I'm a student at a very conservative, Catholic university. I'm thinking about different ways that I can start a sort of grassroots movement at my school, but I first wanted to see if any of you guys had any suggestions for me. Some ideas I've come up with so far are writing to the (horrible and biased) school paper (I've already started on this), leaving or distributing fliers around campus, starting a campus chapter of SDS, and organizing protests against some of the university's policies. I would like to help mobilize my fellow students into acting on issues such as war, racism, homophobia, and unjust policies at our school. We have a lot of problems here on our own campus, but the only things students seem to get into are anti-abortion issues and drinking. One problem that would interfere with my organizing is the unofficial school moratorium on speakers/clubs/etc. that promote values that are "inconsistent with Catholic teachings" or "opposed to the school's values/mission." I really don't want to get suspended or expelled, so I'm probably going to have to do most of this work "underground" or at a really low-key level. However, this cannot just be "talk" or a Facebook group. I want change, and I know that my fellow students can make it happen. I realize that I could just transfer to a different school, but other than the politics, I like this school. Besides that, I think it would be great if I could help to start a movement here, rather than just fleeing to a "safer" place. I will not take the path of least resistance. What are some actions that you have organized at your own schools? How can an average, not-so-outgoing person like me get other students to care, and then to act? I appreciate any help/suggestions you have for me. Who knows, maybe someone else has the same sorts of questions, and you can help them, too.
Wow, thank you to the 25 amazing people who read this thread and responded with help! </bitter sarcasm> Sorry, I know some of you may not have ideas, but ANYTHING would have been kinda nice, ya know? I've decided to put some of my other ideas here, for anyone interested in things that they could try. Of course, what do I know, right? So these are just random ideas from a random student. -I've joined the local chapter of SDS. -I'm going to write a satirical, underground school newsletter to leave in random places around campus. (The official school newspaper is horribly written and features extremely conservative articles, such as the one printed last week which said that liberals should be shot and hung up like four-legged furry animals on trophy walls. Seriously.) So, here is the question once again, but rephrased: How can students go from being "activists" to "organizers?"
talk to people. meet people who feel the same as you do. have a meeting in your dorm room or at a park if it isnt too cold. involve everyone in some way, let them all know like their opinions are important. take their ideas and use them; get them all involved in a project.
Ah, a response! Muchos gracias! I like the idea of organizing a meeting to see how many people are interested/supportive. That's a great idea. I have questions about this process, however. Sorry, I've never done this kind of organizing work before... If someone in my fascists school administration finds out that I am organizing an unauthorized event and posting unapproved fliers on campus, I suspect that I will get in trouble. Do you have any advice on how I can organize and advertise for this event without getting suspended/expelled from my university? Maybe I could just describe it as "an informal and unofficial gathering to discuss current university policies and actions that students can take to change these policies"... How does that sound?
that would work, but a surefire way to be safe from backlash is to have the meeting in a local coffee shop or something. If you are afraid of retaliation have the meeting off campus. There is nothing they can do but take your fliers down.
That's a great idea! Thanks for answering all my n00b-like questions, lol. You're awesome! So now, I need to: spread the word, post fliers, notify people via the evil Facebook, see how many people are interested, and get input on the location. Most excellent.
heey, I'm in tassie - australia and we're being threatened with the pulp mill at the moment which is completely going to stuff our enviroment. anyway, yesterday we had a student rally - it was fantastic! I believe a group of students organised it and got some speakers in parliment and stuff. If you have an issue you really want to get out there try talking to someone outside your school then handing out flyers promoting what you're organising. You'd be suprised how many others agree with you goodluck!
Perhaps use the "Catholic Values" to your advantage. Jesus was anti-war- remember his "turn the other check" lesson? Perhaps use Jesus's message of peace and love to your advantage and the school can't do shit about that. If they try, they're only contradicting their own faith. Peace and love
Wow, good luck. I think it's wonderful what you're doing. I think it's such bullshit that schools make unconstitutional policies and get away with it. It's as if they think they're independent, communist countries that don't have to acknowledge the rights we're legally given or answer to the law. Rock on.
Hippie Chick: As much as i now dislike my former religion, i think you make a good point about using their religion against them. Jesus did say so much about non-violence and other things that they all seem to ignore. It's really sad, actually. Therese: I attend a private university, so i suppose they would argue that when i chose to attend the school, i agreed to abide by their (bullshit) policies.
True, but I was questioning their right to have unconstitutional policies. They have a point, but so does the law
