Collective action: The value, power, and challenges of working together

Civil Rights March on Washington, D.C. [Former National Basketball Association player, Bill Russell.], photo by U.S. Information Agency. Press and Publications Service. (ca. 1953 - ca. 1978) on Wikimedia Commons

Boosting the power of activism and advocacy could not be a more important read. This "new research shows we really are 'stronger together.'"

History has shown us that the citizenry can be a powerful force in ensuring government hears and takes action on the will of the people. Consider the Boston Tea Party, the demand for safer factory working conditions in the early 1900s, women getting the right to vote, civil rights, and more recently the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

Two recent University of Michigan Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy doctoral alumnae are researching "ways to improve the effectiveness" of advocacy and activism, "powerful drivers of change." Identifying the most common and important characteristics of "the most influential" poverty advocates and improving the effectiveness and strength of protests in the 21st century are research topics for Robin Phinney and Lagina Gause, respectively.

While there is good reason to focus advocacy on an organization's mission, Phinney has found that "collective action... multiplies their influence because each group brings diverse strengths to the table." Gause rightfully recognizes that "activism and protest can be costly," "'particularly for racial and ethnic minorities, the poor, and other resource-constrained groups.'"

In addition to the work by these Ford School alums is that of Tamarack Institute, the authors of An Account of Collective Actions in Public Health, Collective Action Goes Digital (PDF), The Global Compact's Guide to Water-Related Collective Action (PDF), and Change from the Bottom Up: Examining the Potential for Citizen-led Action to Improve Health Outcomes (reporting on a research project).