From our Friends in Joplin, MO:

Agitate, Educate, Organize!

This is a common phrase you hear in radical circles, and at a time when the right feels tentatively redeemed and the left feels emphatically confused, we who believe in systemic social change must hit the streets to find commonality with our neighbors and work vigorously to spread a message of autonomy and equality. For many anarchists, we are new to this process; it can be scary, nerve-wracking, and outside of our everyday demeanor to confront dominant social forces. One does not have to jump in and get arrested on day one in order to make a difference. Instead, focus on the following: what is the problem, why are the powers-that-be insufficient to solve that problem, and how can you frame your message of change to suit your particular location. Sometimes, it is difficult to take that first step, to reach out to that first step, or to begin collaboratively planning that first action. Take the plunge and let’s get to work.

What does it mean to agitate?

When most people think of agitation, they probably imagine something being annoying, and this is a pretty good description of the anarchist version as well. Of course, it matters who is being annoyed, and who is actively agitating. Of the three tenets listed above, agitation is the most controversial and miscalculated. On the one hand, agitation could be as simple as having an uncomfortable conversation with an acquaintance, though this alone is not sufficient to creating systemic change (sorry, internet trolls). Agitation as collective action involves directly confronting power structures, ranging from the police or local politicians to a factory farm or corporate headquarter. The theory behind agitation is that due to the imbalance of influence, there is no chance for meaningful dialogue, and it is at this point that agitation becomes a necessary part of any action.

What does it mean to educate?

This one is perhaps the most straight-forward, though I should caution that this includes both an internal and external component. Everyone, from the working-class union member to the academic college student to the unemployed lifestylist must continue to self-educate. This involves praxis, or the fusion of action and theory, and in many ways we continue to struggle with this process. Anarchism must be questioned by its adherents as culture shifts, and reflection should be a daily routine. It comes down to a simple question: “Why are you an anarchist?”

The external component of education is also self-evident: if we want to build a better world, we must find commonalities within our communities. This involves learning about your neighbors, friends, and coworkers, listening to their stories and finding points in which to connect with them. Do not misconstrue this point: these people are not means to an end, they are humans with their own experiences and potential allies. As you integrate yourself into social circles, you can begin to separate community members into three categories: No path forward, situational allies, and close allies. At this point, organizing can begin.

What does it mean to organize?

Organizing for an anarchist comes in many different forms, with a number of short and long-term goals. Remember, you are most affective at the local level; while there are times when state, national, and international issues will be at the forefront, your ability to influence your community is numerically most likely when it involves issues at that level. Find those which you have the most affinity with, as these will be the comrades you rely on most. Look at issues within your city or town, and decide what action is appropriate under the circumstances. If you can find common ground with folks who many not agree with your overall vision, don’t allow your differences to stop an otherwise potentially good change. Most importantly, be prepared for failure! Things will never quite go the way you planned, and there’s a good chance that things may blow up in your face. Embrace the notion of failure and do not be afraid. Be vigilant, plan ahead, and have contingency plans. Learn from your mistakes, and if something doesn’t work, go at it from another angle.

There’s so much more to explore with these topics, but what is most important is that we get started NOW. Another world is possible, and it begins in your neighborhood.

Struggle onward,

Joplin Radical