Humanity is facing urgent crises—from a warming planet to growing social divides and democracy threatened on a global level. While solutions do exist, the pace of campaigns often outstrips the public’s readiness.
When we push too fast, too hard, we risk alienating those who don’t yet see or understand the issue. Pressure without invitation provokes backlash: entrenched interests mobilise, skepticism spreads, and progress grinds to a halt.
We need only look at recent U.S. rollbacks of scientific research—mass layoffs at climate and environmental agencies have weakened collection and analysis of the very data we rely on to track our impact on our planet—to see how rapid reversals can stall or even reverse long-term momentum.
Pointing out problems isn’t enough. Every time we diagnose a crisis, we must pair it with a clear, achievable path forward, solutions and public acceptance: policy reforms, community projects, lifestyle shifts, the costs of new technologies and educational programs have to be acceptable by majorities. (This corresponds to my Strategic Campaigning Principles No. 7, 9 and 13). Showing people what they can do remedies paralysis, builds confidence, increases acceptance and lays stepping stones toward real impact.
But it has to be acceptable to them without manipulation or unacceptable pressure.
True, lasting change moves in step with society’s own rhythm, understanding and emotions. By matching our campaigns to collective readiness—through listening, storytelling, and step-by-step engagement—we can forge the broad coalition necessary to carry progress forward, instead of watching it stall.
Join our Campaigning for Solutions, drop an email to Mr. Campaigning if you want to be a part of it.