THEORY OF CHANGE
THEORY OF CHANGE
The Responsible Mica Initiative uses a Theory of Change to frame the broader impact areas of its fit-for-purpose programs and deliver tangible change through longer term outcomes on the ground. This framework identifies the causal relationship between specific activities and their short-term, medium-term, and long-term impact and ensure that every action contributes to lasting change in mica supply chains.
By clearly mapping the paths from interventions on ground to measurable impacts, the Theory of Change enables RMI to design more effective programs, identify gaps in activity, and establish indicators to monitor progress. The framework provides a roadmap for achieving sustainable improvements while reinforcing strategic alignment across all initiatives.
The global Theory of Change integrates RMI’s three program pillars – Transparency & Workplace Standards, Legal Frameworks & Governance and Workers & Community Empowerment – and demonstrates how coordinated actions across areas all three pillars lead to meaningful transformation in the mica sector. Specific programs, such as the multifaceted Community Empowerment initiative in India, have also been guided by more granular intervention-based Theories of Change developed with expert partners such as Im-Prove, to ensure relevance and integrate practical, evidence-based needs assessments.
The multi-pronged Theory of Change addresses the root causes of child labor – poverty and lack of access to childcare and education which are the most urgent needs of affected communities – and the longer systemic changes that are needed such as access to formal markets and safer workplaces. In combination, RMI programs will create an environment where child labor becomes unnecessary, and responsible working conditions are the norm.
The multi-pronged Theory of Change addresses the root causes of low wages and incomes – mica dependency, informal markets, lack of worker agency – and identifies the changes needed, including fair supply chain pricing practices, increased legalization of mining activities, and informed, empowered, and trained mica-workers which when combined will create an environment where members of mica-dependent communities receive at least a living wage or living income and where responsible working conditions are the norm.
