Navigational Guide and Resource Tool
The Movement Compass, a valuable tool for organizers of people-powered movements, was developed by Charles Stark Draper, who is renowned for his contributions to the inertial navigation system. This framework, based on Bill Moyer's Movement Action Plan, helps identify what actions are necessary for success, based on the natural changes that a winning movement often experiences.
The Movement Compass identifies six key phases that successful social movements tend to follow: an enduring crisis, an uprising, a peak, a contraction, an evolution, and a new normal.
In the enduring crisis phase, it can be most useful to focus on building a group, establishing cooperation, raising consciousness, and strengthening relationships among the folks you're seeking to organize. This phase often begins with a trigger event, something tragic or unacceptable that spurs people to action.
As the movement gains momentum, it enters the uprising phase. During this phase, the focus shifts to mobilizing masses and taking direct action.
The peak phase follows, where the cause has gone viral, and it feels like the power to influence change is in your grasp. However, it's important to remember the caution against a rigid understanding of history. Victory is not guaranteed, and it's crucial to maintain resilience and adaptability.
In the contraction phase, momentum stalls, backlash and repression increase, and internal divisions become more pronounced. It's during this time that the Movement Compass helps organizers avoid seeing each contraction as a personal or collective defeat. Instead, it guides them to strategically ride out the waves during highs and lows.
The contraction phase is followed by the evolution phase, a time to learn, reflect, and consolidate any wins. The Movement Compass offers insights into the pulse of movements and points organizers to particular tactics and strategies that may prove productive at a particular moment.
Finally, the movement enters the new normal phase, where the focus shifts to maintaining the gains made and preparing for the next uprising.
For those interested in learning more, there are various resources available. These include an introductory video, additional resources, a podcast series, and an online course. Notable podcast episodes include an interview with Allen Kwabena Frimpong and a podcast on understanding the social movement cycle.
Whether you're a seasoned organizer or just starting out, the Movement Compass provides a valuable framework for navigating the ups and downs of social movements. By understanding the natural phases of a movement and learning to adapt and respond effectively, we can work together to bring about meaningful change.
[End of Article] [Related Podcast: Understanding the Social Movement Cycle] [Online Course: Global Organising and Development Programme GOLD] [Introductory Video: Intro to the Movement Compass] [Related Podcast: Interview with Allen Kwabena Frimpong] [Sharing Resource: Share the Resource] [Additional Resources: Explore Further]
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