Last updated on Feb 17, 2024

How do you measure and evaluate the impact and outcomes of your protest?

You have a cause, a message, and a plan to protest. But how do you know if your protest is effective? How do you measure and evaluate the impact and outcomes of your protest? In this article, you will learn some tips and tools to help you assess your protest's success and learn from your experience.

1 Define your goals and indicators

Before you start your protest, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and how you will measure it. Your goals should be SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. For example, you may want to increase public awareness, pressure a decision-maker, or mobilize supporters. Your indicators are the criteria or evidence that show whether you have reached your goals. For example, you may use media coverage, petitions, surveys, or attendance as indicators.

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Marie Pereira

Transactional Analyst
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Hamas Official in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar knows the psyche of Israelites. From his prison years, 1989 - 2011. He knew it, and they are still seething and simmering from one single attack.

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2 Collect data and feedback

During and after your protest, you need to collect data and feedback that relate to your indicators. You can use different methods and sources to gather information, such as observation, interviews, questionnaires, social media, or reports. You should also document your protest activities, such as photos, videos, speeches, or slogans. You can use tools like Google Forms, SurveyMonkey, or Miro to create and organize your data and feedback.

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3 Analyze and interpret your data and feedback

Once you have collected your data and feedback, you need to analyze and interpret them to understand what they mean and how they relate to your goals. You can use quantitative or qualitative methods, or a combination of both, to analyze your data and feedback. For example, you can use statistics, charts, or graphs to show trends, patterns, or correlations. You can also use thematic analysis, narrative analysis, or discourse analysis to explore meanings, stories, or perspectives. You can use tools like Excel, SPSS, or NVivo to help you with your analysis and interpretation.

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👑 Ameena Ali, PhD™ 👑

Servant | Transdisciplinary International Polymath Leader in Gender/Human/Repro Rights | Thought Leader | Academician
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Measuring the impact of a protest in data can involve various metrics, such as 1. the number of participants (cultural representation for voices being spoken), 2. media coverage (local and international coverage and perspective communities covered) 3. It’s relevance (how are the voices being heard and is there a complete representation for the reason of the protest?) and 4. any resulting policy three changes since the protest. Analyzing these factors helps assess the protest's reach and influence on public opinion or decision-makers.

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4 Communicate and report your results

After you have analyzed and interpreted your data and feedback, you need to communicate and report your results to your stakeholders and audiences. Your stakeholders are the people who are directly involved or affected by your protest, such as your team, your allies, or your targets. Your audiences are the people who are interested or influenced by your protest, such as the public, the media, or the donors. You should tailor your communication and report to suit the needs and expectations of your stakeholders and audiences. You can use different formats and channels, such as blogs, newsletters, podcasts, or webinars, to share your results.

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👑 Ameena Ali, PhD™ 👑

Servant | Transdisciplinary International Polymath Leader in Gender/Human/Repro Rights | Thought Leader | Academician
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The simplified approach involves utilizing various channels such as social media, press releases, and community forums. Craft a clear and concise message highlighting key achievements, share images or videos from the event, and engage with the audience to maintain momentum. Collaborate with media outlets to amplify your message and consider organizing follow-up events to sustain the conversation.

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5 Reflect and learn from your experience

The last step in measuring and evaluating the impact and outcomes of your protest is to reflect and learn from your experience. You should review your goals, indicators, data, feedback, results, and communication and identify what worked well and what could be improved. You should also celebrate your achievements and acknowledge your challenges. You should use your reflection and learning to inform your future actions and decisions. You can use tools like SWOT analysis, after-action review, or learning circles to facilitate your reflection and learning.

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6 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?

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Marwa Zamaray

European Climate Pact Ambassador
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In plain terms, evaluating the impact and outcome of your protest could be as simple as checking if you still have a job afterwards. If you've been shown the door for protesting, perhaps the real win is landing at a company that respects your values and provides the opportunity to speak freely.

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How do you measure and evaluate the impact and outcomes of your protest?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Define your goals and indicators

2 Collect data and feedback

3 Analyze and interpret your data and feedback

4 Communicate and report your results

5 Reflect and learn from your experience

6 Here’s what else to consider

Community Organizing

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How do you measure and evaluate the impact and outcomes of your protest?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Define your goals and indicators

2 Collect data and feedback

3 Analyze and interpret your data and feedback

4 Communicate and report your results

5 Reflect and learn from your experience

6 Here’s what else to consider

Community Organizing

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