Mobilize

Mobilize

This column is third in a series about ACPA’s L.A.M.P. (Lead. Amplify. Mobilize. Partner.) strategy for discernment about our work as an association.  I want to talk about  “M”–mobilizing the ACPA community as part of a larger social movement for equity and inclusion for all people.

It is an exciting time to be an ACPA member because we are in a period of significant social upheaval and disruption worldwide—a time that Frederick Douglass called “earnest struggle:”

If there is no struggle there is no progress. Those who profess to favor freedom and yet deprecate agitation are men who want crops without plowing up the ground; they want rain without thunder and lightning. They want the ocean without the awful roar of its many waters…Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them, and these will continue till they are resisted with either words or blows, or with both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress.

We are social justice educators.  Therefore, it is our job to invite students and engage them to learn about injustice.

We use many different methods to facilitate this learning.  I am very energized by the early results of ACPA Video On Demand’s series Confronting the Reality of Racism in the Academy.  More than 17,000 people visited the series in the first 60 days.  In addition to the first recordings at the Saint Louis University campus and Ferguson, the Missouri State Chapter for ACPA has now completed nine segments to continue the work in their community.

Another great opportunity to learn together occurs at our annual convention.  There is nothing more compelling than several thousand ACPA members showing up in one place and “thinking out loud together.”   I can’t wait to see us all in Montréal.  Imagine ACPA in French and English!  If you have not watched the Tampa convention series on ACPA Video On Demand (www.videos.myacpa.org), I encourage you to do so.  Don’t miss what these extraordinary human beings had to say to us.

In some ways the Tampa Convention was the best of times and the worst of times.  I felt pulled in many directions because sometimes our process of working together is messy.

Our Convention Team did a fantastic job of creating a learning environment in which we intentionally “unpacked” current social upheaval about race, gender identity and trans* identified persons, immigration and undocumented status, navigating religious diversity and accessibility.   We invited Eboo Patel, Jose Antonio Vargas, Stephanie Hammerman, Laverne Cox (she cancelled on-site and appeared by SKYPE) and Michael Sam to replace Laverne’s on-site speech (he cancelled).  We then asked Stephen Quaye and Jamie Washington to replace them both on site and they graciously agreed to do so.

Cancellation by a keynote speaker ten days before Convention is a mountain to overcome.  Cancellation by that speaker’s replacement made a volcano out of that mountain.  We were stressed and worried about filling the slot and some of our members were equally worried about how we filled it.  After vetting a list of trans* identified replacements for Laverne, we ultimately chose Michael Sam.

Some members felt that we did not do the right thing in doing so.  They protested at Convention.  Some members protested their protest.  It is fair to say that the majority of people did not directly engage in either process.  We are still working to understand each of these responses and how we should work more skillfully with one another towards the common goal of asserting human dignity and justice.

Most of our challenges bring us to a place of “both/and” rather than “either/or.”  Our speaker choices were a “both/and” in that I believe that the worldview the speakers brought to us was stellar.  I am grateful to each of them.  And, not everyone agreed with our choices.  Some felt negatively impacted and we grieve that reality while feeling excited about the extraordinary “push/pull” mobilizing force that was present in the stories of the speakers.

Every day since Tampa I have noticed things that were not visible to me before I heard Jose talk about his experience as an undocumented resident.  Every day, I have seen the impact on Muslim members of my local community in ways I have not seen in the past.

I hope we will repeat the good work of inviting people who are leading social and cultural change through different means than associations.

Not long after Tampa, we published an objection to the passage of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in Indiana. We launched a Move On petition that more than 1800 people signed.  Some people felt we were “too radical” in our approach and did not agree with the Association taking the position that we did.  Some people thought we should have boycotted Indiana and we did not.

As I work through each opportunity to talk to members about various actions we take as an Association, I am reminded of Peter Dreier’s question to his students:

What happens when people within the same social movement disagree over strategy, tactics, or goals? When are such differences useful and when do they undermine a movement’s effectiveness? Every movement faces this dilemma.

We have to face that dilemma while refusing to go silent or dormant.  It is still the work of social justice educators to mobilize people toward common good. My hope is that we choose to agree to disagree when we must, yet always remain in solidarity about the movement toward full equity and inclusion for all human beings.  Thank you for your contributions on our campuses and in your communities.

498 thoughts on “Mobilize”

  5. 973385 182650Hello there! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers? Im kinda paranoid about losing everything Ive worked hard on. Any suggestions? 168364

  15. When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get several e-mails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Cheers!here

  19. Hello there! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could locate a captcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having trouble finding one? Thanks a lot!

  21. It is really a great and useful piece of info. I’m gladthat you simply shared this helpful information with us.Please stay us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.

