Participation scaleMass participation
Best used forEconomic pressure
At a glance
Participants doStop buying from, using, or supporting the target.
Organizers doExplain the target, the requested change, how to participate, and when the boycott should end.
ProducesLess money or support going to the target.
What is Boycott?
A boycott is when people stop buying from, using, or supporting a specific target.Each participant makes their own choice. When many people do the same, their choices can have a larger effect.A boycott can put economic or public pressure on the target to change.
insights
Key takeawayA boycott brings individual choices together to create pressure for change.
Characteristics
Best used forEconomic pressure
Participation scaleMass participation
Target audienceOrganizations
Time commitmentOngoing
Effort requiredMedium
Coordination requiredMedium
Resource costLow
Participant journey
1. DiscoverFind the opportunity and understand what it is about.
2. LearnRead the background and understand what participation involves.
3. ReviewCheck the request, materials, or details before you act.
4. AcceptConfirm that you want to participate.
5. ParticipateParticipate according to the organizer's instructions.
6. ShareHelp more people find the opportunity or learn about it.
7. Follow upCheck the outcome and respond if anything else is needed.
Organizer responsibilities
Define the goal
Identify the target
Design the participation method
Prepare materials
Publish
Promote
Collect results
Evaluate
Communicate the outcome
Quality checklist
Clear objectiveThe purpose and intended result of the participation method are clearly defined.
Specific requestThe requested action or change is clear and easy to understand.
Defined targetThe person, group, or institution expected to receive or respond to the result is clearly identified.
Clear instructionsParticipants can understand what to do, how to do it, and when their participation is complete.
Supported by evidenceImportant claims, instructions, or requests are supported by credible information.
Measurable successThe organizer has defined how progress, completion, or results will be assessed.
Follow-up plannedParticipants will receive relevant updates after they contribute.
Transparent processParticipants can understand how contributions are collected, reviewed, used, and communicated.
Strategic strengths
Fits everyday choicesPeople can participate through choices they already make about what they buy, use, or support.
Can involve many peopleMany people can participate on their own without having to organize with each other.
Creates economic pressureWhen people spend less money on the target, it can give the target a reason to respond.
Practical limitations
Requires timeParticipants or organizers need enough time to prepare, contribute, or complete the process.
Requires participant commitmentParticipants need to invest meaningful time, effort, or continued involvement.
Depends on public interestThe participation method works better when enough people care about or notice the issue.
Depends on an external decisionThe final result depends on a person or institution outside the initiative.
Risks & safeguards
Low participationSet realistic participation expectations and plan how to reach the intended audience.
MisinformationProvide reliable source material and address important inaccurate claims that could mislead participants.
Unrealistic expectationsExplain what participation can influence, what remains uncertain, and what will happen after contributions are collected.
Legal complianceIdentify relevant legal requirements early and seek appropriate guidance when responsibilities are unclear.
Delivery failureDefine how contributions or results will be delivered, used, or acted on before asking people to participate.
security
InsightMake the target and requested change clear so participants understand what the boycott is trying to change.
Accessibility
Financial barriersConsider whether travel, materials, fees, lost work time, or other costs could prevent participation.
Location flexibilityConsider whether people can participate from more than one location.
Alternative ways to participateConsider whether another way to contribute should be available for people who cannot use the main participation method.
Common mistakes
Unclear targetThe people or institutions expected to respond have not been clearly identified.
Unclear goalThe initiative has not clearly defined the result the strategy should support.
Poor communicationParticipants do not receive clear, timely, or consistent information about the work.
Expecting immediate resultsThe initiative expects meaningful change before the relationships, evidence, or influence needed for it have developed.
Works well with
FAQ
Does a boycott need many participants?Not always. It depends on how much the boycott affects the target and how noticeable that effect is.
How long should a boycott last?A boycott should have a clear end. For example, it may end when the requested change happens or when the organizers end the boycott.
Does a boycott have to involve purchases?No. Participants can also stop using services, being members, or giving other forms of support.