Mediation for Movements: Managing Intra-Movement Conflict

Introduction

Managing internal conflicts is crucial for the success of broad-based organizing efforts, as unresolved tensions can lead to fragmentation, working at cross-purposes, and even the dissolution of movements. By strengthening internal capacity in tools that can address these challenges, movements can build resilience, foster collaboration, and maintain the alignment necessary to achieve their goals.

Movements are going to have conflicts, and we should be prepared… Lisa Schirch

The following content was generated at and inspired by “Mediation for Movements: Managing Intra-Movement Conflict,” a webinar held on April 16, 2024, co-hosted by The Horizons Project and the Global Grassroots Support Network. This event was part of the Intermestic Learning Exchange Series hosted on the Democracy Resource Hub. (About Us)

The global panel of speakers included: 

• Zelda Holtzman, formerly of Tshisimani Centre for Activist Education, South Africa
• Ruhie Kumar, Heatwave Action Coalition, India
• Wendy Wood, The Karuna Center, US
• Lisa Schirch, Kroc Institute, University of Notre Dame, US

Navigating Common Sources Intra-Movement Conflict: Quick Resources

Are you part of a movement that’s experiencing internal conflict? 

You’re not alone. Many movements face challenges that can lead to tensions and disagreements among members. The good news is that there are strategies and resources available to help you navigate these conflicts and maintain the unity and effectiveness of your movement.

This resource list is designed to share practical insights and actionable steps to address five common sources of tension within movements. It is by no means exhaustive. If you have other resources you’d like to share, please contact [email protected]

Additional Resources Available

• Mind Map
• Google Doc

Identity-Based Differences

Identity-based differences, such as racial, cultural, and generational backgrounds, can create significant tensions. 

Ruhie Kumar, a climate activist from India, shared this story:
“I observed two groups and they were very specific. There was a group of queer women and people who are not identifying as men, and another group identifying as men. These two groups really wanted to be acknowledged and heard about what they were really feeling, but as one group they were not able to express that. Communication, it was constantly in that conflict zone…
In the two separate calls, the tone was very different because people were able to express themselves in a safe space. Safety is really essential to this sort of communication.”

• It can help to create spaces for different identity groups to express themselves separately before coming together. 
• Learn how you can directly address marginalization and division that can occur within movement building from this Mobilization Lab resource: Do Better and Win Bigger by Taking on Marginalisation by Kaytee Ray-Riek.

Ideological and Strategic Differences

Ideological and strategic differences often come to the surface when members express divergent views on goals, priorities, and tactics. 

“We often talk about civic engagement as something that we need to do in democracy for our governments but [it’s] really [about] being able to involve people in a movement in the decision making about the movement’s goals and tactics. …When you have a community that is fractured and even experiencing extreme cancel culture by both sides, the ability even for people to sit and talk to each other is gone. Deliberative technologies, like Polis, enable just a little bit of safety and ability for people to be able to talk on what are their shared commitments are. What are their shared values or principles.” says speaker Lisa Schirch, a movement mediation trainer and facilitator.

• If we can re-focus on shared interests and values, we can often re-establish common ground.
• Learn how you can communicate about common values with diverse audiences using Beautiful Trouble’s tool for seeking common ground.

Interpersonal and Relational Conflicts

Interpersonal and relational conflicts are inevitable when you are bringing together diverse coalitions and groups with different experiences, power, and priorities. When unaddressed, they can harm movement alignment and solidarity and erode trust. 

“I’ve found that as the polarization has continued… that these feelings of isolation, anger, frustration, fear and so much more are starting to spill over into these organizations themselves. And for the people that work so diligently within these organizations.  It’s important to “develop skills related to what to do when differences arise,” affirms speaker Wendy Wood, co-founder of the Karuna Center for Mindful Engagement.

• Supporting intra-movement mediation capacity can help movement organizers and activists to hold dialogue and implement processes for understanding and restoration with coaching and guidance from a credible and trusted source.
• Connect with local mediation centers to learn about contextualized trainings they may offer to support your movement’s internal mediation capacity and check out this guide on Where to Start: Restorative Justice. 

Structural and Systemic Challenges

Structural and systemic issues, rooted in historical legacies and internalized oppression, can create deep-seated tensions. 

“Unity doesn’t come automatically; it’s a continuous engagement,” reinforces speaker Zelda Holtzman, anti-apartheid activist and trainer.

• Engaging in nonviolent direct action tactics that reinforce your movement’s common vision and points of connection can help foster alignment around the positive change you want to make and fortify movements from external pressure.
• Deepen your capacity with this mini-masterclass on the three tips of coalition building: “Why coalition building isn’t about the coalition: Listening, leading, and making change happen from Future Advocacy and Mobilisation Lab.
  • Dive deeper into these tips in their Creative Coalitions Handbook.

Organizational Capacity & Culture

Tensions are common when people are overworked and unable to approach the work with the intention and attention to building and sustaining a healthy, resilient, movement culture. But this is easier said than done. 

