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Power Analysis Training for Campaigners

Join us for the Power Mapping for Campaigners Training in London – See  dates →

In order to run effective campaigns, you need to know your relationship to power and how it is operating.

Power mapping is a method which visualises how power is exercised across the whole playing field, allowing you to target key players and forward plan tactics for maximum impact. Determine who is anchoring decision-makers against you, how you can weaken this hold to sustain the change you are working to achieve.

You’ll also drill down on how to define your cause to win your battle. Simplify your core agenda and set the terms of the fight. After all, those who control the frame also control the conversation. Learn to start asking the right questions to start making change.

Video transcript

The power mapping tool is a way to visualize power relationships. Once you visualize these relationships it helps you make strategic decisions about which actions to take in your campaigning. When you’re trying to change big systems of power it can be overwhelming you often don’t know where to start this tool demystifies the landscape you’re trying to influence and shows you a way forward. It also helps create a common language and understanding amongst your fellow campaigners so you can work together effectively.

it shows why even the seemingly powerless do in fact have the ability to influence a system

The reason this tool is becoming so popular is because it shows why even the seemingly powerless do in fact have the ability to influence a system – politicians are not the only people who have power. I was introduced to this tool during my days as a community organizer in America and I’ve used it ever since. Whenever I feel stuck as a campaigner I can always use this as a template to sketch out the problem and find a path forward.

Here at the social change agency we see campaigners get stuck all the time lots of the old tactics aren’t working anymore so taking a step back and thinking strategically about power is one way we can break this logjam so if you recognize this feeling and think your strategy could use a bit of a power boost then come along to one of our power analysis training sessions.

Five things you’ll come away with

  1. A way to visualise where your cause sits in an ecosystem of power, how the key players relate and who you need to engage to further your agenda.
  2. A tool to guide your decisions over which sub-issues within your campaign to focus on.
  3. A route map of tactical options and how they might play out.
  4. A killer frame. We’ll drill down on how to define your cause to win your battle.
  5. A technique you can use again and again to status check, track your impact and plot your moves towards campaign victory.

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