How can power mapping tools help you organize your community?

2 How to create a power map?

Creating a power map is a useful way to identify stakeholders and their level of power and interest related to an issue or goal. To begin, you must define your issue or goal and main target. For example, if you want to improve public transportation in your city, your target might be the mayor or the city council. It is then necessary to identify secondary targets and other stakeholders who can influence your main target or are affected by your issue. For instance, if you want to improve public transportation, your secondary targets might be the transportation department, the media, the unions, the business owners, and the commuters. Assessing the level of power and interest of each stakeholder can be done using a matrix or a spectrum. Once plotted on the power map with different shapes, colors, or sizes representing their attributes, you can analyze the gaps, opportunities, and challenges in your situation. This can help you mobilize and strengthen allies, persuade or pressure secondary targets, isolate or neutralize opponents, build new relationships and coalitions, and communicate and negotiate with your main target.

3 What are some power mapping tools?

Creating and sharing power maps is made easier with a variety of tools and platforms. Power Map is a free online tool that allows you to create and edit power maps using drag-and-drop features, as well as export, print, or share them with others. Maptivism is a web-based platform that enables you to create interactive and geolocated power maps using data and maps from various sources, as well as collaborate and communicate with other activists and organizers. Kumu is a powerful and flexible tool that lets you create and visualize complex systems and networks using maps, diagrams, and charts, while also integrating data and stories from different sources and formats.

5 What are some examples of power mapping in action?

Power mapping has been used by many activists and organizers around the world to advance their causes and campaigns. For instance, The Sunrise Movement used power mapping to identify and target the politicians and corporations that are blocking or supporting their agenda. They also mobilized and trained their members and allies to organize actions and events across the country. Similarly, The Fight for $15 used power mapping to analyze and expose the power and interests of the fast-food industry and its executives, as well as organize and coordinate strikes and protests among workers and consumers in different cities and countries. Likewise, The #MeToo Movement used power mapping to identify and confront the perpetrators of abuse in various sectors, as well as connect survivors to share their stories and demand justice.