disperse (verb) to spread out; to scatter or send in different directions

• Sample Sentence: Police dogs, water cannons, and police batons were used to disperse the children.

• Turn and Talk: Why might police try to disperse protesters?

catalyze (verb) to cause or make happen more quickly

• Sample Sentence: These images helped catalyze President Kennedy’s proposal of the Civil Rights Act.

• Turn and Talk: Discuss some events that have catalyzed people into protesting in the streets. 

assemble (verb) to fit parts together; to gather in one place for a shared purpose

• Sample Sentence: Thousands of students assembled in Birmingham, Alabama, for the Children’s Crusade in 1963.

• Turn and Talk: Would you rather assemble your lunch the night before or the morning of school?

reform (noun) change to improve something

• Sample Sentence: Protesters called for reform in their local school district.

• Turn and Talk: Propose one reform to your school’s homework policy.

*reform (verb) to improve by making specific changes

• Sample Sentence: The state reformed the school system by creating new graduation requirements.

• Turn and Talk: What is one aspect of your community that needs to be reformed?

injustice (noun) unfairness, especially involving people’s rights

• Sample Sentence: Protesting is a way to learn about the right to assemble and speak out against injustice. 

• Turn and Talk: Do you think it is important to stand up against injustice, even if the injustice does not directly affect you? Why or why not?

*alternate part of speech