What are some examples of successful community organizing movements throughout history?

2 The Anti-Apartheid Movement

The Anti-Apartheid Movement was a global movement that opposed the system of racial oppression and exploitation in South Africa from the 1940s to the 1990s. It was composed of diverse groups, such as trade unions, students, churches, political parties, and solidarity organizations, who used various tactics, such as boycotts, sanctions, divestment, protests, and armed struggle, to pressure the South African government and its allies to end apartheid. The movement contributed to the release of Nelson Mandela, the leader of the African National Congress, and the transition to a democratic and multiracial South Africa.

3 The Women's Movement

The Women's Movement was a broad movement that advocated for the rights and interests of women in various spheres of life, such as education, work, health, politics, and family, from the 19th century to the present. It was driven by diverse groups of women, such as suffragists, feminists, socialists, lesbians, and environmentalists, who used various strategies, such as petitions, demonstrations, publications, lobbying, and litigation, to challenge patriarchy, sexism, and discrimination. The movement achieved significant gains, such as the right to vote, the right to abortion, the right to equal pay, and the right to education.

4 The Environmental Movement

The Environmental Movement was a global movement that raised awareness and action on the ecological problems and threats facing the planet, such as pollution, deforestation, climate change, and biodiversity loss, from the 1960s to the present. It was influenced by various groups, such as scientists, activists, journalists, indigenous peoples, and consumers, who used various methods, such as education, advocacy, campaigns, lawsuits, and civil disobedience, to protect the environment and promote sustainability. The movement influenced the creation of environmental laws, policies, organizations, and movements.

5 The LGBTQ+ Movement

The LGBTQ+ Movement was a worldwide movement that fought for the recognition and respect of the diverse sexual orientations and gender identities of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other marginalized groups, from the 20th century to the present. It was inspired by various groups, such as human rights defenders, artists, academics, and allies, who used various modes, such as pride parades, media, art, research, and alliances, to challenge homophobia, transphobia, and discrimination. The movement advanced the legalization of same-sex marriage, the adoption of anti-discrimination laws, and the visibility of LGBTQ+ culture and history.

6 The Arab Spring

The Arab Spring was a wave of popular uprisings that swept across the Middle East and North Africa from 2010 to 2012. It was sparked by the self-immolation of a Tunisian street vendor, Mohamed Bouazizi, who protested against the corruption and repression of the authoritarian regime. It was fueled by the widespread discontent and frustration of the people, especially the youth, who used social media, mobile phones, and street protests to demand political and economic reforms, democracy, and human rights. The movement toppled the dictators of Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Yemen, and triggered reforms and conflicts in other countries.