Community Toolbox - Do the Work<<< Back If you're advocating for change, there will probably be someone opposed to what you're doing. Even if your goal is something everyone can agree on, there will be those who disagree with your methods for achieving it. Recognizing the following "ten D's" will help you prevent and respond to opposition to your efforts.
- Deflect
Your opponent may try to deflect you by turning the debate to other issues instead of focusing on the real problem.
- Delay
Delays are one of the more common opposition responses. The opponents may say they are working on the problem when in reality nothing is being done.
- Deny
Denial is used when your opponent refuses to admit there is any truth to either the problem that you say exists or the solution that you propose.
- Discount
Discounting occurs when your opponent suggests that the problem you are working on isn't really important, or when they question the legitimacy of your organization or its efforts.
- Deceive
Deception is the act of intentionally misleading someone by lying or by "forgetting" to tell the whole story. For example, your opponent may misrepresent statistics or make suggestions that in reality have nothing to do with what you are trying to accomplish.
- Divide
Opponents may try to divide a group over controversial issues. By doing so, they hope to reduce the overall effectiveness of your organization or coalition.
- Dulcify
Dulcifying, or appeasing your organization and/or its members with small concessions, is a strategy the opposition may utilize.
- Discredit
When a member of the opposition tries to discredit an organization, he or she may attempt to make your group look incompetent (unreasonable, unnecessary, etc.) to the community at-large.
- Destroy
The destroy tactic has the simple, clear goal of trying to ruin your organization or initiative in any way possible. This method may involve some of the other tactics, and may require legal assistance.
- Deal
To "deal" with a group often means to compromise. Make sure you get in equal measure to what you give!
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