By now we all really understand that sitting back and watching isn’t going to create the world we want to live in. But sometimes we don’t know how to get started and how to effectively fight for change. Today’s guest, Eileen Flanagan, traces her activist awakening to the years she spent as a Peace Corps volunteer in Botswana during apartheid, but it wasn’t until she was in her late forties that she found her voice as a climate activist and in teaching others how to effectively advocate for change. Eileen, who was raised Catholic in Philly who later became a Quaker, is currently campaign director of the Earth Quaker Action Team. Ahead of the 2020 election, she was Trainings Coordinator for Choose Democracy, which trained nearly 10,000 people in nonviolent strategies to prevent a potential coup. Eileen names the key roles every movement needs to succeed and has advice on finding your place as an activist, replacing fear with strategy, and recounts her journey to embracing a rebel role in fighting for climate justice.
Episode highlights:
Why marches don’t usually lead to lasting change.
Learning what makes activism effective.
The four key roles needed for change.
The downsides of ‘polite’ activism.
Replacing fear and anger with strategy.
Staying positive during difficult times.
Why Eileen became a Quaker and what it means to her.
Learn more:
Eileen’s online courses in effective activism
Twitter: @eileenflanagan
Eileen’s books:
The Wisdom to Know the Difference
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How to Make Your Activism Count