  30. All those guidelines In addition worked to be a good way to recognize that other people on the internet hold the similar fervor like mine to grasp great deal a lot more all around this condition.

  31. My brother suggested I might like this blog.He was totally right. This post truly made my day. You can not imagine just how much time I had spent for this info!Thanks!

  33. When I initially commented I clicked the «Notify me when new comments are added» checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get several emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove people from that service? Appreciate it!

  35. Your article gave me a lot of inspiration, I hope you can explain your point of view in more detail, because I have some doubts, thank you.

  41. Whats Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve discovered It positively useful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to give a contribution & help different customers like its aided me. Great job.

  57. I sing in a choir principio ativo capoten Mediator Staffan de Mistura had been working since October on a local truce in the northern city of Aleppo and announced on Feb

  61. continuously i used to read smaller articles or reviews that also clear their motive, and thatis also happening with this article which I amreading at this time.

  62. Hello my friend! I want to say that tthis posst is amazing, gteat written and come with almost all important infos.I’d like to look more posts like this .

  63. Thanks for some other great article. The place else may anybody get that type of information in such an ideal way of writing? I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and I am on the search for such info.

  93. I don’t even know how I stopped up right here, but I thought this puutup was once good. I don’t realize who you might bee but certainly you’re going toa famous bloggger when you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!

  108. This is a good tip particularly to those new to the blogosphere.Brief but very accurate info… Thanks for sharing this one.A must read article!Here is my blog post … 카지노 딜러

  116. Hello mates, how is all, and what you wish for to say about this paragraph, in my view its truly awesome designed for me.

  124. Heya are using WordPress for your blog platform?I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying toget started and set up my own. Do you require any html coding expertiseto make your own blog? Any help would be really appreciated!

  125. I am curious to find out what blog platform you happen to be working with? I’m experiencing some minor security problems with my latest website and I would like to find something more risk-free. Do you have any recommendations?

  147. An intriguing discussion is definitely worth comment. I do believe that you ought to write more on this subject, it may not be a taboo subject but usually folks don’t talk about these topics. To the next! Many thanks!

  151. Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Thanks, However I am having difficulties with your RSS.I don’t understand why I cannot join it. Is there anyone else having identicalRSS problems? Anybody who knows the answer will you kindly respond?Thanks!!

  161. I do agree with all of the ideas you’ve presented in your post. They’re very convincing and will certainly work. Still, the posts are too short for novices. Could you please extend them a bit from next time? Thanks for the post.

  168. I do agree with all of the ideas you have presented in your post. They’re really convincing and will certainly work. Still, the posts are very short for novices. Could you please extend them a bit from next time? Thanks for the post.

  182. Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed! Very useful information particularly the last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot. I was looking for this certain information for a very long time. Thank you and best of luck.

  191. Aw, this was a really good post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to create a great articleÖ but what can I sayÖ I procrastinate a lot and never seem to get nearly anything done.

  196. Hello! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a collection of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same niche.Your blog provided us beneficial information to work on. You have done a wonderful job!

  197. I will immediately grab your rss feed as I can not find your e-mail subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Kindly let me know in order that I could subscribe. Thanks.

  198. Aw, this was an incredibly good post. Taking the time and actual effort to produce a great article… but what can I say… I hesitatea lot and don’t manage to get nearly anything done.

  206. I don’t even know the way I stopped up here, however I believed thispublish used to be good. I do not understand who you’re however definitelyyou are going to a famous blogger in case you are not already.Cheers!

  224. I need to to thank you for this fantastic read!! I certainly enjoyed every little bit of it. I’ve got you saved as a favorite to check out new things you postÖ

  233. «I needed to thank you for this fantastic read!! I definitely enjoyed every bit of it. I have got you book marked to check out new things you postÖ»נערות ליווי בפתח תקווה

  244. I have not checked in here for a while since I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are good quality so I guess I?¦ll add you back to my everyday bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂

  247. I’m extremely impressed with your writing skills as wellas with the layout on your blog. Is this a paidtheme or did you customize it yourself? Anyway keep up the nice quality writing,it’s rare to see a great blog like this one nowadays.

  251. That is a great tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere.Simple but very precise info… Thanks for sharingthis one. A must read post!

  253. When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new feedback are added- checkbox and now each time a remark is added I get 4 emails with the identical comment. Is there any method you’ll be able to take away me from that service? Thanks!

  255. When someone writes an article he/she retains the image of a user in his/her brain that how a user can know it.Therefore that’s why this post is amazing. Thanks!My blog post: Tru Vita CBD Reviews

  268. Normally I don’t learn article on blogs, however I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to take a look at and do so! Your writing taste has been surprised me. Thank you, very great article.

