ABSTRACT

This article applies Social Network Analysis (SNA) to illuminate the task forces created by US-based activists undertaking public relations on behalf of migrant caravan participants that travel from Honduras through Mexico toward the US. Four functional roles – influencers, messengers, support groups, and founding members – are identified and described in detail. When taking into account the characteristics of the individuals involved, these roles facilitate “bridge-actions”: the mobilization of support across distinct political structures such as Native American tribal governments, international human rights venues, and US political parties. The result is a flexible public relations venture that has ability to influence diverse audiences – and extend beyond this particular mobilization effort. This has been most useful in the current American debate concerning restrictive US immigration policies and border security measures.

摘要

本文应用社会网络分析 (SNA) 阐明由美国活动家创建的工作组，他们代表从洪都拉斯经墨西哥前往美国的移民大篷车参与者开展公共关系。确定并详细描述了四个职能角色——影响者、信使、支持团体和创始成员。考虑到所涉个人的特点，这些角色会促进“桥梁行动”：动员不同政治结构的支持，例如美国原住民部落政府、国际人权场所和美国政党。其结果是一个灵活的公共关系企业，它能够影响不同的受众——并超越这一特定的动员工作。