Ben Edwards Quotes

I am not naive enough to believe that voting is the only way to bring about transformational change, just as I know that protest alone is not the sole solution to the challenges we face.

One doesn't have to be an activist and start a movement.

I think voting is the lowest form of political action that you can do. A lot of times, it keeps people from doing stronger things.

Getting political representation is important, but change comes through using direct action, campaigning, and trade unions.

I am mindful that the goal of protest is not more protest, but the goal of protest is change.

Change only takes place through action, not through meditation and prayer.

The great thing about social movements is everybody gets to be a part of them.

Activists are generally doers - rather than watching television and thinking about the world they will put there energies into doing something 'active' to change the (political) situation.

Activism has been very productive in our society.

An activist is someone who makes an effort to see problems that are not being addressed and then makes an effort to make their voice heard. Sometimes there are so many things that it's almost impossible to make your voice heard in every area, but you can sure try.

Change never comes from the White House. It comes from your house and my house.

Activists set the agenda for the practitioners.

Being part of social movements like Black Lives Matter or organizations like NAACP, or any group representing a cause, gives you more resources, knowledge, and power. They can help you use your voice.

I believe activism is the true source of change in the world. Pushing to change social structures in communities that you are a part of is critical for making real lasting change.

It was clear to us that social movements and activism can only take us so far in our mission.

Activism in the street is truth-telling, and organizing is talking to people for a specific goal.

We can all become activists and raise questions.

There is no degree of human suffering which in and of itself is going to bring about change. Only organisation can change things.

Activism, to me, I don't know if it really works. It may work for somebody else, but it does not work for me.

You know, I was a community activist, so I'm used to standing out in front of an elected official's office and protesting.

More people, especially young people, are realising that if they want change, they've got to go about it themselves - they can't depend on a particular person, i.e. me, to do all the work. They are less easy to fool than they used to be, they now know what's going on all over the world.

Social movements are at once the symptoms and the instruments of progress. Ignore them and statesmanship is irrelevant; fail to use them and it is weak.

Yet what you need is not marches, demonstrations, rallies or wide associations, all of them are important. What you need is direct action. The sooner people understand that, the sooner we'll begin to change things.

Activism isn't beautiful and easy, or a bunch of people getting together and picketing; it's a lot more complicated and difficult than that.

Only force would produce social change.