Being an Activist while Teaching

This post has been ruminating in my mind for years. In some way, I've been an activist for many years and, unlike what you may see in articles, on TV, or from friends, activism is not a one way road, a single path, or a set of steps and actions everyone must take. Activism changes with the seasons, the causes, and each person and... it can change FOR each person. I am an example of that. There is, additionally, no one authority on how to be an activist and, I would challenge, that if someone suggests that to you... you push back. 

In my time as a teacher, an adult, and an activist, I have written letters, made phone calls, sent emails, and faxes. I have also attended marches, protests, participated in boycotts, supported organisations/individuals/causes financially, served in leadership for change, and, where need be, been blunt in my relationships and interactions. In my early years teaching, I hand wrote a 7-page letter to my governor. His response, as you see in my post update, the response was less than adequate.  

My intention with this post is to explore many ways of being an activist, via my own experiences, and those of others. There are some things on this list that I do not do. The reasons I do not may be varied and many. I am neurodiverse and have chronic conditions that limit what I am able to physically and mentally do. Despite what some say, these are adequate reasons to say no to an action item. I am a teacher with limited salary. I cannot always give financially. My point is this: there are MANY ways to be a good activist. Find ways that work for you. 

1. Join a group - There are many groups on social media as well as more traditional groups that you can join to get updates, find action items, and join in a conversation. Personally, I am a member of a few groups on Facebook, follow them on social media, etc. Join a group that is good for you and be open to changing that group. For example, I was a member of a national group for activism for years, but have found that recently its purpose has changed enough that it doesn't work for me anymore. 
2. Join Resist-bot - This is a great feature on Facebook messenger that automatically sets up for you and sends emails and faxes to your state and national reps. It also can now share various causes with you, if you want, and other action items. 
   
3. Educate Yourself - I have a whole page on social justice resources (it's always growing) as well as another on special education/disability education. If you aren't doing your own research and continuing your own education, that is step number 1 in my opinion. Also.... always give credit to where you get ideas, research, and inspiration. 
   
4. Attend a sit in - This is a form of protest, but I count it differently because, when I am injured, cannot walk, etc. this is a protest I can participate in. A few years ago a member of my local board was discovered to be openly racist and comments were made by them in a way associated with their position. A group of activists I was part of staged a series of sit ins at the board meetings where we sat in silence, held signs of protest, and demanded the board take action. Eventually they did and this member was sanctioned as much as was allowed. 
   
5. Attend a protest or march - Another form of protest. I have attended one march and, while I wish I could have attended more, I was not physically able to do so. It hurt me greatly when, after I was unable to walk safely in a march, groups and people I had protested with before said that those not marching were not doing what they could. So... let me be clear. This is NOT a required step to be an activist. It does not make you a bad activist, a performative activist, etc. if you cannot attend a march/protest. 
   
6. Change your classroom. This is a post in and of itself and perhaps I will make posts and ask others to write posts about it.... but everything about what we do can and should change - right down to our pedagogy. Everything we do needs to be reconsidered... so let's start with a top three list: tardies (check out Christopher Emdin's work on this), inclusion of flexible seating and fidget toys, and homework. Again, I will begin a series of posts on these things. 
   
7. Follow and engage with social media: You don't have to join a group to be active on social media where it counts. I recommend starting with an inventory of your social media. How many women do you follow? How many BIPOC do you follow? How many members of the LGBTQIA+ community do you follow? What causes do you follow? AND how often do you engage with them? I have a page dedicated to social justice social media accounts to follow and many of them include action items, research, and more. 
   
8. Donate to a cause, group, or individual: I cannot afford to do this often, but I do it when I can. Sometimes it is a flat out donation, sometimes it is in the form of items needed, and sometimes through my purchases. For example, we have six animals at home and whenever we shop for their needs, we donate cans of food or money to feed a pet programs. It isn't much, but it is what we can afford to do when caring for our own family. But, let me be clear. You do not have to financially support anyone if you cannot afford to do so. It doesn't make you a bad activist. 
9. Purchase from and/or support small and local business: I am not perfect at this. There are things I need that cannot be found locally or by small business (and sometimes I cannot afford). When I can, I purchase from small businesses and locally. When I cannot afford to purchase... I support. Check out the business on social media like TikTok and Instagram. I shared small businesses' products I love on Instagram and like and comment on TikTok videos. This is an important step for them as it increases their likelihood of being seen. 
   
10. Write a letter. As I previously mentioned, I've done this before. Statistically representatives are more likely to notice a hand written letter than an email, fax, or typed letter (but that doesn't disqualify them as great ways to contact and engage with your reps), but they require time, stamps, and stationery (which I am ALWAYS happy to recommend :) ). While I mentioned the disappointing response I got from my governor after my letter, it is, to this day, the most responsive response I've gotten. When I've sent emails or faxes, I often get a form response in email saying that my matter is "being looked into". When I call, I get told my call is put on a list. If you have the time, ability, and desire, consider hand writing a letter. 
    

There are other ways to be an activist as well. I've listed 10 that I feel have been most productive or received a better response. Other ways to be an activist include: speaking at meetings, engaging in a boycott of goods and businesses, doing active research, and making statements via clothing, pins, etc. 

I have engaged in all of these. I have spoken at a board meeting and, while it was important for me, did not enact any change that I was hoping for. I regularly boycott goods and businesses. Again, my business isn't enough to upend the system, but it is important for me and those I interact with. I am currently engaging in research on pedagogy and special/disability education and I regularly support causes via clothing and pins. These are steps that are important for me. They are also activism. 

So, here's my call to action. If you want to be an activist. If you want to "do your part" (as they say), find a way that works for you and the cause you want to support. Go for it. It will make a difference even if in a small circle of people. 

Lastly... what other ways of activism can we add to this list?