How can you use power in Community Organizing?

1 Power as domination

One of the most common ways of thinking about power is as a form of domination, where one group or actor has more control and authority than another, and uses it to oppress, exploit, or exclude them. This can be seen in various forms of systemic oppression, such as racism, sexism, classism, and colonialism, that create and maintain unequal power relations in society. As a community organizer, you need to be aware of how power as domination affects your community, and how to resist and challenge it through collective action, advocacy, and solidarity.

2 Power as resource

Another way of thinking about power is as a resource, where different groups or actors have access to or control over various types of assets, such as money, information, skills, networks, or legitimacy, that can help them achieve their goals or interests. This can be seen in various forms of bargaining, negotiation, or coalition-building, where different actors use their resources to influence or persuade others. As a community organizer, you need to be aware of how power as resource affects your community, and how to mobilize and leverage your resources to advance your agenda or cause.

3 Power as discourse

A third way of thinking about power is as a discourse, where different groups or actors shape and influence the way people think, speak, and act about certain issues or realities, through language, symbols, narratives, or frames. This can be seen in various forms of communication, education, or culture, where different actors construct or contest meanings and values that shape people's perceptions and behaviors. As a community organizer, you need to be aware of how power as discourse affects your community, and how to create and communicate your own discourse that inspires and mobilizes people for action.

4 Power as capacity

A fourth way of thinking about power is as a capacity, where different groups or actors develop and exercise their own agency, skills, knowledge, or confidence, to act on their own behalf or in collaboration with others. This can be seen in various forms of empowerment, participation, or leadership, where different actors enhance or enable their own or others' potential and abilities to make a difference. As a community organizer, you need to be aware of how power as capacity affects your community, and how to build and nurture your own and others' capacity for change.

5 Power as relation

A fifth way of thinking about power is as a relation, where different groups or actors interact and relate with each other in various ways, such as cooperation, conflict, competition, or collaboration, that affect their power dynamics and outcomes. This can be seen in various forms of networks, alliances, or movements, where different actors connect or disconnect with each other based on their interests, values, or identities. As a community organizer, you need to be aware of how power as relation affects your community, and how to foster and maintain positive and productive relationships with others.

6 Power as transformation

A sixth way of thinking about power is as a transformation, where different groups or actors change and challenge the existing structures, systems, or cultures that shape and constrain their power, and create and sustain alternative or new ones that enhance and expand their power. This can be seen in various forms of innovation, creativity, or vision, where different actors generate or implement new ideas, solutions, or possibilities that address the root causes and consequences of their problems. As a community organizer, you need to be aware of how power as transformation affects your community, and how to initiate and participate in transformative processes and actions.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?