Define Activist

I call myself an “activist” because, first and foremost, I seek to get at the Truth of the human condition and the Truth of what I believe it takes to make the world a better place. Once I’ve come to my conclusion, my first job is to express that Truth as best as I can.

Another thing I do which I consider to be indispensable to activism is to try to promote other activists and artists.  At Fountain House, for instance, I spend most of my time promoting the Clubhouse Model and those activists (administrators, staffers, member leaders) who help to promote the Clubhouse Model and those who participate in the Clubhouse Model. Through national and international colleague trainings and learning exchanges  and through my writings, I try to explain to the world what being part of a mental health clubhouse means and why it’s so important for the mentally ill and the rest of society.

Furthermore, I try to help other people by listening to them, nurturing them, doing them favors, lending them money, whatever it takes to help other get through life. That, in my opinion, is what a True Marxist activist does.

I also organize educational events and in the past I have edited newsletters for the mentally ill in homeless shelters, and supportive residences.

Also, through my political blogs, I hammer away at politicians and other civic leaders who abuse power and abuse the public good.

Lastly, when it comes time to vote, I vote.

I am not obliged to run for office, not obliged to seek positions of power, not obliged to attend  rallies where I can be arrested and/or  beaten up,  not obliged to become rich and famous, not obliged to do anything more than I already do.

Americans have a very narrow view of what it means to be an activist and that’s a problem. Americans have a very narrow view of just about everything, but I won’t be put in a box.

Activists need to define for people what it means to be an activist or risk being told that they aren’t even activists.

Craig R. Bayer, 2/19/18