Guide: Power Analysis

Objective:

Identify who holds formal authority over a policy, program, or decision (visible power)
Identify individuals, institutions, and relationships that shape agendas and access behind the scenes (hidden power)
Understand power dynamics, how power operates within a system as it relates to the issue important to you. </aside>

Time Required: 2 - 3 hours

Resources Needed: Large sheets of paper, markers or crayons, large surface/tables; a digital whiteboard that can be used to collaborate.

Audience Setting: Community gathering, coalition, or organizational

This activity can both be done in a virtual or an in-person environment, with a preference for an in-person setting.

Step 1: Identify who are your immediate allies, opposition, and potential interested parties (unknown or uncommitted to the issue).

Be specific, list out names of organizations, institutions, and individuals.
Identify a category for each, such as, organization (advocacy organization), institution (government or school), or individual (politician)
Identify what degree of influence they have over your issue and the form of power.

Allies: Individuals or organizations that support your issue or advocacy in various ways.

Name of Person/Organization	Category	Degree of Influence	Form of Power? (Hidden, Invisible, Visible)
Ex. Prodigy Advocacy Group	Advocacy Organization; focuses on education equity work	Medium	Hidden

Opposition: Individuals or organizations that are opposed to your issue or advocacy in various ways.

Name of Person/Organization	Category	Degree of Influence	Form of Power? (Hidden, Invisible, Visible)
Ex. Senator Lauren Cross	Key Decision Maker, Colorado Senate
Majority Leader	High	Visible

Uncommitted or Unknown Interests: Individuals or organizations that you are unsure about their position on your issue or have not committed to your advocacy in the past.

Name of Person/Organization	Category	Degree of Influence	Form of Power? (Hidden, Invisible, Visible)
Ex. Colorado Department of Education, Director of Education Programs	Government Agency	High	Visible & Hidden

Step 2: Map your potential allies, opposition, and uncommitted or unknown parties/ individuals on the influence/support matrix.

Draw arrows from parties or individuals that are connected to each other. This may be highlighted through previous knowledge or may require additional research and conversations

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Tips for using this tool: