Fighting to free the world and struggling to free yourself are not independent; you need to do one in order to do the other. Buried somewhere out there in the world is the belief that people who are working to make the world a better place are somehow being ultimately selfless, acting only in theContinue reading “Fight to Free…”
Tag Archives: activism
Our Hope Is Students on Fire!
The world is on fire right now! As I sat at my computer at my dining room table in Olympia, Washington, in the Cascadia region of North America, I read about the new round of protests erupt around the world. In one day, there were reports of students in Chile, the working class masses ofContinue reading “Our Hope Is Students on Fire!”
Great Poetry Series: “To Be Of Use”
This is the 20th entry in CommonAction’s “Great Poetry” Series. Marge Piercy is is the author of seventeen novels and eighteen volumes of poetry, and a critically acclaimed memoir. Born in center city Detroit, educated at the University of Michigan, the recipient of four honorary doctorates, she has been a key player in some ofContinue reading “Great Poetry Series: “To Be Of Use””
Some Observations About Social Change
I started my first community organizing campaign with a group of friends when I was 14. Involved in formal and informal youth engagement work throughout my teens and early 20s, I got my first job supporting youth involvement and youth activism when I was 24. I haven’t stopped since then. Starting The Freechild Project whenContinue reading “Some Observations About Social Change”
Issues Addressed by Student Voice
Planning the winter dance, setting the price for Valentine’s Day candies, and deciding the new school colors are decisions some schools allow student voice to influence or even drive. However, Meaningful Student Involvement amplifies student voice much further than this. There are literally countless issues throughout the education system where engaging students as partners canContinue reading “Issues Addressed by Student Voice”
Constant Conscious Hopefulness
Since I was young, its always been said that I’m optimistic. That’s not totally true, and as my friends know, there are days when my optimism wanes. Freedom isn’t free for any of us, and there are many days when I felt like I was paying a lot. However, I have worked to maintain constant consciousContinue reading “Constant Conscious Hopefulness”
Living Beyond Apathy
There are a growing number of people living with apathy towards others. Their disregard, lack of concern, and intransigence is both intentional and coincidental, both generative and respondent. However, wherever it comes from, apathy is detrimental for those who experience it and all of society, too. Apathy is a lack of interest or concern for others. TheContinue reading “Living Beyond Apathy”
My Call to End the Voting Age
“No one is born a good citizen; no nation is born a democracy. Rather, both are processes that continue to evolve over a lifetime. Young people must be included from birth. A society that cuts off from its youth severs its lifeline.” —Kofi Annan Everyone has the human right to democratic processes regardless of age. Voting isContinue reading “My Call to End the Voting Age”
Understanding El Che
Che Guevara is given a lot of room by my contemporaries, radicals and liberals alike. Because of his practical and applied radicalism, they regard him as a sort of martyr for all kinds of movements. One of my teachers, Peter McLaren, even wrote a book about Paulo Freire and El Che, comparing their leftist politik from aContinue reading “Understanding El Che”
Machiavellian Student Voice
“It is necessary for the prince to have the friendship of the people; otherwise, he has no resources in time of adversity.” – Machiavelli in The Prince Picket signs held high into the glimmering sunshine shouted, “Fair pay, fewer hours!” and “Teachers work for YOUR kids!” Lined up in rows, the protesters chanted, “Our voice, ourContinue reading “Machiavellian Student Voice”
