This is very much the sort of article I remember from 2017, written as a sort of coping with trauma, encouraging people to seek support in small groups of people who agree with them - the language used here is "trust", but this is code for "like-minded". It's advice for soothing one's hurt. - ThreadSky

mwehle.bsky.social • 31 days ago

This is very much the sort of article I remember from 2017, written as a sort of coping with trauma, encouraging people to seek support in small groups of people who agree with them - the language used here is "trust", but this is code for "like-minded". It's advice for soothing one's hurt.

Comments

payalclimate.bsky.social•31 days ago

As Daniel 's piece was written b4 the election outcome, I think it was fine for then, but now I think practical ways to resist are needed. I am sharing pieces from the best organisers I know in the States and will do from other places as well to cross pollinate.

mwehle.bsky.social•31 days ago

Payal I really respect what you are trying to do. I wish I had better answers. In November I was at a demonstration against US nuclear weapons in Germany where I was on the younger side of those attending, and the entire demonstration was completely inward-facing, telling each other we were right.

payalclimate.bsky.social•31 days ago

There have been lots of analysis of what is wrong and what is needed, but less of the how, so I am just trying to share from talented organisers with decades of experience on the how from countries facing authoritarianism

mwehle.bsky.social•31 days ago

There was no way to get any discussion going of whether continuing to do the same motions that we have for decades makes any sense.

In German social media there is much disappointment that Merz says hundreds of thousands of protesters won't change his approach.

payalclimate.bsky.social•31 days ago

I created a training in DE and EN on how to speak to people with other opinions on climate.

I think I will make it more General for German speaking audiences

mwehle.bsky.social•31 days ago

The tone of protesters seems an attempt to shame Merz - "how arrogant!" as if this somehow is effective in changing minds.

This all seems very tribal - nestle together with people we are safe with, because it is cold and dangerous out there.

Certainly people need to stay psychologically healthy.

mwehle.bsky.social•31 days ago

When I try to engage colleagues in high tech or language course classmates in dialog about climate disaster or nuclear weapons there is a big gap in context to be overcome. My avoiding this and just hanging out with like-minded friends will not be effective in reaching a wider audience though.

mwehle.bsky.social•31 days ago

The reference to Gene Sharp underlines how out of touch this is with the US of 2025. Insisting on following guidelines for nonviolent struggle from more than half a century ago signals lack of any better approach, not a commitment to a strategy with any track record.

payalclimate.bsky.social•31 days ago

Not sure which of the 3 references you are pointing to, but @chenoweth.bsky.social and Maria Stephan's research has focused on the efficacy of non-violence approaches to fighting authoritarianism,

More guides & trainingss by seasoned organisers like https://choosedemocracy.us/ are what's needed IMHO

mwehle.bsky.social•31 days ago

When I mentioned Gene Sharp I was pointing to the link "Gene Sharp wrote:" in the article 🙂.

Comments

Posting Rules

Reply