Social Change

Purpose

The Social Change domain enables modelling of campaigns, movements, and interventions aimed at addressing systemic injustice, inequality, and exclusion. It provides structured representations of advocacy efforts, union actions, policy challenges, public mobilisations, organizational change initiatives, institutional reforms, and revolutionary transformations, linking them to other Orthogramic domains such as Capability, Value Stream, Stakeholder, Strategy, and Policy.

This domain supports campaigners, researchers, consultants, organisational staff, government officials, NGO workers, and social change professionals to:

Map advocacy campaigns and union-led industrial actions using capabilities and value streams
Document worker-led organizational change initiatives and internal advocacy efforts
Model government-sponsored social reform programs and policy interventions
Track NGO campaigns, community organizing, and civil society initiatives
Analyze consultant-driven social change projects and transformation strategies
Track influence networks and the pathways from protest to policy impact
Analyse institutional structures and power asymmetries
Design strategic interventions that align with social and economic transformation goals
Measure social change outcomes using structured, repeatable metrics
Document revolutionary movements and fundamental system transformations
Model resistance to tyrannical and authoritarian governance structures
Analyse both violent and non-violent approaches to social change
Support progressive social democratic approaches to systemic change

Key Concepts

Systemic advocacy: Efforts directed at long-term policy or institutional change

Collective action: Strikes, protests, boycotts, and industrial actions coordinated by groups or unions

Organizational change advocacy: Worker-led initiatives within organizations to promote progressive policies, practices, and cultural transformation

Institutional reform: Government-sponsored programs and policy interventions aimed at advancing social justice and democratic values

Civil society mobilization: NGO-led campaigns, community organizing efforts, and advocacy initiatives that promote progressive social change

Professional social change practice: Consultant-driven projects and strategic initiatives designed to advance social justice within organizations and communities

Campaign orchestration: Staged or escalated sequences of interventions over time

Revolutionary change: Fundamental transformation of political, social, or economic systems through organized popular action, ranging from non-violent mass movements to armed resistance, aimed at replacing existing power structures with new institutions

Revolutionary legitimacy: The moral, legal, and political justification for revolutionary action, typically based on principles such as resistance to tyranny, democratic self-determination, or liberation from oppression

Revolutionary phases: The progression of revolutionary movements through distinct stages, from pre-revolutionary conditions through active confrontation to post-revolutionary consolidation

Impact pathway modelling: Linking action types to policy shifts and social equity outcomes

Measurement frameworks: Evaluating maturity, breadth, impact, and resilience of activism

Attributes

Attribute	Description	Example

Attribute	Description	Example
`Name`	Name/title of the social change action or campaign	"Fair Wage Now" Strike Series
`description`	Short summary of the goal and focus	National industrial action targeting minimum wage reform
`activityType`	Type of activity or intervention	Campaign, Protest, Strike, Picket, Boycott, Legal Challenge, Coalition, Research Program, Revolution, Insurrection, Uprising, Organizational Reform, Policy Initiative, Community Organizing, Consulting Project, Institutional Transformation
`specificActions`	Specific actions employed	Strike, Protest March, Picket Line, Consumer Boycott, Mass Demonstration, Civil Disobedience, Armed Resistance, Worker Petition, Policy Advocacy, Community Education, Organizational Training
`leadingOrganizations`	Key organisations leading or coordinating the action	National Union of Educators, Housing Rights Watch, Revolutionary Council, HR Department, Ministry of Social Affairs, Community NGO, Social Justice Consultancy
`systemicProblem`	Systemic problem or injustice being addressed	Structural wage suppression through casualisation, Authoritarian repression, Workplace discrimination, Policy gaps in social protection, Community disinvestment
`primaryAffectedGroups`	Primary groups impacted by the injustice	Migrant workers, renters, youth labour, political dissidents, employees, marginalized communities, service users
`stakeholders`	Structured list of involved or affected actors	[{"name": "Retail Workers Union", "type": "Union", "influenceLevel": "High", "engagementStrategy": "Collective Bargaining"}]
`policyTargets`	Legislation or policy being influenced or challenged	Modern Awards, Industrial Relations Act, Constitutional Amendment, Organizational Policy, Government Regulation
`institutionalTargets`	State or corporate entities engaged or targeted	Fair Work Commission, Department of Labour, Authoritarian Government, Corporate Leadership, Local Government
`tactics`	Advocacy and action tactics used	[{"tacticType": "Strike", "description": "Coordinated work stoppage", "channel": "Onsite and media", "violenceLevel": "Non-violent"}]
`escalationSequence`	Sequence of increasing pressure or intervention	Ballot → Strike → Legal Action → Mass Picket
`economicImpact`	Scale and nature of economic disruption	Supply chain disruption in logistics and delivery sectors
`legalBasis`	Jurisdictional basis for action	Protected industrial action under Fair Work Act 2009
`capabilities`	List of related capabilities leveraged	[{"capabilityId": "cap-collective-bargaining", "name": "Collective Bargaining", "levelOfUse": "High"}]
`valueStreams`	Value flows disrupted or transformed	Workforce Participation, Wage Distribution
`successMeasurement`	Method for evaluating effectiveness	Collective Action Maturity Model, Social Impact Index
`risks`	Operational or reputational risks	[{"riskType": "Legal", "description": "Injunctions from employer"}]
`keyPerformanceIndicators`	KPIs used to measure campaign success	[{"indicatorName": "Wage increase %", "targetValue": "10%", "measurementMethod": "Post-negotiation audit"}]
`improvementAreas`	Areas to enhance strategy or inclusiveness	Expand union coalition, increase regional outreach
`strategicGoals`	Broader goals supported by this action	SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Revolution-Specific Attributes

