In our tactics chapter, we have a long list of tactics to get you inspired. But how to choose which one to use? In this guide, we will explain how to choose the right tactics for your protest movement, ensuring it fits within your strategy.
Rebel Hub Accra contributed to the writing of this arrticle during “The International Rebel Assembly”.
“In the world of give and take, tactics is the art of how to take and how to give… how the Have-nots can take power away from the Haves”
- Saul Alinsky (Rules for Radicals, p.92)
This section was based on the chapter 'Using your power' in the Youth Activist Toolkit, by Advocates for Youth (2019). Insight from other authors have also been added.
Here are some quick steps to help you decide what tactics to use. These steps can also apply to strategies, thus, overall plans that include collections of tactics:
1. Focus on Message: Communicate within your team and to the public the main aim for the event. You are calling upon others to do something, so make sure they understand the message and how to implement your ideas. Also, ensure that there are not so many messages as that may cause confusion.
2. Know your Audience/ Publicity: You must have knowledge about your target audience and how to reach them. Who is affected by this tactic? Who might support your cause? Who has power to decide on the issue? You must also consider which medium will be appropriate for reaching them. This will aid in bringing about the change you seek.
3. Mobilise regularly and create Strategic Partnerships: Act collectively by building an effective team and connecting with other organisations that may help in achieving your goals. There is a possibility you may not achieve your goal after a single tactical action, so make sure to build strong partnerships and team to keep working towards change. This can be done by frequently setting up meetings to update and encourage the team.
4. Engagement with Team: Although you may have all your plans set, allow people to contribute in their own way. Enable supporters to contribute to your cause / tactics / strategy in whatever way they feel comfortable. This will prevent arguments and distraction.
5. Setting Short and Long Term Aims: Your goals must be categorised to place more important tasks ahead of less important ones. This way easier tasks can be achieved quicker. This also allows you to create a vision that goes beyond the immediate cause for social change.
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“In the world of give and take, tactics is the art of how to take and how to give… how the Have-nots can take power away from the Haves”
- Saul Alinsky (Rules for Radicals, p.92)
This section was based on the chapter 'Using your power' in Youth Activist Toolkit, by Advocates for Youth (2019). Insight from Gene Sharp has also been added.
Here are some quick steps to help you decide what tactics to use. These steps can also apply to strategies, i.e. overall plans that include collections of tactics:
In his oft-cited book Rules for Radicals, Saul Alinsky includes a chapter on tactics containing 13 rules for choosing your tactics.