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Template: Change Strategy Development

Issue Identification

Issue/problem to address: _________________________________ Specific aspect I’m focusing on: ___________________________ Geographic scope: ☐ Local ☐ Regional ☐ National ☐ Global

Desired Outcome

Ultimate goal/vision: _____________________________________ Specific, measurable objectives: 1. ________________________________________ 2. ________________________________________ 3. ________________________________________

Timeframe for change: ☐ Short-term (months) ☐ Medium-term (1-2 years) ☐ Long-term (3+ years)

Change Pathway Analysis

Assess which pathways might be most effective for your issue:

Change Pathway
Relevance to Your Issue
Potential Approaches
Key Challenges
Policy Change
Institutional Change
Cultural Change
Direct Service

Power Mapping

Identify key decision-makers and influencers:

Primary Decision-Makers

Person/Entity
Position
Level of Support
Key Interests/Motivations
Potential Influence Strategy

Key Influencers

Person/Entity
Relationship to Decision-Makers
Level of Support
Potential Role in Your Strategy

Preconditions for Success

What needs to be in place for your ultimate goal to be achieved? 1. ________________________________________ 2. ________________________________________ 3. ________________________________________ 4. ________________________________________

Coalition Building Plan

Potential allies and partners: 1. ________________________________________ 2. ________________________________________ 3. ________________________________________

What each brings to the effort: 1. ________________________________________ 2. ________________________________________ 3. ________________________________________

Shared purpose statement that could unite diverse partners: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________

Message Development

Core narrative about the change you seek: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________

Connection to widely shared values: 1. ________________________________________ 2. ________________________________________

Key audiences and message adaptations: | Audience | Key Concerns | Message Adaptation | Best Channels | |———-|————-|——————-|—————| | | | | | | | | | |

Tactical Plan

Specific actions to implement your strategy:

Action
Timeline
Resources Needed
Responsible Parties
Success Indicators

Potential Obstacles and Contingencies

Potential Obstacle
Likelihood
Impact
Contingency Plan

Sustainability Plan

How will you maintain momentum and prevent burnout? _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________

How will you track and communicate progress? _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________

Evaluation Framework

How will you know if your strategy is working?

Objective
Indicators of Progress
Measurement Method
Timeline for Assessment

Reflection Questions

  • Does my approach address root causes or just symptoms?
  • Have I identified the real decision-makers and influencers?
  • Does my coalition include those most affected by the issue?
  • Are my tactics aligned with my values and goals?
  • Is my approach sustainable for the time required?

Remember: Creating change isn’t about having special powers or positions—it’s about applying strategic thinking, building collective power, and maintaining determined effort over time. The most effective change-makers aren’t those with the most power initially, but those who most effectively build and apply collective power over time.