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Other Social Change
“How to Talk to ‘Middle America’ about Progressive Ideas”
by Douglas Orbaker, 2003. [HTML] [PDF] Booklet Version — Print out double-sided on 8 1/2” x 11” paper, fold, and staple to make a 12-page booklet. [PDF ]
5 pages. This paper discusses how progressive activists can effectively talk to ordinary Americans, especially those in small towns and rural areas.
“Hope Is Not a Foolish Notion”
2 pages. Looking from the broader sweep of history, the possibilities for far-reaching transformation of society seem good.
“A Powerful and Inspiring Campaign: A Short History of SCRIP’s Efforts to End Stanford University’s Support of South African Apartheid in 1977”
[PDF]
2 pages. A brief overview of the campaign waged by the Stanford Committee for a Responsible Investment Policy (SCRIP).
“Students Organize Against Stanford’s Investment Policy,”
by Bob D., Grapevine, Volume 5, Number 6, Palo Alto, CA, June 1977, p. 1 [PDF]
2 pages. An article in an alternative newspaper that described the campaign waged by the Stanford Committee for a Responsible Investment Policy (SCRIP) in 1977.
“Progressive Behavior and Attitudes”
[PDF]
1 page. This chart lists fourteen progressive behaviors and attitudes and contrasts them with non-progressive ones.
“Several Definitions and Dimensions of Social Change”
[PDF]
1 page. This paper defines several terms that are often confused: violence, nonviolence, unviolence; active, passive nonviolence; social service, social change; resistance, liberation, democratization, humane-ization; and more.
“Some General Methods for Maintaining or Changing Society”
[PDF]
1 page. This chart describes six important aspects of ten methods used to change society.
“Characteristics of Some Typical Social Change Tactics”
[PDF]
1 page. This chart indicates whether twenty social change tactics have nine important characteristics.
“Rising Consciousness: Typical Steps People Take in Recognizing the Need to Work for Fundamental Social Change”
[PDF]
2 pages. This chart lists the steps people often take in progressing from ignorance and naiveté to political knowledge and action.
“Activist Skills and Experiences Questionnaire”
[PDF]
8 pages. This chart lists 175 skills and 98 experiences typical of seasoned activists. It can be used for self-assessment, goal setting, or progress evaluation — especially in conjunction with activist education programs.
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