What we can learn from a forgotten movement that transformed American civic life.

Belief arcs are narrative maps that outline the series of beliefs a person adopts as they come to understand a complex social issue. Putting disparate beliefs into focus, belief arcs can help advocacy organizations and groups advance their goals toward a better future by catering messaging to different groups along the spectrum.

Liberatory change requires that we imagine radically new futures. But in this, we must ask: What kind of power will we need to build such a world, and how should power work differently within it? If our goal is not restoration but reconstruction of our society, then the theories of power that got us here won’t be enough to get us there.

Recent polling data show increasing disapproval of President Trump. Advocacy groups and nonprofits should view this as an opportunity to bridge the divide and sway disaffected voters.

Shifting narrative power is about recognizing frontline media makers and communities as sources of authority, analysis, strategy, and accountability when responding to and dealing with systems of harm.