Collective Action on Campus Toward Student Development and Democratic Engagement

Abstract

This chapter explores the ways faculty and staff work with students to support their activism as well as the way students tap faculty and staff to support their movements.

“It Shaped Who I Am”: Reframing Identities for Justice Through Student Activism

“…Hernandez (2012) explores how engagement in political activism positively develops the identities of Latinas. Researchers also found that students who engage in activism in response to institutional oppression also learn to employ healthy coping mechanisms, increase their civic engagement, interact meaningfully with faculty and staff, and learn to navigate systems of change and the change process (Hope et al, 2016;Kezar & Maxey, 2014;Kuh et al, 2005). Moreover, following demonstrations, students experience lower powerlessness and isolation levels, promoting agency (Stake & Hoffman, 2001).…”

Strategies for Supporting Student Activists as Leaders

“…Authors of virtually every chapter in this text emphasized the importance of building relationships with students and educators to support the work of student activism and leadership. Strong relationships between student activists and educators may result in more desired outcomes for student activists and facilitate the developmental processes of student activists and leaders (Kezar, ; Kezar & Maxey, ). For example, as illustrated by Arthur‐Miller in Chapter 6, working with students to identify their intended outcomes and develop a long‐term plan for their activism certainly contributes to the development of a number of skills that will be helpful for students beyond college.…”

The Significance of Student Organizations to Leadership Development

“…Involvement in civic activist‐oriented student organizations such as the historic CORE and SNCC or today's Black Lives Matter movement allows students to engage in collective action with key stakeholders, which serves as an important mechanism for student leadership and learning. Through political activism and community engagement, student leaders gain valuable experience in navigating complex bureaucratic structures, communicating strategies for change, and using data to inform decisions (Kezar & Maxey, ).…”