RESOURCE MOBILIZATION BY LOCAL SOCIAL-MOVEMENT ORGANIZATIONS - AGENCY, STRATEGY, AND ORGANIZATION IN THE MOVEMENT AGAINST DRINKING AND DRIVING

Mobilization of resources is a central concern among analysts of socia l movements. However little research has focused on factors that influ ence the types and amounts of resources collective actors are able to mobilize. In this study, data from local social movement organizations opposing drinking and driving are used to assess the roles of agency (i.e., amount of effort), strategy, organizational structure, and natu re of national affiliation in the mobilization of resources. Measures of agency consistently predict mobilization of volunteer labor revenue , and membership. Strategy seems less important. An emphasis on victim services was positively related only to mobilization of members. Orga nizational structure, particularly the number of task committees, was consistently related to mobilization of volunteer label; revenue, and membership. Affiliation with a highly visible and highly legitimated n ational organization, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), appears to have an energizing effect on local leaders while it dampens the effec ts of agency, strategy, and organizational structure. These results ar e interpreted within the distinctive political and cultural context of the movement against drinking and driving.