  272. My brother suggested I would possibly like this blog.He was once entirely right. This post actually made my day.You can not consider just how much time I had spent for this info!Thank you!

  273. It’s actually a nice and useful piece of info. I’m satisfied that you simply shared this helpful info with us. Please stay us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.

  274. Heya! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing months of hard work due to no backup. Do you have any methods to protect against hackers?

  277. whoah this blog is wonderful i love studying your articles.Keep up the good work! You realize, lots of individuals are searching round forthis info, you could aid them greatly.

  283. Oh my goodness! an amazing article dude. Thank you Nonetheless I am experiencing difficulty with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anyone getting similar rss drawback? Anybody who is aware of kindly respond. Thnkx

  287. Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I will definitely return.

  288. Normally I do not read post on blogs, however I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to take a look at and do it! Your writing style has been amazed me. Thanks, quite great article.

  320. I’m now not sure where you’re getting your info, however great topic. I must spend a while studying more or understanding more. Thanks for magnificent info I was in search of this info for my mission.

  327. Normally I do not learn article on blogs, but I would liketo say that this write-up very pressured me to try anddo it! Your writing style has been amazedme. Thanks, very great post.

  335. Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I have truly enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again very soon!

  340. Thanks for finally writing about > ليسرقوا هاتفه:’يوسف’ والشلة انهوا حياة الطالب المتفوق ‘أحمد’…وهذه الرسالة الاخيرة التي كان قد ارسلها!

  345. I will right away grab your rss as I can not find your e-mail subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Please let me know so that I could subscribe. Thanks.

  346. A motivating discussion is definitely worth comment. There’s no doubt that that you need to publish more about this subject matter, it might not be a taboo subject but usually people don’t speak about such issues. To the next! All the best!!

  350. I’ll right away grasp your rss as I can’t in finding your email subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Kindly let me realize in order that I may subscribe. Thanks.

  355. Aw, this was a very nice post. Taking the time and actual effort to make a great article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a lot and never seem to get anything done.

  360. Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular article! It is the little changes that produce the largest changes. Many thanks for sharing!

  361. Great post but I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Appreciate it!

  365. After I initially commented I clicked the -Notify me when new feedback are added- checkbox and now every time a remark is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any method you possibly can remove me from that service? Thanks!

  366. Hi, I do think this is a great blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I am going to return yet again since i have bookmarkedit. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continueto guide other people.

  372. I like the helpful info you provide in your articles. I?ll bookmark your blog and check again here frequently. I’m quite certain I will learn plenty of new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!

  380. Hello.This post was really interesting, particularly because I was investigating for thoughtson this subject last Sunday.my blog: Vialis Health Review

  388. I am now not positive where you are getting your information, however good topic.I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more.Thank you for wonderful information I was searching for this information for mymission.

  390. Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular article! It’s the little changes that will make the most important changes. Many thanks for sharing!

  394. สล็อตออนไลน์เกมคาสิโนยอดฮิตชั่วนิจนิรันดร์ เล่นง่าย แจ็คพอตแตกไวจำเป็นที่จะต้องที่ UFABET จ่ายจริง จ่ายเต็ม มีเกมให้เลือกเยอะแยะอีกทั้งพนันบอล บาคาร่า ยิงปลา มาเว็บแห่งนี้เว็บไซต์เดียวโคตรคุ้ม สร้างรายได้กล้วยๆจบที่เว็บไซต์ UFABET ได้เลยครับ

  397. What’s Going down i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It positively useful and it hashelped me out loads. I hope to give a contribution & helpother users like its aided me. Good job.

  407. An intriguing discussion is definitely worth comment. I think that you need to write more on this issue, it may not be a taboo matter but usually people do not talk about such issues. To the next! Cheers.

  412. I really like reading through a post that can makepeople think. Also, thanks for permitting me to comment!Feel free to surf to my blog post :: 예스 카지노

  413. You can definitely see your expertise in the work you write.The sector hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to mention how they believe.All the time follow your heart.

  415. Wow! This can be one particular of the most helpful blogs We have ever arrive across on this subject. Basically Excellent. I am also an expert in this topic so I can understand your hard work.

  417. There is visibly a bunch to know about this. I consider you made some nice points in features also.Here is my blog … ACV Rx Reviews

  424. hello!,I love your writing so much! percentage we communicate more about your post on AOL? I need an expert on this area to unravel my problem. Maybe that is you! Looking forward to peer you.

  438. I blog quite often and I really thank you for your information. The article has truly peaked my interest. I’m going to bookmark your blog and keep checking for new information about once a week. I subscribed to your Feed too.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *