Image featuring text "The Activist Playbook" with a background of a protest scene. Additional text reads "See the playbook. Fortify your strategy." The words "CORE - Built for Impact" appear at the bottom.

Activism isn’t random. It’s usually highly calculated.

From hijacked language to coordinated disruption, the activist playbook is well-worn — and often underestimated. We unpack the strategies behind the slogans and decode the tactics shaping policy, media and markets. So you can recognize, anticipate and respond to coordinated campaigns. Read on to learn more.

AP #2: Taking control of words
Advocacy Counter-Activism, Risk Response, Reputation Risk Protection, Activist Playbook, CORE Strategic Shawn Howard Advocacy Counter-Activism, Risk Response, Reputation Risk Protection, Activist Playbook, CORE Strategic Shawn Howard

AP #2: Taking control of words

Activists don’t just argue policy—they reshape language. By hijacking key terms, they shift the battlefield entirely. If you don’t define the terms, you’ve already lost. It’s time to take control of the words.

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AP #1: One way activists get you to light yourself on fire
Advocacy Counter-Activism, Risk Response, Activist Playbook, CORE Strategic Shawn Howard Advocacy Counter-Activism, Risk Response, Activist Playbook, CORE Strategic Shawn Howard

AP #1: One way activists get you to light yourself on fire

Smart activists don’t always pressure you directly—they get you to do it to yourself. How? By manipulating your internal culture, communications, and policies until you're reacting, apologizing, and weakening your own position. It’s not chaos. It’s choreography.

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