Tactics Analysis to Develop Campaign Strategy

Introduction

A process guide to be used in training workshops and planning sessions to develop campaign strategy.

Guide

Objective

• To assist groups to select effective tactics and to think more strategically

Time needed

• 40 minutes or more

Resources needed

• Butchers paper and pens

How it’s done

Activists often love our tactics! We can even be wedded to our favourite tactics. In many of our groups, starting a strategy conversation at the level of tactics is often the easiest way to begin.

Here’s a tool to help move from tactics to a larger strategy conversation by analysing tactics!

This simple chart can create rich, insightful and sometimes heated conversations about the use of particular tactics at particular moments. Even a brief explanation can provide language to helping people frame issues like does this tactic increase our energy more than we can afford.

The chart is simple. Brainstorm some common tools you are using or might use in your group. Then as a group do the analysis together – learn from each other as you analyse and see disagreements/similarities, and notice strategic implications.

Rate each column on a scale of 1-10.

As a follow-up to this process, consider doing a Maximise/Minimise of each tactic (i.e. how to make the most of each tactic).

Source

Source: Adapted by Daniel Hunter, Training for Change http://www.TrainingForChange.org from a design by Shari Silverstein, Quixote Centre.

Explore Further

• Tactical Timeline Guide to Develop Campaign Strategy
• A Tactic Typology
• Campaign Tactics
• The Tactic Star
• Tactics Checklist, Organizing for Social Change, Midwest Academy
• Tactics Templates and Checklists
• Tactics That Motivate Our People, Campaign Strategy Worksheets, Training for Change, see slide 12
• Tactics That Set the Tone, Campaign Strategy Worksheets, Training for Change, see slide 13
• The Tactic Star for planning and evaluating tactics, Beyond the Choir
• List your tactic ideas, Campaign Starter Pack, Campaign Bootcamp, see pg 63
• Tactics Chart, Friends of the Earth
• Campaign Strategy: Start Here