Outraged? Overwhelmed? Dare to be optimistic! While it may seem impossible to make a difference, we each have the responsibility to do what we can to be the change we wish to see. But how do we actually do that with nonviolence and compassion? This course uses a three-pronged approach — historical, technological, and psychological — for looking at the causes of current crises and successful nonviolent leaders, movements, and platforms from the past and present. As a cohort, we will discuss the causes we are passionate about, and look at the origins and perpetuation of injustice. We will examine current global and local organizations and nonprofits, and evaluate their impact.
Students in this course should expect to:
- Do at least one hour of additional readings and research a week
- Engage in open dialogue and have compassion for others, even those with radically different viewpoints.
- Self-reflect on why certain causes are personally important from a psychological perspective
- Be willing to work with local organizations in a way that will benefit the community
- Make connections with global and local nonprofits
- Create a Personal Activist Plan
Our advocacy work in this class is from a progressive perspective with the core values of nonviolence, environmental justice, and respect for all sentient beings.
