Career: Community Organizers and Activists
Cesar Chavez (1927-1993) was only a child when his parents lost their farm and had to become migrant workers, moving from farm to farm. By the time he left school after eighth grade to work full time, he'd already attended thirty different schools.
In 1962, with activist Dolores Huerta, Chavez created the United Farm Workers, a union dedicated to defending the rights of farm workers. He led many successful strikes and boycotts, inspiring millions to join his cause. Fifty thousand people attended his funeral.
Community organizers and activists work on the local level to create positive social change. They help communities come together to solve problems.
Did You Know?
- Dolores Huerta was a single mom with seven kids when she cofounded the United Farm Workers. Over the years she has won many awards for her activism.
Are You Ready To...?
- Meet with local leaders
- Explain issues
- Keep up with events that affect your cause
- Organize protests
- Write letters
- Recruit volunteers
- Raise money
- Argue your point
It Helps to Be...
Outgoing and energetic. You'll want to get to know as many of the people and organizations connected to the issue you're working on as possible. Be prepared to stick to your goals but make compromises along the way to get results.
Make High School Count
- Read the news to learn about issues affecting the lives of ordinary people.
- Organize activities at your school such as campaigns to donate clothing to the homeless.
- Volunteer at an organization working for social change.
- Read about activists such as Chavez, Huerta, Malcolm X, and Susan B. Anthony.
- Make the most of history and social studies to learn about the problems people have faced throughout time and the way they’ve addressed those problems.
- Use English classes to sharpen your written and verbal skills.
- Speak up in class and among friends, backing up your opinions with facts.
- Join the debate team.
Did You Know?
- Civil disobedience is a group's nonviolent refusal to obey a law they believe to be wrong.
Outlook
There is always a need for dedicated, visionary people who are willing and able to work hard for justice and social change. However, jobs that pay enough to live on are hard to come by in this field.
Compensation
Money is usually not the reason that people choose careers as community activists or organizers. A chance to work on an issue you care deeply about may be its own reward.
