Theory of Change: How We’re Harnessing the Power of Moderate Women
Galvanize Action is committed to harnessing the power of moderate women to build an America that works for everyone. We work to understand the barriers our audience faces, as well as opportunities to engage women in standing up for our rights, freedoms, and democracy. But how will we get to a world where moderate women are an active part of protecting our democracy? Through these two dovetailing strategies! Let’s dive into the Galvanize Action Theory of Change.
STRATEGY ONE: Increase civic and political engagement
Galvanize Action will empower women, particularly ideologically-moderate women who are open to new ideas and perspectives, with information and tools to build their civic knowledge, confidence, and agency. We’ll do that while meeting our audience at their values to inspire active participation in protecting democratic norms and ideals. We’ll also foster a resilient public by addressing the economic anxiety and fear that paves the way for the appeal of a strongman leader.
How will we know we’re moving toward progress?
In the short term, we’ll see shifts in perspective. That will include a deeper understanding of how core democratic principles (e.g., checks and balances in government) are functioning or failing. Progress will also look like an increased will to defend democratic norms and structures, recognizing the vital importance of protecting individual rights and freedoms.
Later, we’ll see women holding the tools they need to support a healthy democracy. That will look like increased knowledge and skills to actively defend and promote democratic norms, structures, and individual rights. It will also include the adoption of practices that support accountability and transparency in government, like regular elections, checks on power, and upholding a free press.
In the long term, we’ll see action. That will manifest as a national audience actively defending democratic norms and structures as well as increased advocacy for the protection of individual rights and freedoms for all people.
But increasing civic and political engagement alone won’t get us to that pro-democracy future. We must also repair the polarization in this country and help moderate women realize that “they” are actually part of “us” and the “other” is not a threat. To that end:
STRATEGY TWO: Build social cohesion & decrease othering
Galvanize Action will foster a sense of shared responsibility and inclusivity in our audience, strengthening the sense that we are all part of the same society whose well-being is connected. We’ll support women, particularly ideologically-moderate women who are open to new ideas and perspectives, to stand up against prejudice and discrimination. This work will counter “us vs. them” narratives that position “the other” as a threat by strengthening a shared commitment to the rights, freedoms, and laws that benefit everyone and uphold democracy.
In the short term, this will look like growing understanding. We hope to see a deeper understanding of what “othering” is, how it creates division, and ways exclusionary narratives and practices can be challenged. This will also manifest as increased respect for people from different backgrounds and a stronger sense of shared responsibility for building an inclusive society.
As mid-term outcomes, we’ll see growing empowerment. That means an increased sense of security, belonging, and connection grounded in shared values (e.g., compassion) that transcend individual differences. Our audience will go beyond mere understanding and be empowered to take tangible actions to combat “othering” and discrimination.
In the long-term, this leads to prosocial action! We’ll see a national audience with a strong sense that their individual well-being is intricately tied to the well-being of others, and increased action to support people across differences as essential members of a common democratic project.
If we can increase civic and political engagement and build social cohesion and decrease othering, that will lead us to a world where moderate women are an active part of a broad, multiracial coalition building a durable democracy and an America where everyone can thrive.
