A special Community Conversation and learning experience focused on direct action – a powerful and vital tool that has emerged with new energy, especially since the 2016 elections.
Theconversation features Ben Dawson from the Missoula Central Labor Council, speaking about strikes, boycotts, and the importance of community support; Sebastian Cardozo from the General Defense Committee; Lauren Small Rodriguez, a Northern Cheyenne Environmental Protector and Native American Community Advocate, who will speak about the Standing Rock pipeline protest; and Kelly Lynn Sellars and Bob Liston from ADAPT, a grass-roots direct action disability rights organization. disability rights organization.
“More people are joining and participating in some form of activism today than since the 1960s,” said Rebecca Weston, a leader of Missoula Rises Community Conversations. “From the anti-Nazi protests, to the pro-DACA occupations, to the ADAPT congressional-floor die-ins, to the powerful teacher strikes across the country, many are drawing the conclusion that it is time to take matters in hand.
“We have a tremendous need to learn about the forms, goals and contexts of direct action, Weston said. “We encourage everybody to join the panelists, engage in small group discussions and then come together again renewed and engaged in Missoula, Montana and the nation.”