Category:

Optional

Description and Purpose:

This is a diagram that provides advice on strategies that may be successful in countering power blocks.

Method

Use the following diagram as a guide when you identify power blocks when charting your advocacy strategy.

Given the complex dynamics of power, strategies that only address formal decision-making processes and rely solely on good information and reasoned arguments will almost never result in long-term favorable social change. Informal decision-makers such as chiefs and religious leaders also need attention as do strategies that address all other forms of power over

Power that shapes and maintains unjust and inequitable norms, values and consciousness	Power that keeps our issues off political agendas	Power that excludes animal welfare voices from being heard	Power that prevents formal political decisions and implementation working to favor animal welfare
Consciousness-raising: Challenges ideologies and belief systems that perpetuate injustice through analysis and awareness building, work to promote sense of rights and responsibilities (citizenship), political awareness, analysis of problems, sense of collaboration, respect etc.	Research and dissemination: Investigation, action research and sharing of information that uncovers concealed data, develops alternatives and legitimizes and values the issues and agendas. Organizing and Mobilizing: Building active critical constituencies and movements around common problems, concerns and injustices. Promoting and supporting efforts to improve animal welfare. Changing public opinion: Through radio shows, campaigns etc.	Strengthening capacity: Strengthening organizations, skills & access to information. Nurturing organizations and leadership building: Strengthening constituency organizations, coalitions, social movements and structures. Mobilizing around shared agendas. Research & dissemination of information that legitimizes groups & strengthens their knowledge.	Public and policy influence strategies: Lobbying, advocacy, campaigning, monitoring; negotiation, litigation; public education, media; policy research, policy alternatives; marches, demonstrations, vigils. Voting, running for office. Collaboration, modelling and promoting welfare-friendly alternatives, etc.
Given the complex dynamics of power, strategies that only address formal decision-making processes and rely solely on good information and reasoned arguments will almost never result in long-term favorable social change. Informal decision-makers such as chiefs and religious leaders also need attention as do strategies that address all other forms of power over.

Amended from: Critical Webs of Power and Change. Action Aid International. November 2005.