RFLA 100H 01 - Mindful Activism (CRN 10320)

Mindfulness involves remaining present, grounded, and non-reactive, even in the most intense circumstances such as when engaging in activism and social change. Impactful social movements have been crucial in advancing peace and justice in our own society and around the world. How are they organized? What roles do activists play at various stages in a movement and how can we mindfully navigate this work? In this experiential course, we will examine several important social movements, theories and concepts linked to their success, and what we can learn and apply in developing activist campaigns to address some of the most pressing contemporary social justice issues, such as gender-based violence, immigrant rights, and lgbtq+ rights. As a developing activist, you will identify your own strengths and challenges and engage in experiences, including the cultivation of mindfulness as the foundation of social justice work, that promote your growth and effectiveness in this work.