In order for a movement to be considered successful within the 21st century, I firmly believe that a key component is that leadership must be horizontal. I think in a majority, if not all of the social movements that we have observed throughout the semester have had leadership where the key to their success is that there has been no formal vertical leadership hierarchy. The foundation of these social movements such as Occupy WallStreet and even the emergence of Black Lives Matter, is that although there might’ve been certain scholars or activists that might initiated such conversations but the movements longevity is solely dependent on community involvement and participation.
Another component that is essential when creating a successful social movement is the overall emphasis movements needing to focus on the small wins as mentioned by the Together We Rise reading. In addition to horizontal leadership that involves community participation, there is an emphasis to focus on the small wins such as things that are actively helping the community, etc. As mentioned by several activists, if movements and their participants were only to focus on yearning large victories/goals such as dismantling an entire system then there would be major disappointment. However, if social movements were to focus on obtaining the small goals such as gaining political power or gathering momentum then it will be successful.
Another component of a successful social movement is similar to the point mentioned in my reading reflection which is that social movements leaders must be active listeners. An essential component to horizontal leadership is that leaders must be willing to listen to each other and be willing to be able to take critique. Every individual's experience is different and a part of being a good leader is being able to acknowledge your lack of experience and stand in solidarity with fellow marginalized members. Furthermore, these leaders must pride themselves on being grassroot leaders. By being grassroots leaders it means that individuals must be willing to pass ‘the ton’ in terms of leadership and be willing to welcome new ideas and new forms of leadership as well.
Another component in having successful leadership is the use of digital media. The use of social media has become so powerful and effective in its ability to be able to spread agendas. Furthermore, given the rise of social media, it is essential to have a digital presence with social movements because that is where a majority of support is initiated or even present for some social movements. It is evident how powerful and effective social media can be when used appropriately. For example, with movements such as the Arab Spring or even within Black Lives Matter currently, social media has been utilized as a tool to spread messaging, to be able to plan effective protest and to begin to initiate prevalent dialogue throughout the country. Social Media and digital presence is essential to having a successful social movement.
Furthermore, in addition to all of the aforementioned qualities, another key component to a successful social movement involves being willing to dismantle narratives regarding an individual's everyday experience. Much of the success that was created in Occupy Wall Street was initiated due to the movement's effectiveness in changing the narratives and tones about the way society thinks about certain systems that are being used to marginalize folks. In order to have a social movement that has longevity, it is imperative that there needs to be a change in tone with messaging and overall attitudes towards systemic oppression.