The Commons
More and more people are looking for a way to take action, and people who joined a few months ago want to learn how to organize actions and groups. Normally we’d say “find a mentor” but every long-time activist we know is swimming hard to just to keep up with the sudden surge of interest. It’s a good problem to have, but we need help. Enter the library! This time we don’t mean the public library (though they have great books too!)
Visit The Commons, a “Social Change Library” that collects information into lesson plans.
How to do it:
Go to The Commons and start browing! Or read on for some of our favorite starting points.
New to the Movement:
If you’re just getting your feet under you, start with this lesson guide for new activists. You could spend weeks in here following links to specific topics like protests: how to engage in them, do they work, and what about that controversial 3.5% rule?
Ready to Organize:
Whether you’re trying to figure out how to move from member to organizer, can’t find a group that meets your needs, or are a long-time organizing looking for ways to deal with the influx of new energy, there’s weeks worth of reading in The Commons’ organizer section.
Civil Disobedience:
Non-violence spans a far greater range than simply protest. From the Rosa Parks to tree sitters, non-violence includes illegal, even dangerous actions. Non-violent protesters may be met with violence. They often challenge social norms and are controversial in their time. Examples include armed Black Panthers peacefully marching, and the queer Kiss Ins organized by ACT UP! during the AIDs epidemic. If you have been wondering what its like to engage in actions with a high risk of arrest or violence, we recommend starting with this case study of this well-planned 350.org action.
