Source: Momentum Community
In order to build a mass movement, we will need mass mobilizations and mass organizations. So, we will need to be intentional and attentive in our efforts of mobilization and organization, always keeping an eye on the next stage.
The Momentum Community produced a useful model of escalation, active popular support and absorption. We recommend the Cycle of Momentum as a strategy tool for action planning. You don’t need to agree with their theory of change or any part of their presentation to be able to use this tool.
Escalation is what happens when people take disruptive action together.
Absorption is what happens during and immediately following any escalation. This is the systematic process of bringing newly activated people into the movement so that the movement grows in capacity and can escalate with greater impact over time. Absorption can mean new people signing an online petition, joining a mass call, or attending an orientation training. Good absorption doesn’t just move people onto a ladder of engagement — it puts them on an elevator of engagement so that the most enthusiastic new leaders can step into high levels of responsibility quickly.
Active Popular Support is the shift in public opinion that results after an escalation. This change in the public sets the stage for the next phase of escalation and absorption.
Taken from: https://www.momentumcommunity.org/momentum-model
They also explain the model in this webinar:
