Chris Sanders on the different kinds of activism when it comes to equality.
The debates about what kind of activism is needed to advance equality are multiplying. Some are calling for direct action in the form of protests, marches, civil disobedience, etc. Others continue to rely on lobbying and a sort of detailed government relations approach.
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I worry about two aspects of these debates. The first one relates to data. People take up their approach to activism based on some combination of passion (usually anger), experience, and a hypothesis about what they believe will work. I do, too. What we really need is data on what works and I wish it took into account different situations such as regional differences and the type of policy target–e.g. a non-discrimination ordinance vs. a marriage ballot measure. But there really doesn’t seem to be much. So I would describe myself as a bit agnostic when it comes to absolutist statements about activism. I have my hunches about what works, but I can’t say that I know for sure that something else wouldn’t work.
I suggest you go to his blog at Grand Divisions and give him some feedback on what your opinion is on what you believe works.