Attribute	Description	Example

Attribute	Description	Example
`revolutionType`	Classification of revolutionary approach	"Political Revolution", "Social Revolution", "Economic Revolution", "Cultural Revolution"
`violenceClassification`	Degree of violence employed	"Non-violent", "Minimal Violence", "Armed Resistance", "Civil War"
`revolutionaryScope`	Geographic and institutional reach	"Local Uprising", "Regional Revolution", "National Revolution", "International Revolution"
`legitimacyBasis`	Legal and moral justification for revolution	"Tyrannical Oppression", "Colonial Liberation", "Democratic Restoration", "Economic Justice"
`revolutionaryLeadership`	Leadership structure and organization	[{"leadershipType": "Decentralized", "organizationType": "Popular Movement", "keyFigures": ["Revolutionary Council"]}]
`targetRegime`	Specific government or system being challenged	"Authoritarian Government", "Colonial Administration", "Oligarchy", "Military Dictatorship"
`revolutionaryPhases`	Progression through revolutionary stages	["Grievance Accumulation", "Mobilization", "Confrontation", "System Overthrow", "Reconstruction"]
`internationalSupport`	External backing or opposition	[{"supportType": "Diplomatic", "source": "Allied Nations", "level": "High"}]
`historicalPrecedent`	Reference to similar historical movements	"American Revolution", "Velvet Revolution", "Indian Independence Movement"
`counter-RevolutionaryForces`	Opposition and resistance to revolutionary change	[{"forceType": "State Security", "strength": "High", "tactics": ["Repression", "Propaganda"]}]

Organizational and Institutional Change Attributes

Attribute	Description	Example

Attribute	Description	Example
`changeScope`	Level and breadth of organizational change	"Department-level", "Organization-wide", "Multi-organizational", "Sector-wide"
`changeAgentType`	Who is driving the change initiative	"Worker Committee", "HR Leadership", "External Consultant", "Government Agency", "NGO Partnership"
`institutionalContext`	Type of organization or institution	"Private Corporation", "Government Agency", "Non-profit Organization", "Educational Institution", "Healthcare System"
`changeMethodology`	Approach or framework used for change	"Participatory Action Research", "Organizational Development", "Policy Design Thinking", "Community Organizing Model"
`resourceSource`	Funding and resource origin	"Internal Budget", "Government Grant", "Foundation Funding", "Consulting Contract", "Volunteer Resources"
`timeline`	Expected duration of change initiative	"3-month pilot", "1-year implementation", "Multi-year transformation", "Ongoing program"
`successMetrics`	How success will be measured	"Employee satisfaction scores", "Policy adoption rates", "Community engagement levels", "Equity indicators"
`resistanceFactors`	Anticipated or encountered opposition	"Management resistance", "Cultural barriers", "Resource constraints", "Political opposition"
`sustainabilityPlan`	How changes will be maintained	"Policy institutionalization", "Training programs", "Ongoing monitoring", "Cultural embedding"

