Activism Quote by Barack Obama
“It's the reason why I am always interested in engaging in people who are pushing us and pushing against the status quo. But having been an activist, the only thing that I'm always encouraging activists to do is, once you have raised the issue, and even through controversial means, you have to come behind it with an agenda and the possibility of reconciliation if power meets your demands.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks on Activism, 2015
The quote advises activists to pair raising issues with a constructive agenda and openness to reconciliation when power is engaged.
In simple terms: Activists should combine critique with constructive solutions.
Key Takeaway
Pair protest with a clear plan.
Themes
politics
activism
reconciliation
Mood
strategic
inspirational
Type
political
activist
When to use this quote
- social movements
- policy advocacy
- community organizing
- negotiation
Key Concepts
strategy
conflict resolution
Questions to Reflect On
- What agenda follows your advocacy?
- How will you negotiate if power opposes you?
A Different Perspective
May underestimate resistance from entrenched power.
![“Some kinds of activists are more willing to try stuff out, see if works and think on their feet, but some of the people who are working on [change] find that very difficult: They've been schooled into thinking you have to come up with the perfect plan in advance. It has become a bit technocratic.” quote by Duncan Green](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d17/duncan-green-20105_activist_some-kinds-of-activists-are-more-willing_57391.jpg)
![“That is another theme in the book [Dreams from My Father]. How do we exercise more empathy in our public discourse? How do we get the black to see through the eyes of the white? Or the citizen to see through the eyes of the immigrant? Or the straight to see through the eyes of the gay? That has…” quote by Barack Obama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/00d/barack-obama-17_black_that-is-another-theme-in-the-book-dreams_10185.jpg)
