This special 2-part miniseries is from a panel held as part of ARTS1241, Environmental Advocacy and Activism, from the University of New South Wales.

Mark Rudd is a political organizer and an anti-war activist. He first burst onto the political landscape in the United States as a member, and ultimately the leader of the Columbia University chapter of Students for Democratic Society (known as SDS). SDS was the leading student anti-war social movement in the United States in the 1960s.

Mark Rudd's expertise, namely the limits of violent, direct action, are particularly relevant to what's going on right now. For more on SDS, Mark's contemporary Tom Hayden and that time period, check out the film The Trial of the Chicago Seven on Netflix. 

Join the students of 1241 for this discussion with Mark about the dangers of violence in activism, his theory of change, and what we can learn from successful social movements of the past. 

To join us in adapting future events, and providing a platform for learning and collaboration across the climate community, get in touch with Climactic at [email protected] for any feedback, suggestions or questions. 

Resources:Why Did Columbia University Students Protest in 1968? | History (YouTube)

Mark's book - Underground: My Life with SDS and the Weathermen (Goodreads)

Mark's film recommendation - The Glorias (Wikipedia)