These are some historical documents that we have found that relate to the previous cycles of revolution that provided a key knowledge about the conflict that we wished to transform through dialogue, building channels for that communication, and addressing mistrust and hurt feelings mixed with organizational reality.
They are provided for historical context and transparency only. Most of these documents are one-sided and has an agenda built into the communication that differs from our strategies. If you chose to read them, be prepared to engage with the situation and all perspectives seriously, with an open mind - not only to the 'voices without power' but also the 'voices with power' as both are imperative to the strategy - "be amazing community member, communicate well and with integrity, and build, instead of tear apart."
Or the radical takeaway is: traditional protesting is not advised in this context for the reasons that historically these methods have:
Proven to be corrosive to all levels of the community.
Abused the morale of students and the interfered collborative learning experience.
Have found it hard to fight this power with this small of a coalition in this timeframe.
It provides only short term gains which are easily overruled.
Created a basis for action based on suffering, fear and ego.
Become a distraction from the real issues at hand and real voices that need to be listened to.
We suggest trying other things, that add value to your experience, and create contrast by being inspiring, and creating a culture that is so awesome, that there is nothing left to do except for the direction to shift. Suggestions include:
Throwing a conference
Organizing an performance event
Contributing to this guide
Seeking an adviser and arranging a meeting
Learning appreciative inquiry
Getting a grant to support your proposal/initiative
Connecting to alumni in genuine ways
Have a conversation, listen deeply.
Build channels of communication
Listen to all the voices in the room (not only the ones you want to)
Building a space out of recycled materials
Making art about communication
Direct a movie about your life and transformation.
Give a workshop on listening to the unexpected
Always, always, keep the goals that you came here for and the strategy in mind.