Radical is Practical: Judy Rebick
posted Nov. 21 - 8:48 pm by Paula E. Kirman
As someone who has never had the opportunity to see Judy Rebick speak, I was thrilled I was finally able to do so at the Parkland Conference this year. Judy was the closing speaker. Her energy and enthusiasm was that of someone youthful, and indeed, one of the conference audience members commented that she seemed ageless.
Age was one of the topics thatc ame up during Ms. Rebick's speech. Young people are willing enough to work with older people, but it is the older folks who seem reluctant to work with youth. She attributed some of her youthful glow to staying active and working with young people. I was at a peace march during the first part of today, which was about half young people (some of whom were still in high school) and older types. I did not sense any age gap situation or tension, just harmony. Perhaps some have experienced ageism when organizing events or protests. Maybe the older people think their experience trumps youthful exhuberance. In any case, I agree with Rebick because if we don't encourage the youth, there will be no one to take over the various activist movements when the older generation is no longer able to do so.
Unlike many, ahem, mature people, Rebick embraces the use of technology for activists. She acknowledges that while mainstream media ignores protests and actions, grassroots efforts can get information about such activities online in places like YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook. This is precisely why you will find me at many rallies and other events with my camera and camcorder in hand (and backpack). Speaking of which, I videoed Rebick's talk and will get it online as soon as I can.
Organize, organize, organize - this is the main message I got from Rebick's talk. Take risks. Do what needs to be done. It is the only way to effect change in our society. Radical has become practical in that it is the only way to keep our society from devastation, whether it be the environment or the economy.
