Our Theory of Change is grounded in the firm belief that individual agency and collective action are what bring about systemic change. This means that civil society actors and movements must be the key decision-makers and co creators behind collective action so they can shape narratives, propose solutions, and lead responses to shrinking civic space
Three strategic assumptions underpin our support for movements and civil society actors:
- Solidarity in the form of taking public stances, offering legal and financial backing, providing emergency protection, and engaging diverse allies will help civic actors continue to shape public agendas instead of retreating.
- Flexible funding, rapid support, holistic security, open knowledge, and de-risking mechanisms will help them sustain vibrant civic environments and adapt to shocks.
- Convening “safe and brave” spaces—physical, digital, or hybrid—will enable civic actors to connect, collaborate, and co-create strategies across borders while working within local contexts.
If these strategies advance, they will likewise lead to three intermediate results:
- Movements and civil society actors have tools to preserve, sustain, and expand vibrant and resilient civic environments.
- Movements and other civil actors implement strategic and contextualized solutions.
- Civil society actors and movements are visible and positioned in advocacy spaces.
Once the intermediate results take root, movements and civil society actors will be able to respond to threats and protect civil and political rights – our first long‑term outcome, and then, they will be able to claim and expand civil and political rights – our second long‑term outcome.
If these long‑term outcomes are realized, movements and other civil society actors will be able to actively shape equitable, just, and inclusive societies that respect civil and political rights, which is the desired change at the heart of the Hivos Theory of Change.
