Politics of Change

Politics of Change

Change is the process in which something becomes different or altered. In this case, during the past few weeks, we have seen many people making vast changes in their communities, nation, or even world that specifically illustrate the Laws and Lessons of Political Change. These particular case studies have shown us that it is possible for anyone, with the right tools, to alter the world around us and benefit from the change we sought out after. Creating a change, whether done so locally or globally, involves the utilization of a two main elements: the media and the building of strong and winning coalitions.

The media has a momentous influence on change movements, whether this entitles shedding light on a particular issue or whether the force behind the movement manipulates the media in order to gain support. The media can reach all areas of the world and all facets of life, stemming from television, newspapers and most importantly, the internet. Change can derive from one simple newspaper article to an entire TV news spotlight. In Seattle, Washington, activist groups were able to gain public support after protesting the WTO talks that occurred in downtown Seattle. Without the constant media attention that they received, these activist groups would have never been noticed by the world. Interestingly, before their protests, 8% of the Seattle population was opposed to the WTO and after the movement, 83% opposed the WTO. Due to the media and internet, these activist groups were able to have their voices and opinions heard throughout the city, state, and even nation.

Perhaps the leading lesson of change in politics is the building of strong and durable coalitions. Every successful example we have seen throughout our case studies have proved to build coalitions that consequently lead to public support and accomplishment. Probably the easiest way to build these coalitions is to show the public how your cause and change will benefit them in the long run. No case study is a better example of this than the Southwest Community Resources in Durango, CO. By slowly gaining support of all the big names in town, particularly due to Stephanie Peterson, the SCR was able to overcome their biggest opposition and receive the grant they had been striving after for so long. Additionally, the workers of Immokalee, FL were able to establish humane work measures as well as raise