Organizational and Institutional Change Tactics

Tactic Type	Description	Violence Level	Channel	Example

Tactic Type	Description	Violence Level	Channel	Example
`massDemonstration`	Large-scale peaceful protests	Non-violent	Public Squares	"Million Person March"
`civilDisobedience`	Systematic non-compliance with laws	Non-violent	Public and Private Institutions	"Tax Resistance Campaign"
`generalStrike`	Economy-wide work stoppage	Non-violent	Economic Infrastructure	"National Labor Shutdown"
`armedResistance`	Organized military opposition	Violent	Rural and Urban Operations	"Guerrilla Warfare Campaign"
`institutionalTakeover`	Seizure of government buildings	Variable	Government Facilities	"Capitol Occupation"
`informationWarfare`	Propaganda and counter-narrative	Non-violent	Media and Digital Platforms	"Revolutionary Broadcasting"
`parallelInstitutionBuilding`	Creating alternative governance structures	Non-violent	Community Organizations	"Shadow Government Formation"
`economicDisruption`	Targeting financial and trade systems	Non-violent	Economic Infrastructure	"Currency Boycott"

Enumeration Tables

Activity Type Classifications (`activityType`)

Primary Category	Subcategories	Description

Primary Category	Subcategories	Description
`grassrootsOrganizing`	Campaign, Protest, Strike, Picket, Boycott	Bottom-up mobilization efforts
`institutionalAction`	Legal Challenge, Coalition, Policy Initiative	Working within existing systems
`revolutionaryAction`	Revolution, Insurrection, Uprising	Fundamental system transformation
`organizationalChange`	Organizational Reform, Consulting Project	Internal institutional transformation
`researchAndAnalysis`	Research Program, Policy Analysis	Knowledge-based advocacy
`communityDevelopment`	Community Organizing, Institutional Transformation	Locality-based change efforts

Stakeholder Types and Influence Levels (`stakeholderTypes`)

Stakeholder Type	Typical Influence Level	Engagement Strategies	Examples

Stakeholder Type	Typical Influence Level	Engagement Strategies	Examples
`laborUnions`	High	Collective Bargaining, Strike Action	National Union of Educators
`governmentAgencies`	High	Policy Development, Regulation	Department of Labour
`corporateLeadership`	High	Negotiation, Public Pressure	CEO, Board of Directors
`ngosCivilSociety`	Medium-High	Coalition Building, Advocacy	Housing Rights Watch
`communityGroups`	Medium	Grassroots Organizing, Local Pressure	Neighborhood Associations
`professionalOrganizations`	Medium	Standards Setting, Member Mobilization	Medical Associations
`academicInstitutions`	Medium	Research, Public Education	Universities, Think Tanks
`mediaOrganizations`	Medium	Public Awareness, Narrative Framing	News Outlets, Social Media
`religiousOrganizations`	Medium	Moral Authority, Community Mobilization	Faith Communities
`individualCitizens`	Low-Medium	Voting, Petitions, Participation	Affected Communities

Risk Types and Severity Levels (`riskTypes`)

Risk Category	Risk Types	Severity Levels	Mitigation Approaches

Risk Category	Risk Types	Severity Levels	Mitigation Approaches
`Political`	Government Backlash, Policy Reversal, Electoral Losses	Low, Medium, High, Critical	Political Strategy, Coalition Building
`Legal`	Injunctions, Arrests, Lawsuits, Criminalization	Low, Medium, High, Critical	Legal Strategy, Rights Documentation
`Economic`	Funding Loss, Economic Retaliation, Job Losses	Low, Medium, High, Critical	Diversified Funding, Economic Protection
`Security`	Violence, Intimidation, Surveillance, Repression	Low, Medium, High, Critical	Security Protocols, International Monitoring
`Organizational`	Internal Conflict, Leadership Disputes, Fragmentation	Low, Medium, High, Critical	Governance Structures, Conflict Resolution
`Reputational`	Media Attacks, Public Opposition, Credibility Loss	Low, Medium, High, Critical	Communications Strategy, Transparency
`Operational`	Resource Constraints, Capacity Limitations, Burnout	Low, Medium, High, Critical	Capacity Building, Sustainability Planning

Success Measurement Categories (`successMeasurement`)

