Movement-level thinking requires an awareness of the movement ecosystem in which our groups are inserted and identifying different diversities that might be helpful for our vision. But this awareness does not produce movement-level thinking. As we plan the future (see Section §5.2 Planning the Future in All In), we should be able to critically analyze what the movement as a whole needs at a given moment.

Movement Learning Catalyst, a joint project of European Alternatives, European Community Organising Network, Ulex Project and activist researchers at the National University of Ireland Maynooth, produced a Guide to Learning Systemic Change. In this Guide, we want to highlight the following learning activity titled “Relational Mapping”, which helps us do exactly this.

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This 90-minute exercise guides activists through developing relational movement maps to understand network dynamics. It introduces network theory concepts such as density, centrality, homophily, and multiplexity. Participants reflect on patterns of connections, strengths, and weaknesses in their networks, identifying key actors, roles, and potential improvements for enhanced cooperation and influence.