3 strategies for change

Participants assign specific action possibilities to three different strategies for change and exchange ideas about them.

Learning Objectives

The participants…

• Develop a (deeper) understanding of the complex processes of societal change.
• Broaden their perspective on various action possibilities for a socio-ecological transformation in Germany and worldwide.
• Recognize their own opportunities for action and are motivated to become active.
• Reflect on the connection between action strategies in Germany and global justice.

Process

Preparation

• The facilitator reads the background text and the definitions of the three strategies for change.
• The definitions of the strategies and the action cards (see downloadable material) are printed. Each small group needs a complete set of action cards.

Implementation

1. Introduction (10 minutes)
   The facilitator introduces the topic of the method. The following introduction text can be used and supplemented with information from the background text if needed:”Now we are going to focus on different ways to promote the transition towards a sustainable and just society. Many people and organizations have long been thinking about which strategies they can pursue to work for a good life for all. There are often discussions about which is the ‘best’ or ‘most effective’ strategy. At the same time, many people feel overwhelmed and disoriented in the face of the climate crisis and global injustice and don’t know what they can do themselves. In this method, we will explore a colorful range of existing action possibilities and categorize them strategically.People also have different opinions about how to categorize action possibilities and strategies. In this method, we distinguish between three important strategies for change:
   • Nowtopias: Experimenting with and practicing different forms of interaction on a small scale – through new practices, institutions, infrastructures, or organizational forms.
   • Radical Reforms: Changing laws, rules, infrastructures, and institutions step by step.
   • Resisting and Building Counterpower: Seeking direct confrontation or a break with existing institutions and social structures.”
2. Small Group Phase (25 minutes)
   The process of group work is explained, and the participants are divided into small groups of 4-5 people.Each group is assigned one of the strategies: Nowtopias, radical reforms, or resisting and building counterpower. (Alternatively, the participants can choose a strategy based on their own interests. If there are more than 15 participants, multiple groups can work on the same strategy.) Each group receives an envelope containing a copy of the definition of their respective strategy and the printed action cards (see downloadable materials).Participants first read the definition of their respective strategy and clarify any questions they may have. Then the group looks at the action cards. On the front side of the card, the action is depicted with a small image. On the back, participants find a brief description of the action and a link for more information. Participants discuss the actions and try to collectively determine which cards belong to their assigned strategy. If interested, they can follow the links for further information.
3. Presentation of Results (15 minutes)
   Back in the large group, each small group presents their strategy and how they categorized the action cards. The others can ask questions, and the large group can discuss whether the cards have been correctly assigned.
4. Evaluation (15 minutes)
   A selection of the following questions is then discussed:
   • How did you find the process of assigning the cards? What was challenging?
   • Which of the action possibilities do you think contribute to a socio-ecological transformation? How? Which do not?
   • Which strategies do you think are effective for global justice and sustainability? Is there a strategy that seems more important to you than the others? If so, why?
   • What impact do actions and strategies in Germany have on people and nature in the Global South?
   • What challenges and risks do you see with the respective strategies?
   • Which action possibilities have you already tried yourself? Which ones are you interested in? Which ones do you feel resistance toward? Why?
   • What other action possibilities do you know of?
   • “Without inner change, no outer change can happen. Without collective change, change is insignificant.” (Rev. angel Kyodo williams) How does this quote resonate with you?

Variations

• Brainstorming: At the beginning of the method, a collective brainstorming session on action possibilities can take place. The facilitator provides the same introduction. Before presenting the three strategies, the facilitator invites participants to name all action possibilities for a socio-ecological transformation that come to mind. The facilitator writes these on moderation cards. These cards are then distributed among the small groups in addition to the printed action cards, so they can also categorize their own ideas into the three strategies. The rest of the method proceeds as described above. If there is time, the method “Wer macht den Wandel” can be conducted before this method. The collected action possibilities of different actor levels can be written on moderation cards. See brainstorming and process for the rest of the procedure.

Tips and Notes for Facilitators

This method is particularly suitable for target groups that are already familiar with the basics of social and ecological problems and also have an interest in a socio-ecological transformation.

It is important to emphasize that there is no single solution or “correct” strategy for a socio-ecological transformation. Transformation processes are very complex, and a variety of different strategies, approaches, and actions are necessary.

Sources and further reading

• Barlow, Nathan/Regen, Livia/Cadiou, Noémie/Chertkovskaya, Ekaterina/Hollweg, Max/Plank, Christina/Schulken, Merle/Wolf, Verena (Hrsg.) (2022): Degrowth & Strategy. How to bring about social-ecological transformation. Mayfly Verlag.
• Konzeptwerk neue Ökonomie e.V. (Hrsg.) (2023): Bausteine für Klimagerechtigkeit. 8 Maßnahmen für eine solidarische Zukunft. München, oekom Verlag.
• Rev. angel Kyodo williams. www.revangel.com
• Schmelzer, Matthias & Vetter, Andrea (2021): Degrowth/Postwachstum zur Einführung. Junius Verlag
• Wright, Erik Olin (2017): Reale Utopien. Wege aus dem Kapitalismus. Suhrkamp Verlag.