April 8, 10 -- Community Engagement, Part 2, Common Ground/Coalitions/Power Mapping

Power Mapping

A strategic tool to understand and shift power dynamics in social justice campaigns; visualizes stakeholder relationships by mapping decision-makers' power and stance on issues.

Purpose of Power Mapping

Identifies targets, allies, and oppositional forces; informs strategies for building coalitions and shifting power through engagement or pressure.

Agonism

Views political opponents as legitimate adversaries worthy of engagement and debate, grounded in respect.

Antagonism

Frames opponents as illegitimate enemies to be excluded from dialogue; fosters division and dismissal of the "Other."

Ethos of Respect

A principle essential to agonism; involves mutual recognition and willingness to find common ground.

Ephemeral Coalition

Short-lived alliances formed around a specific threat or issue; dissolve when the issue is resolved. Example: Columbia River Crossing opposition.

Characteristics of Ephemeral Coalitions

Behind-the-scenes cooperation; shared talking points; separate public appearances to avoid visible alliance.

Emergent Coalition

Coalitions with moderate collaboration across one or more issues; stronger than ephemeral, but not permanent. Example: BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) in Florida.

Established Coalition

Long-term, often named coalitions tackling multiple issues with deeper coordination. Example: Green Tea Coalition in Georgia.

Dimensions of Coalition Types

Scope, geographic scale, duration, and repertoire of strategic interaction.

Common Ground: Climate Variability

While divided on climate change causes, coalitions can agree on planning for variability and risk reduction.

Common Ground: Resilient Systems

Support for proactive planning to strengthen infrastructure and reduce disaster impacts.

Common Ground: Opposition to Government Distortion

Shared concern over government interference in markets (e.g., flood insurance or solar incentives that favor monopolies).

Common Ground: Opposition to Monopolies

Shared critique of "crony capitalism"—utilities in solar energy; insurance companies in flood policy.

Inside-Outside Strategy

A dual approach to advocacy—working both within and outside of institutions and coalitions to create and shift power.

Inside Strategy

Cultivating relationships, advocating internally, and working with government or coalition allies.

Outside Strategy

Applying external pressure, mobilizing communities, and holding institutions accountable from the outside