Tamarack Resource Library - Movements for Change

Tamarack’s interest in movements for change has grown out of our belief that solutions to complex problems, such as poverty and racism, will require engaged communities working together in new and innovative ways.

We have a particular interest in learning more about movements that have sprouted in a specific local community and have subsequently been adapted and transplanted to other communities, both nationally and internationally.

We believe that the way we work is as important as what we are working on and that an improved understanding of the way social movements grow and are sustained will help us, and others, as we work towards changing our world. That’s why we’re focusing our efforts on learning more about movements for change.

We believe that a positive movement for change involves the participation of all members of a community and actively engages and learns from people that have traditionally been marginalized in our society. Such movements work towards building equal opportunities for all citizens by acknowledging and seeking to shift the power imbalances that exist within society and within the movement itself.

Below you will find three “signature documents” that provide both an introduction to, and overview of, our research on movements for change.

Seven Great Ideas for Movement Builders - Grace Lee Boggs is an activist and thinker who has been intimately involved in many social movements, including the American Civil Rights movement. At 90 years old, she is still actively involved in social change efforts and is an inspiration for younger generations. We chose to highlight this article because, in one page, Boggs offers helpful insights into the difference between radical organizing and movement building and outlines seven core characteristics of movements for change. This article helps to lay a foundation for thinking about movements and social change.
Civic Gemstones: The Emergent Communities Movement - This paper is a must read! Tyler Norris is the founder of Community Initiatives, which offers consultation and performance support to community collaborations and healthcare organizations. In this paper he gives us a clear snapshot of his vision for positive social change propelled by “deeply inclusive” movements for change across North America. He describes citizen movements as “taking sustained action toward measurably improving human well-being and community quality of life”. His discussion of movements for change is set in the context of the American “Communities Movement” but we believe his conclusions can help us think about the role and design of a wide range of movements for change within Canada.
The Group of Six - Vibrant Communities links 15 cities across Canada in a Pan-Canadian Learning Community. Six Trail Builder communities act as the “living laboratory” of Vibrant Communities. This paper by Sherri Torjman, Vice-President of the Caledon Institute of Social Policy, describes the circumstances within which Vibrant Communities grew across Canada and explains the innovative ways in which the “group of six” Trail Building Communities work together to shape this national movement for poverty reduction. As a founding partner of Vibrant Communities, Tamarack’s understanding of movements for change has been shaped by its formation and growth. The lessons and principles outlined in this paper are central to Tamarack’s approach to building movement and we believe they are important for others seeking to create positive social change in Canada

These three resources provide a window into our current understanding of movements for change but our research and learning is a work in progress. The content of this website will evolve alongside our understanding of movements for change. We look forward to hearing your stories, ideas, and feedback to help us with this learning process. Please send any comments or questions you have to tamarack@tamarackcommunity.ca.