This page contains a list of various tactics that activists use to make change happen. Note that you do not have to choose one particular tactic. The most successful movements use a combination of tactics and allow people to contribute to the cause in their own way.
Many of the tactics below require you to assemble many people. Make sure to check out our chapter about collective action to find out more about this topic.
You can contribute: This handbook is written by people like you. Feel free to add tactics you know! Use this tactic page template if you are creating a new page. Find out more about how to contribute.
¶ Choosing your tactics
This section was based on the chapter 'Using your power' in Youth Activist Toolkit, by Advocates for Youth (2019)
Here are some quick steps to help you decide what tactics to use:
- Make clear what change you would like to see. You are calling upon others to do something, so make sure they know what exactly you want.
- Get the attention of your targets. Who are affected? Who might support your cause? Who has to power to decide on the issue?
- Use your power and act collectively. Whatever you do, do it together with others. The harsh truth: you will probably not achieve your goal after a single action, so make sure to build your power every time.
- Allow people to contribute in their own way. Enable supporters to contribute to your cause in whatever way they feel comfortable. You might be willing to chain yourself to a tree to save it, but others might prefer to organise a theatre play to create more awareness about the importance of not cutting trees.
¶ Protests
Protesting is great way to attract the attention of the public, either by gathering a large crowd or by doing something out of the ordinary.
Topics: March | Flash mob | Occupation | Direct action | Human banner | Cacerolazo | Hunger strike
¶ Creative
Activism can be beautiful. By using creative tactics you can make your movement stand out from the crowd.
Topics: Posters, stickers and stamps | Film and photography | Art | Theatre | Music
¶ Digital
There are many ways of digital activism. Some of them include sharing pictures and stories, building a network or sharing a certain hashtag, getting as many people as possible to sign a petition.
¶ Conversational
Sometimes having a conversation is better than shouting slogans.
- Education
- Canvassing (going door-to-door, handing out flyers)
- Hosting a talk or debate
¶ Storytelling
It takes courage to speak up. Storytelling can bring important issues to the attention of the public.
¶ Institutional
By joining existing institutions one can make change happen from within.
- Political actions: call to vote | becoming electable
- Organisation: joining boards | setting up new working groups
- Judicial
¶ Financial
¶ Resources
- Tactics by Beautiful Rising