As the work of the newly elected members of A Board, J Board, Curriculum committee and Diversity committee get underway, I can’t help but think of the social activists and the creative problem solvers we already have in our midst.
 

At assembly a few weeks ago, I told the story of Kisan Baburao Hazare, better known as Anna Hazare, a 74-year-old social Indian social activist and prominent leader of the anti-corruption movement in India. Like Mathatma Ghandi, Hazare has used hunger strikes as a peaceful means of protest. In the past year, he waged two successful hunger strikes to bring out stronger anti-corruption laws and to express his dissatisfaction with the actions of the Indian government. He is revered by many in parts of India, and has been named as one of the country’s most influential by daily Mumbai newspaper. But, Hazare is controversial to some and has faced criticism for his authoritarian views on justice, including death as punishment for corrupt officials and alleged support for forced vasectomies as a method for family planning.
 

So why does this story bear repeating?
 

Because, at CSW, we care about freedom of speech and the active pursuit of the democratic process. What works? What does not? Is Hazare a hero or an anarchist—perhaps both? There are many forms of activism—which one is right for which problem? How will we decide?
 

Activism consists of intentional efforts to bring about social, political, economic or environmental change. Activism can take a wide range of forms from writing letters to newspapers or politicians, economic activism such a boycotts or preferentially patronizing businesses, rallies, street marches, strikes, sit-ins and hunger strikes.
 

Many of our students have taken on formal leadership roles. Many, even without the formal title, are leaders in their own right. The rest of us are participants in this community that values individual thought and empowerment. While we value social activism and forces of change, I hope we can consider the best approach to the problem and not assume “one size fits all.” We talk about creative problem-solving at CSW, about deep and critical thinking—all these skills matter in the case of Anna Hazare.

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