Where's movement gonna come from?

The populist movement was founded upon and emerged from the granges and cooperatives. The labor movement was founded upon and emerged from the labor unions. The civil rights movement was founded upon and emerged from the black churches of the south.

And so, if we are to engage our own movement, of our day, we must ask ourselves: from what organizations will our movement emerge? What organizations will serve as our structural and communal foundation? To think it will be the same organizations—whether cooperatives, unions, or churches—is probably folly. Most likely, our movement will emerge from organizations that seemingly have no power, that have limited political involvement, or—even—is yet to be founded, like the cooperatives of the populist movement. Or, perhaps, like the industrial labor union (like the CIO), the organization will be a radical new twist on an older form that suddenly throws open the doors of possibility.

What will our organizational base be? Well, what is our movement? Will it be relocalization, recommunalization, simplification? A bi-national movement of migrants? Is it possible that the neighborhood associations will rise in strength and prestige? Is it possible that mini-regions will organize?

Or, on another interest, can the high school students organize? Although they cannot vote, and more-often-than-not do not own property, they are minors and so are not legally accountable for their actions. They can make demands based upon creative—but still effective (which is a must)—culture jamming. Perhaps through the demanded reformation of their schools, youth could gain a sense of their power. If one person, one student doesn’t go to school, that student has problems. But, if the whole school refuses to attend classes based upon school’s demeaningness, because of the poor education, the irrelevant education they are receiving, then, in that case, the school has an issue. The school is in a tight spot based upon their school grade. What if everyone—16 to 18—hung the threat of dropping out over the heads of the administration? And, if need be, pursue their GED’s through collective education?

“School’s that bad, huh? Well, what would you change?” As the students began to realize their power, they could offer some constructive solutions to such questions because suddenly they would be afforded the privilege of answering such policy decisions. Furthermore, they would be held accountable by their own lives. They’d have to live the policy they demand. If they didn’t like it, they could change it again.

There’s potential with high schoolers to revamp the educational system in America.