Activism

Street activism changes the world.  Not by itself, but it’s a key component of any successful campaign.  No matter what anyone says, I don’t think there has ever been a major social policy change that came about strictly through legislative action, insider wheeling and dealing, or pressure politics (petitions, letter-writing, etc.).  I believe in the power of strategic nonviolence.  I’ve seen it work and I’ve seen it not work, but it’s always a long-term struggle and often you do not know what the results are going to be until many years later.  If you’re interested in learning more about and/or getting involved in grassroots activism, here are some links to get started with.

Justice for Palestine

International Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions campaign

Stop Pinkwashing Israeli War Crimes (pinkwashing = using queer civil rights in Israel to distract from Israeli apartheid & occupation)
Pinkwatching Israel
Queers Undermining Israeli Terrorism (QUIT!)
Queers Against Israeli Apartheid

Not In Our Name: Jewish-specific organizing
Jewish Voice for Peace
International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network

Arab Anti-Racist Organizing
Arab Resource & Organizing Center (AROC)

Internationals Working In Palestine
International Women’s Peace Service
International Solidarity Movement

Queer/LGBT Liberation

LAGAI – Queer Insurrection
Gay Shame – A Virus In The System
Transgender & Intersex Justice Project 
Gender Just (Chicago)
Audre Lorde Project

Black Lives Matter

Yes, Black Lives matter. All lives should matter, sure, but Black lives have been consistently devalued on this continent since the moment that Black people were dragged here in chains. It’s time we started dealing seriously with that.

Black Lives Matter Movement
Anti-Police Terrorism Project (APTP)
11 Misconceptions About the Black Lives Matter Movement (Brittney Cooper)

Women Resisting Militarism

Women In Black is an international grassroots movement of women for justice and opposing all war.

Women Peacemakers March Into Korean DMZ

Direct Action to Stop War: In 2002 and 2003, the world saw the largest outpouring of people’s power to stop a war in global history. We did not succeed, but the example lives on. Some day soon, we will rise again and we will win.

Decentralized, radically democratic organizing did not start with Occupy Wall Street:

Women’s Pentagon Action (1980s)
Seneca and Greenham Women’s Encampments For a Future of Peace & Justice (1980s)
Women’s International Terrorist Conspiracy from Hell (1960s)

Gentrification and Economic Justice

Local organizing in Oakland, San Francisco, and Everywhere

General Activist Resources

Organizing for Power, Organizing for Change
The Movement Action Plan: A Strategic Framework Describing The Eight Stages of Successful Social Movements
198 Methods of Nonviolent Action (A Force More Powerful)
Global Nonviolent Action Database
Praxis Makes Perfect (amazing collection of resources)