Toolbox:

An interconnected web of the key strategies and tactics that have inspired people-powered victories & upended the status quo. Start anywhere and explore…

Story

Dhawili (turn on the lights)

Dhawili (turn on the lights)

In 2012, Tunisian anti-corruption campaigners used blogs, flash mobs and lobbying of National Constituent Assembly deputies to enshrine the right to freedom of information in the post-revolution constitution.

Principle

Practice digital self-defence

Practice digital self-defence

To protect against digital surveillance and online attacks, activists should get comfortable with digital security tools and protocols.

Principle

Joy is a revolutionary force

Joy is a revolutionary force

Our journey towards a better world can—and often should—be a nurturing and joyful experience! Find pleasure in the process, as adrienne maree brown said: “Feeling good is not frivolous, It is freedom.”

Story

Who Would Accept?

Who Would Accept?

After Egypt’s 2013 coup, when the only safe way to criticize the regime was to focus on poor economic conditions, ten Egyptian women held up banners with messages like, “Who would accept… such high gas bills?”

Tactic

Music video

Music video

Social justice music videos combine the contagious power of music with compelling visuals to expose injustice and inspire potential allies into action.

Story

Conflict Kitchen

Conflict Kitchen

Cleverly retro-fitting a take-out window, Conflict Kitchen built cross-cultural understanding by introducing Pittsburgh locals to the food and culture of places with which the US government was in conflict.

Story

Stolen Beauty

Stolen Beauty

The Stolen Beauty boycott campaign targeted the Israeli cosmetics manufacturer Ahava, causing economic damage, a tarnished reputation, and ultimately, a promise to move the factory out of historic Palestine.

Story

Public Art Nanny Hotline

Public Art Nanny Hotline

A hilarious fake talk show that domestic workers in the U.S. dialed into for information on overtime wages, tax requirements, trafficking, and more.

Tactic

V-formation

V-formation

Inspired by migratory birds, this is a technique for sustaining activism for the long haul. Rotate roles to share burdens, and allow members to step back from frontline roles without guilt, and you’ll go far.

Theory

Al faza’a (a surge of solidarity)

Al faza’a (a surge of solidarity)

A key segment of your supporters will only join at peak moments of your campaign — usually in response to an external event — and then disappear again. To win, you must be ready to make the most of this surge.

Story

Welcome to Palestine

Welcome to Palestine

Hundreds of international solidarity activists staged a “fly-in” at Ben Gurion airport demanding to visit Palestine in protest of Israel’s racist border policies and de facto siege of historic Palestine.