Linking this element to other framework components  

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Linking this key characteristic to other elements of the Social Movement Action Framework:

Each of the elements of the Social Movement Action (SMA) Framework is dynamic and interrelated. For example, raises awareness of the individual and collective action being taken to address the shared concern or strong desire for change and an urgent need for action and receptivity for change. Framing and reframing are used to strategically position the individual and collective action and to evoke understanding and emotional responses to the social movement. It may be organized and supported by a core leadership structure.  Public visibility captures in words or images the efforts of emerging leaders and their collective identity. Engaging networks extend the visibility of collective action. 

Linking this key characteristic to the action cycle phases of the Knowledge-to-Action Framework:

You and your change team’s capacity in social movement actions may be enhanced and/or accelerated by the addition of some of the action cycle phases of the Knowledge-to-Action (KTA) Framework, as the two frameworks are complementary. In addition to the linking example described earlier in this section, there can be many other points of connection between the two frameworks. Below are three more examples for your consideration:   

• Adapt knowledge to local context: As the social movement evolves, mobilization visibly shifts the social movement to public spaces. Stakeholders may or may not be receptive to the public visibility of the social movement, depending on the context in which these stakeholders reside, and their own identities and roles. You and your change team can consider assessing the local context and stakeholders before making the social movement publicly visible to strengthen the plan you have to engage the public. Securing an effective communications plan for raising public awareness through framing or positioning the issue can help you effectively deliver your need for change.
• Evaluate outcomes: Public visibility may be leveraged to communicate how your social movement achieved the desired outcome. There may be a responsibility to provide updates to the public and summarize whether the outcomes were achieved by the social movement. This adds credibility to your social movement. You and your change team can also evaluate the outcomes of public awareness – did the public visibility help you and your team gain more traction and momentum? Evaluating the outcomes of public visibility can be a powerful way to strategically plan for future opportunities to engage the public.
• Sustain knowledge use: Combined, public visibility and individual and collective action support the sustainability of the social movement. Specifically, the visible presence of the individual and collective action in public domains propels the awareness, urgency for change, and support of the social movement. These are all beneficial in sustaining the change because it keeps the urgency of the change at the forefront of people’s minds.

For more discussion about the dynamic links between the elements of the SMA Framework and the KTA Framework, see the section ‘Accelerate your success with the Leading Change Toolkit™’.