Public Relations & Social Marketing Insight

Four possible futures for a movement built through successful public relations

This week’s media stories are filled with speculation about the future of the international movement ignited by the ‘Occupy Wall Street’ demonstrations in September. The question is a compelling one: has the protest movement passed its peak, or does it have a ‘second act?’

It’s easy to see the media’s interest in this question; the narrative of rise, setback and either downfall or comeback is a familiar one — not just in news but also in literature and film. And setbacks often involve flashpoints — such as the tragic death of a Vancouver protestor last weekend. Such incidents, along with colder weather across the northern hemisphere, will give rise to debates about whether authorities should work toward an orderly shutdown....