ABSTRACT

This chapter discusses the activist relationship network strategies framework, which posits that opportunities for advancing a political issue can be catalyzed by building and maintaining appropriate relationship network structures. Additionally, the chapter articulates how network relationships and the constitution of networked organizations are influenced by changing frames and institutional pressures in an issue network. The framework contributes to the political public relations literature by drawing a theoretical link between issues management practice and the networks required by activists to catalytically maneuver an issue through its life cycle.