Hahrie Han, “How Organizations Develop Activists: Civic Associations and Leadership in the 21st Century” (Oxford UP 2014)
Sep 22, 2014
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Hahrie Han, an associate professor of political science at Wellesley College, discusses her insights from her book on activism and civic organizations. She reveals that activism is a learned behavior, emphasizing the role of organizations in transforming members into activist leaders. Han introduces the 'activist ladder,' highlighting different levels of political engagement. She also explores the challenges organizations face in fostering civic engagement and the essential role of education in preparing individuals for active citizenship.
Activism involves substantial actions within civic life, highlighting the distinction between surface-level engagement and deeper, sustained participation among individuals.
Organizations play a pivotal role in transforming community members into active leaders, emphasizing the significance of tailored strategies like mobilizing and organizing for effective engagement.
Deep dives
Defining Activism in the 21st Century
The term activism encompasses individuals who actively engage in political activities that directly impact civic life, extending beyond mere opinions or passive involvement. The focus is on those who take substantial actions, such as organizing events or participating in community initiatives, rather than those who simply affiliate or express views. In exploring the intricacies of activism, the discussion highlights the distinction between surface-level engagement and deeper involvement, emphasizing the importance of sustained participation. This approach seeks to understand what motivates certain individuals to consistently engage with political activities, as opposed to those who may only do so once.
Transforming Non-activists into Activists
The belief that activists are inherently different from non-activists is challenged, suggesting that anyone can become actively engaged through the right experiences and influences. Role models and civic associations play a crucial role in shaping individuals' motivations for political engagement; these organizations help cultivate a sense of responsibility and involvement. The discussion emphasizes various contexts, including community groups and associations like the Sierra Club or the League of Women Voters, that can effectively nurture political activism. By highlighting these spaces, the narrative underscores the capacity for transformation, showing that activism can be developed rather than being a fixed trait.
Mobilizing vs. Organizing: Two Models of Engagement
The podcast distinguishes between two primary models of engagement: mobilizing and organizing, each with its own strategies for fostering activism. Mobilizers primarily allow individuals to self-select their level of involvement, often focusing on quick and easy actions, while organizers aim to cultivate deeper connections and commitments over time. Organizations that successfully blend these approaches achieve both breadth and depth in their activist bases, fostering a more engaged community. This dual approach reveals that while it is essential to attract a large number of participants, the true challenge lies in transforming these individuals into committed activists who take on roles within their communities.
Han’s book explores the world of activism, and the role organizations play in mobilizing and organizing people. She makes the provocative argument that organizations vary in whether they simply want to mobilize community members or whether they want to transform them into activist leaders. Only certain organizations devote the resources to the time-consuming process of transformation. What makes Han’s book so interesting is the way it straddles the disciplinary concerns of political science with some practical lessons and advice for organizations. The audience for this book, thus, is wide.
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