Thanks for reading the first post of Action Left, a blog about liberal, leftist and radical activism. Action Left is the partner blog to, Rants and Reasons that focuses on the philosophy of liberalism. Both of these blogs were inspired by the recent publication of Reviving the Left: The Need to Restore Liberal Values in America. The book argues that fundamental to liberal values must be radical care, not only care about the things we value, like individual and community well-being, but also care for them. Radical care, this refusal to accept the way things are when people are suffering and injustice is widespread, is at the heart of what motivates most people to get involved to create change.
When I think about what the general perception is of activism, I think: marches, protests, rallies, petition and voter registration drives, fundraisers, boycotts, sit-ins, meetings, townhalls and house meetings. From civil and workers rights movements, anti-war organizing and direct action tactics, activists and community organizers work to defend the political, social and economic rights of the people and to foster peace and environmental health and justice. Part of the goal of Action Left is to highlight the importance of activism in the ongoing pursuit of justice and individual and community well-being.
But when I look at the list above, it doesn’t fully capture the radical care I mentioned earlier, and part of the goal of Action Left is to continue to expand our exposure to the variety of activities and ways of being that use radical care as a motivator and a tool for creating positive change and preserving communities. Art, music, performance, comedy, poetry, journalism, writing, volunteering, teaching and community education are all activities that can contribute enormously to amplifying marginalized voices and pushing for change.
In addition, Action Left will also focus on the ways communities are connected and the need for activism to reflect the diverse experiences and challenges facing our communities. For instance, LBGT activists must continue to expand the discussion about equality beyond marriage to include issues like economic justice and Transgender inclusion, as well as homelessness and prison conditions. Similarly, the labor movement must continue to expand their struggle in defense of workers’ rights to include issues for migrant and undocumented laborers, as well as to prioritize the interests of workers globally, and resist the temptation to view foreign laborers as the cause of difficulties for America’s working class, rather than corporate greed and free market fundamentalism, which are the enemies of all workers.
Finally, Action Left will focus on the opportunities available through the Internet like access to information free from corporate media interests and the speed with which we can now communicate. I’ll post links to news stories and other blog posts and provide Action Alerts where you can go to quickly make your voice heard. I hope this blog will be a safe and productive space where people feel comfortable to comment, disagree and advocate.
