Search
Program Calendar
Browse By Day
Browse By Time
Browse By Person
Browse By Session Type
Browse By Topic
Personal Schedule
Sign In
Deadlines
Policies
Updating Your Submission
Requesting AV
Presentation Tips
Request a Visa Letter
FAQs
Search Tips
Annual Meeting App
About Annual Meeting
Previous sociological research on conversion examines the mechanisms increasing the likelihood of a dramatic change in belief or worldview. This study extends our understanding of conversion by looking at how social movement organizations use converts for their benefit. I analyze news articles, blog and website postings, expositional memoirs, and organizational documents covering two recent converts. The first is Abby Johnson, a former Planned Parenthood clinic director who now holds a senior position in three nationally prominent pro-life organizations. The second is Jenna Miscavige Hill, the niece of the current leader of the Church of Scientology, David Miscavige, and a former member of the Sea Organization, the most secretive and authoritative organization within Scientology. After leaving the Church, Hill co-founded an anti-Scientology organization. I find social movement organizations primarily use converts to verify pre-existing claims and theories, demonize the opposition through exposé, gain media attention and other resources, symbolize success, and provide movement actors with inside knowledge of the opposition.