“Early conflict management is essential for strong coalitions,” affirms Lisa Schirch.

• One strategy that can help is offering movement organizers space to attend trainings and coaching sessions that help strengthen internal capacity for conflict management. 
• Visit the Democracy Resource Hub directory to check out organizations and networks who offer training on a number of different topics, including mediation and conflict transformation. 
• “Principles of Co-operative Conflict Resolution” offers five tips from peacebuilding to help you de-escalate tense and challenging situations.
• Bridge-Building and Power-Building An Ecosystem Approach to Social Change [PDF] shows how the skills/tools of activists, bridge-builders, and organizers can mutually reinforce one another. 

Explore the Resources here

Intra-Movement Conflict Mediation by Democracy Resource Hub and Horizons Project

Webinar Video Recordings

Webinar Transcript

These videos are from the April 16 Webinar “Mediation for Movements.” The global panel of speakers offer valuable insights and real-world examples to complement the lessons learned.

Opening – Stories of Mediation Success (& Failure)

The speakers were asked to share their experience with mediation in a movement-building context. What is one example of when it has worked well OR one example of when it has not worked well?

Lisa Schirch – Effective Conflict Management for Sustaining Broad Coalitions

Zelda Holtzman – Embracing Conflict in Activism for Stronger Unity

Wendy Wood – Enhancing Movement Resilience Through Conflict Skills Training

Ruhie Kumar – Building Trust in Diverse Climate Movements: Challenges and Strategies

Q&A

In this section the speakers answered questions specific to their work: 

Zelda Holtzman: What challenges and opportunities are emerging for movements building broad-based coalitions in South Africa and elsewhere?

Link to video (8 min)

Wendy Wood: What does mindful engagement involve, and how can it strengthen movements? Could you suggest key skills for handling conflicts within and between movements?

Link to Video  (6 min)

Ruhie Kumar: Could you describe the tensions you’ve faced in organizing movements and how they were addressed? What should people understand about how organizers manage conflicts, and how can non-activists support these efforts?

Link to Video (4 min)

Lisa Schirch: What insights or tools have proven effective for mediators within movements? How can deliberative technology improve mediation processes in social movements?

Link to Video (3 min)

Additional Learnings from Participants

The following ideas and insights from people who participated in the event. If you would like to add any additional insights or resources, please send additional insights resources and suggestions to [email protected]

Identifying and Addressing Tensions

• Recognize that fragmentation is the most difficult tension, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
• Acknowledge the importance of recognizing our own power and choosing whether to transfer, engage, maintain, or challenge it.
• Be aware that movements may have different goals, even when working side-by-side, such as the tension between stability and transformation.
• When bringing together practitioners across different fields and approaches, go back to the vision to determine when and how to engage with people in power.
• Differentiate between individuals and the system, personalize the struggle, and view people as potential agents of transformative consciousness.

Support and Initiatives for Intra-Movement Mediation

• Address the cultural denial of conflict and create spaces to transform it.
• Recontextualize conflicts within the larger movement strategy, recognizing that we are a movement of many movements.
• Conduct 1:1s with change-makers to help them engage constructively.
• Create parallel engagements that are less polarized to build relationships and navigate disagreements.
• Implement circle processes where leaders answer prompts to move away from cross-talk.

Building Credibility and Legitimacy

• Build internal capacity to avoid escalation, as mediators are often called in late.
• Approach mediation gently, focusing on skill-sharing and building confidence.
• Provide formal trainings on mediation and conflict management to build capacity and legitimize conflict as a normal part of movement-building.
• Organize listening circles within communities to hold space, problem-solve, and build confidence.

About Us

This event and resource page is a collaboration between The Horizons Project, the Global Grassroots Support Network (GGSN), and the Democracy Resource Hub.

The Horizons Project recognizes the urgency for diverse movements to come together in the United States to protect democracy, stand for nonviolence, and demand peace. Our vision, mission, and values represent our deep commitment to systems-level organizing with the existing ecosystem of social change.

The Global Grassroots Support Network (GGSN) is a community of practice that brings together people and projects supporting “grassroots justice-oriented” activist groups in multiple regions and continents. Our objective is to share knowledge around common challenges that these groups face and how each project has solved for them. Learn about GGSN here and get in touch if you have further questions.

The Intermestic Learning Series aims to foster a dynamic exchange of knowledge, strategies, experiences, and insights among organizers and movement builders from the United States and around the globe on defending and promoting democracy in their respective contexts.

The Democracy Resource Hub (democracyresourcehub.org) is a collaborative effort supported by the 22nd Century Initiative, United Vision Idaho, the SHIFT Action Lab, and the Horizons Project. It is hosted by the Commons Social Change Library. For more information and to access a wealth of learning resources to complement these webinars, visit the Democracy Resource Hub Collection. 

To learn more or get involved, visit:

• The Horizons Project: horizonsproject.us/
• Global Grassroots Support Network: blueprintsfc.org/ggsn/
• Democracy Resource Hub: democracyresourcehub.org