The Activist Academy
A program of Gender Justice League Action

Section 1: Foundations · School 1

Foundations of Power

How systems of power operate; movement history; theories of change. This is the gateway course — free and open to everyone.

6 modules8–10 hoursFree

Modules

1

What Is Power?

90–120 min

  • •Understand the three forms of power: structural, cultural, and interpersonal
  • •Apply the Power Analysis Grid to a real issue
  • •Analyze how multiple forms of power operated in the marriage equality movement
2

Intersectionality as Power Analysis

90–120 min

  • •Understand intersectionality as a strategic analytical tool, not just identity
  • •Conduct an Intersectional Campaign Audit
  • •Analyze the fight for bathroom access as an intersectional battleground
3

How Movements Win (and Why They Fail)

90–120 min

  • •Identify the Five Conditions for Movement Success
  • •Compare successful and failed movements using the framework
  • •Recognize patterns of success and failure across movement history
4

Theories of Change

90–120 min

  • •Distinguish four theories of change: Institutional Reform, People Power, Cultural Shift, Structural Transformation
  • •Match theories of change to real-world scenarios
  • •Identify which theory resonates with your strategic orientation
5

Strategic Orientation — Inside/Outside and Righteousness/Relationship

90–120 min

  • •Understand the Inside/Outside strategic framework
  • •Understand the Righteousness/Relationship spectrum
  • •Position yourself on both spectrums and articulate your reasoning
  • •Connect your orientation to your Activist Academy learning path
6

Summary & Reflections

15–20 min

  • •Review the five core frameworks from Foundations of Power
  • •Revisit your own responses and track your analytical growth
  • •Earn your School 1 completion certificate
  • •Choose your next school in the Academy curriculum
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