Participants use a matrix to gain an overview of the institutions and major groups involved in a proposed change, and the level of support or resistance to that proposed change.

Purpose

To determine sources and levels of support for or resistance to a proposed project or change by institutions or groups.

Comments

To determine the amount of support needed from specific individuals for a proposed project or change, use the exercise Commitment Charting.

Group size: 2 to 10 participants.

Time Needed: 10 - 20 minutes.

Materials

• Inventory of Support and Resistance worksheet (one copy for each).
• Pens or pencils.

Directions

1. Write the name of the proposed project or change in program, policy, or practice on the Inventory of Support and Resistance worksheet.
2. Ask participants to rate the level of support or resistance of the institutions and groups listed at the top of the column in the worksheet. Rate the support or resistance as high, medium, or low.
3. Ask each participant to explain the rationale behind his or her ratings of the institutions and groups on the worksheet.
4. Ask participants to discuss the overall picture of support or resistance to the proposed project or change.
5. Discuss other sources of support or resistance specific to your community.

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