Measurement Type	Indicators	Time Horizon	Data Sources

Measurement Type	Indicators	Time Horizon	Data Sources
`outputMetrics`	Events Held, People Reached, Materials Distributed	Short-term (0-6 months)	Event Records, Media Tracking
`outcomeMetrics`	Policy Changes, Behavior Changes, Awareness Levels	Medium-term (6 months-2 years)	Surveys, Policy Analysis
`impactMetrics`	Systemic Changes, Cultural Shifts, Power Redistribution	Long-term (2+ years)	Longitudinal Studies, Institutional Analysis
`processMetrics`	Participation Rates, Coalition Strength, Capacity Building	Ongoing	Membership Data, Assessment Tools

Resource Sources and Sustainability (`resourceSource`)

Resource Type	Sources	Sustainability Level	Typical Duration

Resource Type	Sources	Sustainability Level	Typical Duration
`financial`	Grants, Donations, Membership Fees, Government Funding	Variable	Project-based to Ongoing
`humanResources`	Volunteers, Paid Staff, Consultants, Coalition Partners	Variable	Event-based to Permanent
`infrastructure`	Meeting Spaces, Technology, Equipment, Communications	Medium-High	Ongoing
`knowledgeExpertise`	Research, Training, Technical Assistance, Legal Support	High	Ongoing
`politicalCapital`	Relationships, Credibility, Access, Influence	High	Ongoing

Change Methodology and Approaches (`changeMethodolog`)

Methodology Category	Specific Approaches	Best Used For	Key Principles

Methodology Category	Specific Approaches	Best Used For	Key Principles
`communityOrganizing`	Alinsky Model, Broad-Based Organizing, Issue-Based Campaigns	Grassroots Power Building	Self-Interest, Relationships, Power Analysis
`policyAdvocacy`	Inside Strategy, Outside Strategy, Hybrid Approaches	Legislative/Regulatory Change	Evidence-Based, Strategic Timing
`organizationalDevelopment`	Change Management, Culture Change, Systems Thinking	Internal Transformation	Participatory, Sustainable, Systemic
`directAction`	Civil Disobedience, Mass Demonstrations, Disruption	Public Pressure, Visibility	Non-violent, Strategic, Escalating
`legalStrategy`	Test Cases, Impact Litigation, Legal Education	Rights Protection, Precedent Setting	Constitutional Principles, Due Process
`researchAndEducation`	Participatory Action Research, Popular Education, Policy Analysis	Knowledge Building, Consciousness Raising	Community-Controlled, Action-Oriented

Escalation Sequence Patterns (Escalation Sequence)

Escalation Stage	Typical Actions	Decision Factors	Examples

Escalation Stage	Typical Actions	Decision Factors	Examples
`initialEngagement`	Meetings, Letters, Petitions	Response from Targets	"Request meeting with management"
`publicPressure`	Media Campaigns, Public Forums, Demonstrations	Media Coverage, Public Support	"Press conference announcing demands"
`coalitionBuilding`	Ally Recruitment, Endorsements, Solidarity Actions	Broader Support, Resource Mobilization	"Union endorsement, community support"
`directPressure`	Protests, Boycotts, Strikes	Target Responsiveness, Cost-Benefit	"Consumer boycott, work stoppage"
`intensiveConfrontation`	Mass Actions, Civil Disobedience, Disruption	Strategic Necessity, Risk Assessment	"Capitol occupation, mass arrests"
`institutionalChallenge`	Legal Action, Electoral Strategy, System Challenge	Legal Grounds, Political Opportunity	"Lawsuit filing, electoral campaigns"

Violence Classification Framework (`violenceClassification`)

Violence Level	Definition	Examples	Legitimacy Considerations

Violence Level	Definition	Examples	Legitimacy Considerations
`non-violent`	No physical harm to persons or property	Peaceful Protests, Civil Disobedience	Universally Legitimate
`propertyDisruption`	Damage to property without harm to persons	Banner Drops, Blockades	Context-Dependent
`minimalViolence`	Limited physical confrontation, defensive	Self-Defense, Protective Actions	Defensive Legitimacy
`armedResistance`	Organized military opposition	Guerrilla Warfare, Armed Struggle	Last Resort, Extreme Oppression
`civilWar`	Large-scale armed conflict	Revolutionary War, Liberation Struggle	Historical Precedent Required

Sub-elements

Social Change Action Stage

Element	Description	Example

Element	Description	Example
`stageName`	Name/title of the stage	"Mobilisation and Ballot Phase"
`stageDescription`	Description of what happens in this phase	Organising members, voting to authorise protected action
`intendedOutcome`	Intended outcome of this stage	Build collective power and authorise escalation