DOING DEMOCRACY - Essential tools for change-makers
Ever wanted to see your world change for the better, but not sure where to start? This series of free workshops will take the mystery out of change-making, by examining the patterns of social movements around the world. You are welcome to join any or all of the series. We’ll present one tool per workshop, followed by discussion of how you can apply them. These workshops will be extremely useful to anyone working for social change, whether by helping people, animals, or Nature. Presenter Dan Lewis has 35 years advocacy experience. These are the tools he uses daily.
When: Wednesdays, from 7:30-9:00pm
Where: Tofino Community Hall, 351 Arnet Road
September 24: 8 Stages of Social Movements
October 7: 4 Roles of Advocates
October 21: Spectrum of Allies
November 4: Decolonisation with Pawa Haiyupis
1. September 24 DESCRIPTION:
8 STAGES OF SOCIAL MOVEMENTS
All social movements go through stages—from business as usual, through ripening conditions, to movement take-off and ultimately achieving alternatives. Figuring out what stage your movement is at allows you to choose tactics most likely to succeed at that stage. Bill Moyer, author of Doing Democracy, mapped all this out back in the 1980s and even came to Tofino to offer a workshop—right before the rainforest movement achieved take-off! Presenter Dan Lewis was mentored by Bill himself.
2. October 7 DESCRIPTION:
4 ROLES OF ADVOCATES
There are many different roles to play in any social movement—something for everyone! Understanding the 4 roles will help you figure out how best to join and support the movement of your choice. Each role can be played in an effective way which builds your movement, rather than ineffectively in ways that can harm your movement. Different roles may become more or less important, depending on which stage your movement is at. Ideally, an advocate will learn to play all 4 roles effectively.
3. October 21 DESCRIPTION:
SPECTRUM OF ALLIES
It’s easy to think in black and white, and to divide your world into ‘us and them’. The real world is a bit more complicated—people defending the status quo may have the best of intentions, or may actually be onside with your movement’s goals, even though they work for the status quo. This session will help you to understand how to move people towards supporting your goals, even if they are on the other side of an issue.
4. November 4 DESCRIPTION:
DECOLONISATION WITH PAWA HAIYUPIS
Aboriginal title and self-governance are linked to anything to do with Nature. Navigating quu’as (Indigenous) and settler tensions takes a team approach, ongoing reflection, and learning. It’s time for settlers to move beyond the paralysis and fear of doing something wrong, to sample and try new ways of improving this relationship. Innovation is born from diversity! Learn how you can join the journey towards decolonisation together with Indigenous people. Facilitator pawatsqwačiił (pawa) is ahousaht, tla-o-qui-aht, French and Scottish. She has 23 years experience hosting spaces to explore difficult questions.
