continue reading ““Flexible Funding” / Rapid Response Evaluation: a Field Example”
“Defensive” periods are critically hard for social change activists. There are the “normal” challenges of organizing and advocacy: people, resources, time. There’s exhaustion, and a high emotional toll. On top of this, supporters can struggle to articulate how defense promotes their goals – goals that almost always were created with policy progress in mind. In …
Continue reading ““Defensive advocacy”: Analyzing impact and communicating it effectively”
(1) Litigation as “storyboard.” Litigation in 2017-2020 (which, among other things, challenged harsh enforcement such as the Muslim Ban and “public charge”) protected vulnerable communities. It also was used by advocates as an effective “hook” to shape narrative, support organizing, and encourage policymakers to act. Organizers helped ensure that media reported on courtroom hearings and …
In the mood for a tasty lesson on doing #advocacy right? Check out the Boston Globe’s “Food” section’s inspired campaign, #ProjectTakeout. https://bit.ly/3M9egTd #Project Takeout’s goal is to spur readers’ support for local independent restaurants during this second crushing pandemic winter. My favorite part is the feature “Three Places We Supported This Week.” https://bit.ly/3Hst1x5 Each weekly …
I recently had a great chat with my friend and colleague Ann Price, who hosts the Community Possibilities podcast at Community Evaluation Solutions. Ann’s expertise is working with community-based social service organizations both large and small on strategy design and evaluation for social change. We’ve connected over our passion for advocacy and policy change as …
Continue reading “Community Possibilities Podcast: Advocating for Social Change”
