How to Be An Effective Activist: A 90-Minute Training on Nonviolent Action

Presented by NYU's Wagner Graduate School of Public Service; Gallatin School of Individualized Study; School of Law's Public Interest Law Center; and Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development 



The history of democracy in the US and abroad is in large part a history of popular protest—from the Civil Rights Movement, LGBTQ activism, or the Tea Party movement in the US to the ousting of dictators around the world. Despite the centrality of protest to the expansion and dynamism of democracy, the skills needed to bring democracy to the streets are rarely taught in contrast to other forms of political and civic engagement. 



Popular protest—like other forms of political action—requires passion to be effective, but also planning, organizing, training, and discipline. Drawing on the deep expertise of leading practitioners, this 90-minute training on nonviolent organizing, advocacy, and action will start to develop the skills needed to be an effective, informed, and prepared activist.



Session 1—Developing a Strategy of Protest: Target, Demand, and Power

Daniel Altschuler, Managing Director, Make the Road Action Fund

 

Session 2—Into the Streets in Civil Resistance: Engagement, Mobilization, and Action

Rev. Noelle Damico, Senior Fellow, Work with Dignity, National Economic and Social Rights Initiative

 

Session 3—Telling the Story and Massaging the Message: How to Communicate an Unarmed Struggle

Jamila Brown, Digital Communications Strategist, The Opportunity Agenda

 

Session 4—How to Confront Violence, Coercion, and Arrest With Nonviolence: What You Need To Know

Johanna Miller, Advocacy Director, New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU)