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 Framework (SMA) is dynamic and interrelated. For example, momentum is linked to individual and collective action taken by a critical mass of people that keep the social movement active and energized. Momentum is supported by a readiness to take action for a shared concern or desired change. Framing can be used to position an issue in ways to expand the number of individuals who support the cause.   

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:   

• Assess facilitators and barriers: Momentum can be either increased or slowed down by facilitators and barriers, respectively. Assessing the facilitators and barriers can prolong the momentum of the social movement. For instance, strategies that are used to support the momentum (e.g., framing issues to spotlight social movement’s achievements and progress) can be hindered if resources are not available to ensure that the message reaches stakeholders. What other facilitators and barriers can contribute to the momentum of your social movement?
• Evaluate outcomes: You and your change team should consistently evaluate the outcome of the momentum to assess whether it is progressing towards the change you desire to achieve. Is the momentum still working towards the intended outcome(s), or is it reaching beyond the scope of your intended outcome(s) and/or goals? Understanding how your outcome(s) is impacted by the momentum can help you stay on track.
• Sustain knowledge use: How is the momentum being sustained? You and your change team can incorporate this phase of the KTA action cycle to determine whether the momentum is continuing and to discern whether the momentum actually led to sustained practice change.

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