LA Piece De Resistance

LA Piece De Resistance

By ADORA NWOFOR

Having led the most people in protest in Calgary’s history, I’ve been labelled an activist and I’m well known for leading protests. Many do not know that I do more than protest and so can you.

Resistance is the first step in changing your life, community, society, or the world.

The theory is, Interrupt (irritate, resist), Educate, Organize. This has always modified society, whether negatively or positively.

When protesting, have a message, goal, and actionable items. Messaging connects folx that may be likeminded, hopefully in large numbers. This is necessary for protection while assembling as sometimes messaging is unpopular. A goal gives folx a reason to think about the impact of this message if widely accepted. Actionable items give people hope that they can make a difference now, rather than far into the future when the passion has faltered. I often interrupt the norm. Its Pride Month and unfortunately QTBIPOC are still living in the margins. I interrupt by adding my pronouns on emails, zooms or requesting that we use gender neutral language in meeting actions to normalize inclusivity.

Education, depending on goals and audience, is vast. I often disguise learning with experience. It can be done in a classroom, through mentoring, while online, the tactics are endless. The importance of Education is to ensure the goal is understood. Opposition to change is rooted in comfort and ignorance. Change is hard and there must be motivation. Sharing information is a great way to show what achieving a new goal can create or why being stagnant has been harmful. Making information accessible establishes trust. Do not forget to educate yourself on the issue; learn how to navigate that system and examine what has been done in the past. It sets teams up to Organize. is the first step in changing your life, community, society, or the world. ResistanceOrganizing, takes the most time and energy. There is no one way to do it,

however the outcome knowledge will directly impact organizing. It may also take time to build a dedicated team. Yes, that’s right, organizing happens through protest and education; and then more organizing, for long term planning and goals. Whether it’s running for office, starting an organization, or creating community support, applying these strategies will impact systems after continued dedication and action. Anyone can start a movement, and everyone can be involved. This is your beginning, get involved, now is the time to make your mark!