How to Become an Organizer
As I write this article, there are already many hopefuls at the University of Michigan studying to become professional environmentalists, animal rights activists, and other forms of social justice. In heat dome map , anyone who has an opinion that they feel strongly about can enroll and begin learning how to become an activist. As a matter of fact, learning how to become an activist is no longer a crime on the federal level. In fact, it is not illegal to be an activist if you have the right to express that opinion. In this article, I want to discuss how to become an activist without breaking any laws.
If you are serious about becoming involved in activism, the first thing you should consider is how much schooling you really need. We have determined that 55.4 percent of activists have at least a bachelor's degree. Although most activists already have some sort of college degree, you can still become one with just a high school diploma or GED. If you are concerned about obtaining a degree, you can look into community colleges, which offer flexible courses and typically have smaller class sizes.
Some people are concerned about how to become an organizer for a variety of reasons. For example, if you have been diagnosed with a terminal illness, you may not be able to go back to school. This is why we recommend that you research community colleges and universities to find out their curricula and course offerings as well as their educational philosophies.
If you would like to know how to become an organizer, it helps to understand how your personality impacts your ability to get involved in movements. Are you more spontaneous, or are you more controlled by your emotions? There are people who prefer to be more involved in the day to day actions of activism but need a more controlled environment. Organizers who can deal with pressure and high levels of emotional stress do very well in this type of work.
Additionally, many activists get into movements because they believe in the vision of the social change they want to see. If you fit into this category, then your education must focus on how people inside organizations interact and how the dynamics of power play out. Having knowledge of how to create relationships inside a group as well as leadership roles will be very beneficial in your activism.
When looking for a program that teaches how to become an organizer, it is important to look for a certificate program. These programs generally last between one and two years and are usually affiliated with larger schools or community colleges. Programs like this can give students the tools they need to begin promoting themselves and organizing local groups. Students may also learn how to develop budgets, distribute newsletters, and conduct effective meetings.
If you want to know how to become an organizer, you will have to take classes at a college or community college. The first course you should take is Introduction to Organizing. After this class, you will be able to identify your personality type and determine how you will fit into the field of organizing. Then, choose from electives such as Introduction to Media and Activism, Introduction to Law and Legal Activism, and Introduction to Government-sponsored Activism. You will also want to complete other electives such as mass media and public relations, group development, and building organizational skills. The courses you take in your education should teach you how to be effective communicators as well as inspiring members to action.
Once you have completed your education, you will need to find a job as an organizer. Job possibilities include community organizing in school settings, participating in policy development activities, and freelance organizing work. As with most occupations, your options as an organizer are vast and there is room for growth and development. The good news is that if you are determined and motivated, you can find an excellent job as an organizer.
