Tactics Analysis to Develop Campaign Strategy

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

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