Building Transformation from Below: Activism, Analysis, and Effective Solidarity

Mary Jo Nadeau was the theorist and practitioner of a mode of transformative politics oriented around mobilizing in ways that build power from below. She contributed to building a Palestine Solidarity movement in the Canadian state around the call from Palestinian civil society organizations for a campaign of boycott, divestment, and sanctions of Israeli institutions. Her activist practice modelled a politics of solidarity from below that was strategic, learning-oriented, creative and deeply transformative. Solidarity from below requires a delicate balance between recognizing the leadership of those who are struggling for their own freedom and taking responsibility from one’s own position to work together to undo systems of oppression. This mode of activism is built on an open-ended commitment to learning from others, recognizing that they bring experiences and organizing repertoires that are fundamental to effective transformation. As people mobilize, they develop capacities for collectivity powered by strategic victories, an increasing knowledge base, and the shared experience of playful creativity. This deliberate development of capacities from below is a fundamental feature of the project of social transformation.