User:Bri G/Educator activism

Activism and Community Care among Educators
Activism are the actions taken in order to combat systems that provide a select few with unearned privilege or the “permission to escape or to dominate,”. A common misconception is that the only forms of activism are: public demonstrations, protests, sit-ins, and marches. While these types of activism are important, they are not the only forms of activism. Activism “is not always a matter of the actual bodies in the room, but of a life dedicated to a growing awareness of who and what is missing in the room; and responding to that absence,”. For instance, some people that work in education practice their own form of activism by advocating for resources that aim to serve underrepresented students. While some educators are confident in their role as professionals and activists, other educators are uncertain about whether or not they should participate in activism. There are several common myths that hold educators back from participating in activism. Some of these include, “It’s always been this way and it always will” and “I can’t change an entire system, I am one person”. Educators must choose to not believe these myths and must be intentional about bringing change to their institutions of higher learning.

While it may seem that it is impossible to change something that has “always been this way”, educators must remind themselves that most customs have been socially constructed. This means that individuals have learned how to do something and how to behave from other people. “An oppressive system often seems stable because it limits people’s lives and imaginations... As a result, it lays down terms of social life-including various forms of privilege- that can easily be mistaken for some kind of normal and inevitable human condition,”. Educators must refuse to accept systems that are said to be “normal” if these systems are oppressive. Educators can change what is considered to be “normal” by advocating for an equitable system that will serve all students and not just a select few.

Initially it may be difficult to image that one person can be the catalyst for change, but all it takes is one person choosing to challenge the status quo and bring people together to exercise their collective power. “It takes only one person to tear the fabric of collusion and apparent consensus... this knowledge can empower us or scare us into silence”. Educators are often faced with the decision to become involved in activism on their campus or not. All professionals in education must acknowledge that they have the ability to provide inclusive spaces for all students. They must refuse to be silent and use their power as educators to effect change in their institutions.