12.6.4 Taking direct action Sometimes citizens can take peaceful direct action to create change. This can be more public than other forms of participation.
FIGURE3 Types of direct action
Peaceful protests
Effective direct action
Public campaigns
• Public r allies • Marches • Sit-ins • S il ent
• Pe tit io n s • Le tter- w ritin g ca mpaig n s • Med ia en gageme nt s • Public mee tin gs
• H a s cle ar goals • St ays w ithin the law • R espec t s other s’ r i ght s • I s w ell or ga n ise d
d em on s tr a ti o ns
SkillBuilder discussion Evaluating democratic institutions and systems ‘Direct action is more effective than writing to politicians.’ Discuss. Look at FIGURE3 . 1. When might direct action work better? 2. When might contacting representatives be more effective? 3. What examples can you think of where different methods have worked? 4. How might different methods work together? 12.6 SkillBuilder activity PLANNING FOR CHANGE Choose an issue in your local area that needs changing. 1. Investigate the issue: a. What exactly needs to change?
b. Who has the power to make this change? c. What evidence supports your position? 2. Propose your approach: a. What participation methods would work best?
b. Who could you work with? c. What steps would you take? 3. Present your plan to the class explaining why you chose certain methods over others.
12.6
Exercise
Learning pathways LEVEL1 1, 2, 3, 4
LEVEL2
LEVEL3
5, 6, 7
8, 9
REMEMBER AND UNDERSTAND 1. Which of the following is NOT a way citizens can participate in the electoral system? a. Running as a candidate b. Working at a polling station c. Making laws d. Voting in an election
462 Jacaranda Humanities Alive 7 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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