I have spent over a decade in politics, not-for-profits, and grassroots organizations. I have noticed the many pitfalls that come up when activists try to make a change, and on this blog, I try to communicate what works and what does not.
One of the most common mistakes people make across the political spectrum, both professionally and in volunteer roles, is shying away from ideas perceived as radical.
For instance, politics is portrayed as primarily about a race to the center. In each campaign, candidates try to get as agreeable as possible to present themselves as a safe, reliable, and comforting choice. While I can understand the incentive electorally, I cannot see the same benefit for activists outside of politics.
Frequently, the leadership in civil-society organizations push their followers to be incredibly accommodating of mainstream society. The leadership treats activism and community engagement as a mini-politics, where big ideas present a risk if put front and center.
The concern is that donors, or even the public at large will simply ignore a message if it does not directly align with popular narratives. This reasoning is faulty for two reasons:
First, radicalism is not determined by the quality of an idea, it is largely determined by the perception of an idea. If you are an activist, and you manage to get yourself into a position of influence and threaten the established order, your ideas are going to get lambasted by the corporate media regardless of what your actual arguments are. Likewise, it is the responsibility of an activist to change public perception. What is the point of discussing anything at all if you have no hope of changing minds?
Second, the communications sector has changed the way society views radicalism. While a truly unique idea will always have trouble establishing itself, the cultural zeitgeist is over-saturated with once far-out ideas that have reached notoriety. Because of the internet, social media, and the disintegration of mainstream media over the last few decades, it is easier than ever for radical ideas to gain traction. There is an increased skepticism of long-held norms in the modern world, and that is fantastic. While traditionalism holds its place, now is the time to be bold, so why not embrace the moment?
I identify as a pragmatist because all traditions have made positive contributions. Without the functionaries, nothing would ever get done. Without the radicals, nothing would ever change. It is not the presentation of an idea that matters, but its context and timing.
I want to remind the not-for-profit sector and activists of all kinds to be fearless. If you have the right idea and the time is right, do not worry about the recriminations from a unsympathetic media. Let the idea speak for itself, and use your unique position outside of electoral politics to communicate it.
My goal with this blog is to let ideas be themselves. All of my posts discuss innovation and I try to bring up unique subjects because there are so few spaces where that is possible.
I seek to reproduce a culture where perception and reputation come second to impact and quality. There is a lot of nuance, and humanity today will not shed its attachment to conformity, but I hope we all keep in mind that it’s okay to be radical.
Dakota McGovern 