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Вкратце
A checklist of 8 key factors for planning & evaluating actions.
Источники
The action star (previously known as the “tactics star”) was developed for the Beautiful Trouble training program in 2013 by Jonathan Matthew Smucker.
Sometimes, swept up by outrage or excitement, we leap into action without much forethought or care. If we’re lucky, it all works out. But we’re much more likely to win if we thoughtfully choose tactics and stage actions that not only advance a larger campaign strategy, but also take into account the art and science of successful action design.
The action star tool is a great place to start. It helps you evaluate, refine and plan your action by asking you a series of key questions, including:
Who or what is the political target of our action — and why? How is our action designed to pressure this target? (see: PRINCIPLE: Choose your target wisely)
At what vulnerable pressure-point are we intervening — and why? (see: METHODOLOGY: Points of intervention)
How will our action impact potential allies? (see: METHODOLOGY: Spectrum of allies)
Who is our key audience, and what is our message to them? (see: PRINCIPLE: Consider your audience) What story does our action tell? (see: PRINCIPLE: Think narratively)
Are we connecting to people’s values and common sense? (see: PRINCIPLE: If you’re not uncomfortable, your coalition is too small)
Does our action have an obvious logic to the outside eye? (see: THEORY: Action logic)
Are we taking care of each other and building our group’s capacity? (see: PRINCIPLE: Burn brightly, but don’t burn out)
Как использовать
Divide the participants into small groups and ask them to work on one or two key factors using the following prompts:
Target: Who or what is the political target of our action and why? How is your action designed to pressure them? Will it threaten to or cost them something? Will it put them in a decision dilemma where you win no matter which way they respond?
Point of Intervention: In what arena are you intervening?
Allies: How will your action activate passive allies, win over potential allies, and isolate your opposition? Which specific constituencies do you want to prioritize?
Audience and Message: Who is your priority audience and what message do you want to send them? What kind of presentation and tone (solemn, jubilant, angry, etc.) will be most effective?
Story: How are you strategically narrating and framing the story? Is there a villain in your story? Are you putting forward your own sympathetic characters as protagonists? Are you foreshadowing your desired outcome?
Values and Common Ground: Are you connecting with people’s values—especially those of your intended audience—and appealing to their common sense? What kinds of popular images and symbols are you including in your action and messaging?
Action Logic: Does the action itself tell the story and convey your intended message? Will a passerby intuitively “get it” without you having to say anything at all?
Building the Group: Will the action build your group’s capacity? Will it generate new interest and help plug new people in? Are you adequately supporting each other as you make sacrifices and take risks together?
Back in plenary, share the work that was done, and reflect on key learnings with the group.