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How to turn protest into powerful change - Eric Liu

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Universal Human Rights

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We live in an age of protest. On campuses, in public squares, on streets and social media, protestors around the world are challenging the status quo. But while protest is often necessary, is it sufficient? Eric Liu outlines three strategies for peacefully turning awareness into action and protest into durable political power.

Additional Resources for you to Explore

The educator of this lesson is Eric Liu, founder of Citizen University. Visit his website to find out more about him and the projects he's involved in.

Now, take a look at his TED Talk: Why ordinary people need to understand power. How important do you think it is that ordinary people and citizens understand that they too have power to make change? Is there something you would like to see changed? Think about taking the steps to implement this change.

You can also watch Liu's TED-Ed lesson, How to understand power, for further information on how power works and flows through every day life. Learn how he defines power and how it can be used to make a difference across the world. This article in the Atlantic also asks you: How Much Power Do You Have? Take the quiz and find out.  You can also visit this link and read all of Mr. Liu’s articles.

The TED Talk how to start a movement ioffers another idea about what you can do to make a difference. You never know where it may take you or who may follow.

Finally, what makes an effective leader? These TED Talks may give you some ideas from a wide variety of sources. Don’t have time to watch them all? Check out which five the Washington Post recommends: five TED talks on leadership worth watching.

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Watch the video and finish the Think section to complete the lesson.

About Universal Human Rights

In 1948 the United Nations issued a Universal Declaration of Human Rights that laid out a common standard of fundamental rights to be universally protected. But how much do you know about the rights and freedoms everyone, everywhere - including you - is entitled to? Explore this page to learn more about the history, philosophy and practice of ensuring universal human rights, brought to you in partnership with the Open Society Foundations.

Meet The Creators

  • Video created by TED-Ed
  • Lesson Plan created by TED Ed

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