Bill Moyer's Four Roles of Social Activism
The MAP Model for Organizing Social Movements includes the following four roles.
- Citizen activists need to say “Yes!” to those fundamental principles, values, and symbols of a good society that are also accepted by the general public.
- Rebel activists must be say a loud “No!” and protest social conditions and institutional policies and practices that violate core societal values and principles.
- Change agent activists work to educate, organize, and involve the general public to actively oppose present policies and seek positive, constructive solutions.
- Reformer activists work with the official political and judicial structures to incorporate solutions into new laws and the policies and practices of society’s public and private institutions.
Keep in mind that all four roles need to be played effectively to help reduce opposition and promote cooperation among different groups of activists and organizations.
Check out the website below to learn more about how to affect social change.
How can you develop as an activist?
One: Find your passion
- Ask yourself questions about what you feel strongly about and identify a theme.
- Research organizations that support the theme you identified.
- Learn about the subcategories that exist within your identified theme.
- Ask yourself: Why this cause is important to you? Can you see yourself devoting time and energy to the cause?
- If the answer is yes... You may have found your passion.
Two: Commit to small actions
- Donate money, food, or goods
- Volunteer time
- Write letters
- Sign petitions
Three: Get educated on the issues
- Research your cause.
- Identify key issues that surround your cause.
- Learn what other activists are doing to solve the issues.
- Identify skills you have that are relevant to the work.
Four: Join a local group.
Many national and international organizations have smaller chapters on state and local levels. Now that you have identified you passion use this directory to locate local chapters by state and by issue/cause.
Five: Get involved in the political process
If you are old enough to vote, make sure you study and vote for the candidates that support your cause. Activists will most likely not be satisfied with just heading to the polls, so get involved in other ways, like by volunteering for candidates you’re passionate about.
Six: Take courses or earn a degree in a related field
If you’re in school and interested in pursuing some kind of career in activism, search out classes that will build up your knowledge.
Possible college majors for the future activist:
- African American Studies
- Community Organization and Advocacy
- Economics
- Ethnic Studies, General
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Urban Studies
- Women's Studies
It is never too early to start preparing, so make high school count.
- Read the news to learn about issues affecting the lives of ordinary people.
- Organize activities at your school such as campaigns to donate clothing to the homeless.
- Volunteer at an organization working for social change.
- Read about activists such as Chavez, Huerta, Malcolm X, and Susan B. Anthony.
- Make the most of history and social studies to learn about the problems people have faced throughout time and the way they’ve addressed those problems.
- Use English classes to sharpen your written and oral skills.
- Speak up in class and among friends, backing up your opinions with facts.
- Join the debate team.
Seven: Gain experience
Experience is also crucial for budding activists. You can get in the field through volunteering and internships; they’re just as important as taking the right classes or reading the right books in terms of fully understanding an issue. These experiences will also connect you to organizations and people that can lead you to a permanent career.
Eight: Develop your personal mission statement
So, what is a personal mission statement?
A statement that encompasses your goals, purpose, and the value you bring to the cause you support. It’s the type of statement that would go on top of a resume, so that an organization you want to work for can get a clear idea of who you are as a person and what you’ll add to a team.
Writing a personal mission statement (which can be up to three sentences) is an extremely valuable exercise in self-reflection and forces you to dig really deeply into why you have a passion the cause you support..
Nine: Maintain a support network
Every activist needs a support network because standing up for human rights can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Burnout is very common. Know your limitations and surround yourself with people who can help you work through hard feelings.
Read the article below to learn more about building and maintaining a strong support network.
Explore the K12 Career Education Navigator
The K12 Career Technical Education (CTE) Navigator helps you explore high school courses and career pathways offered across San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. Browse by industry sector, county, school district, and more to find options that match your interests and career goals and see how these pathways can prepare you for college, certifications, apprenticeships, or the workforce.
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