Movements change the world. Throughout history and across the world, coordinated networks of individuals and organizations have sought changes to societies – and won. Their stories are imprinted on our shared consciousness: from the debt rebellions of ancient history to ongoing anticolonial struggles. They are an expression of a shared desire to change lives for the better and peoples’ agency to do so. 

The mass mobilization of activists dominates popular perceptions of what movements are and what they do. But banner-making and street protests are only the tip of the iceberg. Academics analyze evidence, charities provide on-the-ground services, lawyers tackle injustices in the courts, commentators and spokespeople debate ideas, and policymakers work to change laws. Movements encompass a diverse range of activities all seeking similar change.

Whether they’ve been growing for years or erupt quickly, movements often reach a ‘tipping point’ after which they have a big impact on politics. For example, the Black Lives Matter movement existed for years before having a global impact in 2020. But it is difficult to realize changes to entire systems, especially systems which are entrenching inequality and environmental destruction. That’s why movements have to recognise how one cause is inextricably linked to another.

When you take this action, draw 1, 2, or 3 additional Local Project cards if you have 2–3, 4–5, or 6 or more Society tags in this card's stack.

You may do this once per round.

• Bill Moyer's Movement Action Plan (The Commons Library) 

• Making change: What works? (IPPR)

• How civil society can ‘Play Big’ and truly create change (SMK) 

• Influencing for Impact Guide: How to deliver effective influencing strategies (Oxfam Policy & Practice)

There are a multitude of social movements that you can get involved with worldwide, encompassing nearly every cause you can conceive of.