#MEAction Activist Camp
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
– Margaret Mead
This fall #MEAction is offering ACTIVIST CAMP!, a free four-part activism teach-in series for activists in the United States.
#MEAction ACTIVIST CAMP! is designed to help participants become more competent activists and dive into current #MEAction campaigns!
With a disability justice and anti-oppression framework, camp will provide participants with the opportunity to explore the historical context of social justice movements and contemporary organizing, create effective campaigns and actions, and develop new activist skills.
Didactic presentations, small group breakouts, home study, and more will help participants engage in the material during our time together. Each of the modules drills down into how each participant can take their activism to the next level with #MEAction!
#MEAction is ready to build an arsenal of activists and we want you to join us! New and seasoned activists are highly encouraged to apply. Applications are due by the extended deadline, Friday, July 23rd at 5pm EST. Spots are limited! 20 applicants will be accepted.
DEADLINE TO APPLY HAS PASSED! THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST!
Important information to know before you apply!
- Who can take the training?
– United States ME/CFS community members who are committed to disability justice, and learning and engaging with others activists to speak truth to power!
- When is the training?
– INSPIRE! (pre-session): September 19th, at 3pm EST During this two hour session, we will get to know each other, engage in a few grounding exercises, discuss what our intentions and goals are, share what we will commit to, and describe what we hope to get out of our learning experience. We will discuss the characteristics of an effective activist and factors that contribute to success in activism.
– IGNITE! (Session 1): October 3rd at 3pm EST During our first two hour session we will learn about social movement theory, current and past inspirational activist groups, what activism is, why we engage in activism, and the challenges and opportunities of engaging in activism in an ableist world. Additionally, we will define power, disability justice, and anti-oppression.
– ORGANIZE! (Session 2): October 17th at 3pm EST. During our second two hour session, we will explore the different tools available to activists. We will learn about POP, power mapping, the root cause tree tool, SWOT analysis, campaign development, and more! We will close by talking about the importance of debriefing.– THRIVE! (Session 3): October 31st at 3pm EST. During our third two hour session, we will drill down into the nitty gritty of planning an action or campaign. We will discuss steps in planning, inside/outside strategy, what e-activism is, the importance of collective liberation, and why you might choose to engage as an affinity group vs a larger group.
– ACTIVATE! (Session 4): November 14th at 3pm EST. During our final two hour session, participants will give a short update on their campaign or action, and describe what has been implemented from activist camp. Additionally, we will review opportunities available through #MEAction and tips for sustaining activism within a disability justice movement.
- Learning Objectives: By the end of this workshop series, participants will be able to
(1) describe activism both as a change process and as a way to exercise power
(2) discuss disability justice and anti-oppression as a framework for engaging in activism
(3) discuss two examples of successful actions from past or more current social movements
(4) list steps involved in planning an action or campaign, and
(5) describe two ways to get involved in #MEAction’s activist efforts. - What platform is the training on? Bluejeans
- Who is facilitating the training? Terri L. Wilder, MSW
- Speakers: TBA
- Applicants will be informed of acceptance the by Friday, August 13th