Issue: Principles & Processes

What is a theory of change? What is its utility in your organizing and campaigning work? How do you develop a theory of change and how does it work?
A theory of change can help clarify how change happens, what progress and success look like, and what it takes to get there. In part 3 of our Power & Strategy we will focus on: 
• Defining the utility of theory of change in your work 
•  A framework of the different components of a theory of change
•  Step by step instructions for developing or workshopping an existing theory of change

Are hopeful email subject lines more effective than scary ones? How can we highlight climate injustice without disempowering people? Does giving our activists more ownership increase their retention?
We test as one way to learn the answers to these and many more questions. We test because our assumptions and gut feelings are frequently wrong. “Testing” is the process of carefully trying out variations in what you do and measuring the results so you can learn what works. This webinar will provide a step-by-step guide to the basics of testing and prepare you to conduct simple tests (such as on email or Facebook) and to be an informed partner if working with a research expert on more ambitious projects.

COP 26 will be occurring from October 31st through November 12th in Glasglow, Scotland where over 196 countries will pledge to reduce their emissions. This ceremony of coming together, whether it is symbolic or strategic, got me thinking about the magic of coalition spaces, their utility and how we should engage them in our organizing and campaigning work. So, sit back and let’s take a ride through the realm of strategic coalitions.
P.S. Check out the Colour of the Climate Crisis—"an exhibition of Black artists and artists of colour exploring the relationship between racial justice and climate justice"

Certain organizing strategies can allow activists to develop leadership skills in different ways. In Australia, the organization School Strike for Climate (SS4C) has generated more involvement among high school students in the climate movement. SS4C has particularly employed some tactics such as “peer learning, mentoring, learning by doing, confrontation, reflective spaces and training” to allow new high school activists to develop leadership skills. SS4C used movement tactics such as mobilizing, organizing, and lobbying politicians, and these different avenues for involvement also allowed new activists to engage in different ways to develop different skills, and lead others in doing them. These different tactics also have different strengths and weaknesses in facilitating leadership development through their execution.

Young Coloradans believe in a future where everyone is treated equally, resources are abundant, and we use innovative and creative solutions to solve big problems such as climate change and racial inequality. 57% of all youth named “equality” as a top value, and 44% named “relationship with Earth” as a top value. Among BIPOC youth, 60% named “technology and innovation” as a top value (with 52% naming “equality” as a top issue). Top issues named by all youth include: racial justice (60%), mental health (58%), healthcare (56%), education (40%) and climate change (40%). Many young people are unsure of where to start to create change but desire to be more involved and learn through experience. Young people strongly value the impact of voting, yet also believe it is insufficient on its own to create change. This report includes lots more specific survey questions and answers.