THEORY OF CHANGE
THEORY OF CHANGE
The Responsible Mica Initiative (RMI) uses a Theory of Change to frame the broader impact areas that its programs are designed to deliver tangible change through longer term outcomes on the ground. This framework identifies the causal relationship between specific activities and their short-term, mid-term, and long-term outcomes. It helps to ensure that every action contributes to lasting change in mica supply chains.
By clearly mapping the path from on-field interventions to measurable impacts, the Theory of Change enables RMI to design more effective programs, identify gaps in activity, and establish indicators to monitor progress. It provides a roadmap for achieving sustainable improvements while reinforcing strategic alignment across all initiatives.
RMI’s global Theory of Change integrates its three pillars – Transparency & Workplace Standards, Legal Frameworks & Governance and Workers & Community Empowerment – to demonstrate how coordinated actions across these areas lead to meaningful transformation in the mica sector. Specific programs, such as the Community Empowerment initiative in India, have also been guided by more granular interventions-based Theories of Change developed with expert partners like Im-Prove to ensure relevance and integrate practical, evidence-based needs assessments.
The proposed multi-pronged theory of change addresses root causes (poverty, lack of education), immediate protection needs, systemic changes and access to formal markets required to create an environment where child labor becomes unnecessary and unacceptable, and where responsible working conditions are the norm.
The proposed multi-pronged theory of change addresses root causes (poverty, lack of basic services), and changes need (fair pricing practices alongside the supply chain, increased legalization regarding mining activities, empowered and trained mica-workers) to create an environment where mica-dependent communities achieve the living wage and living income, and where responsible working conditions are the norm.
