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

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, our 90-minute training on nonviolent organizing, advocacy, and action was held to help develop the skills needed to be an effective, informed, and prepared activist.

Featuring speakers:

Daniel Altschuler, Managing Director, Make the Road Action Fund

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

Jamila Brown, Digital Communications Strategist, The Opportunity Agenda

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