Understand the four roles of activism that show up in Palestine solidarity and the movement to end genocide.
Introduction
The Palestinian solidarity movement in Australia (and around the world) has experienced rapid growth since Israel escalated colonial violence in October 2023. It’s an ‘all hands on deck’ moment where a huge number of people have been engaged in frequent actions of different kinds, with the hope of contributing to collective impact.
Hundreds of thousands of people across this continent have joined millions around the globe to protest Israel’s ongoing genocide of Palestinians in Gaza, and this rogue state’s occupation and terrorism of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank… It is time for Palestinian lives to be recognised as being equal to and as valuable as the lives of others. – Australian Palestine Advocacy Network
Any social movement is made up of people who may:
- Have different analyses about what the problem is
- Have different ideas about what the solution is
- Take different actions towards the change they want to see
Unsurprisingly, this can result in tensions between different participants in social movements. However, the diversity of approaches is a key strength: although at times these differences can seem contradictory or counterproductive they can add up to significant impact.
Bill Moyer, a long time activist and studier of social change, developed the Movement Action Plan which defines stages and roles in movements. His four roles of social activism, the Citizen, Reformer, Rebel and Change Agent, can provide a valuable way to make sense of diversity and tensions in movements. Moyer emphasised that each role can be played effectively and ineffectively. He also mapped the tendency for different roles to come to the fore and be of importance during eight stages of movements.
In this article I outline the four roles and provide examples from recent Palestinian solidarity activism in Australia. It should be noted that groups often move between the different roles, so this is only one snapshot from a dynamic and constantly evolving situation.
Please note: we have included a graphic about each role which includes the text written by Bill Moyer in his book Doing Democracy: The MAP Model for Organizing Social Movements. Underneath each graphic we have shared our interpretation of Moyer’s definitions. For further information see The Four Roles of Social Activism and Moyer’s book.
Four Roles
Citizen
About the Citizen role
People playing the Citizen role speak from what is perceived as the centre of society, appealing to widely held values like democracy, freedom, justice, security and family. They tend to present as mainstream rather than stereotypically activist. Their visibility can make a movement appear more relatable and welcoming to people who have not been politically active before.
When playing the Citizen role ineffectively people can be naive about power structures, for example believing that politicians will do the right thing if they know more about an issue, or that the role of police is to protect people. Getting involved in activism can be a powerful and upsetting wake up call.
At their best Citizens call on others to enact a positive vision with them. Citizens can extend societal values to include previously marginalised people. They show how good things could be if powerholders act in line with their purported values, rather than denigrating or subverting them.
The Citizen role in the context of Palestine solidarity
Israel’s genocide in Gaza is a massive violation of widely held values. Unarmed civilians are being targeted and killed in their thousands. People playing the Citizen role make a connection of common humanity with the people of Gaza. Community groups based on different identities make those connections clear, for example Mums for Palestine and Healthcare Workers for Palestine. Actions held by Citizens can be less confrontational, such as vigils, or more family oriented, such as kite flying.
Citizens can play an important role in demonstrating that powerholders and elites do not speak for them, as shown in the slogan ‘Not in my name’. Zionists have told a story that the state of Israel represents all Jews and to oppose Israel’s actions is to be anti-semitic. The Jewish Council of Australia is an example of Citizens challenging that consensus. The organisation provides an alternative voice to Zionist organisations, and is made up of a diverse coalition of Jewish academics, lawyers, writers and teachers.
Many Jews around Australia are appalled by this decision (to defund UNRWA) in the midst of worsening conditions in Gaza. It is dangerous for politicians to attribute the decision to pull funding to requests from ‘the Jewish community’ or unsubstantiated allegations of ‘antisemitism’. Politicians must not get away with justifying horrendous decisions like this by referring to some right-wing Jewish leaders as representative of all Jews. – Sarah Schwartz – Executive Officer of the Jewish Council of Australia
Reformer
About the Reformer role
People playing the Reformer role use official institutions to further the movement’s goals. This includes lobbying politicians, using parliamentary mechanisms (like bills, motions, questions and speeches), and lawsuits. Established not-for-profit organisations often play the Reformer role.
When playing the Reformer role ineffectively people can lose sight of the movement’s goals by over-identifying with the powerholders they work closely with. For example, accepting the limitations on a political party’s position due to their factional tensions or electoral aims. Reformers may focus on narrow policy outcomes and lose contact with the movement’s broader or more radical agenda. They may prioritise access to powerholders over holding a line and become viewed by others in the movement as ‘sell-outs’.
At their best Reformers skilfully translate the lofty goals of the movement into practical improvements. Their knowledge of how the system works can be highly beneficial. By developing policy and building relationships over time they can make the most of political opportunities and channel the movement’s power into outcomes.
The Reformer role in the context of Palestine solidarity
Israel’s genocide in Gaza is enabled by the support of governments in other countries. One way to try to stop the genocide is by changing the position of those governments. Winning change through official channels can look like a government making statements in support of ceasefire, voting for ceasefire at the UN, maintaining or reinstating funding for the UNRWA, or granting visas to Palestinian refugees. Having people effectively playing the Reformer role can make a big difference, but they are far less likely to have an impact without a broad base providing a high level of pressure.
The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network has undertaken extensive lobbying for many years and keeps records of public statements by politicians. Australian Greens MPs have advocated inside parliament, including moving motions to push other politicians to support a ceasefire or at least make their lack of support explicit. Sydney law firm Birchgrove Legal referred Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other politicians to the International Criminal Court.
A key aspect of the referral is the assertion, under Article 25 of the Rome Statute, that Albanese and the others bear individual criminal responsibility for aiding, abetting or otherwise assisting in the commission (or attempted commission) of alleged crimes by Israel in Gaza. – The Conversation
Rebel
About the Rebel role
People playing the Rebel role show uncompromising opposition to harm caused to people and the planet. They communicate the urgency to change an unacceptable situation and target powerholders and institutions to hold them accountable. Rebels tend to use disruptive tactics that bring energy and attention to issues so they can’t be ignored.
When playing the Rebel role ineffectively people can alienate others in the movement who see them as too fringe and confrontational. Rebels may not always ‘play well with others’ due to anti-social or dogmatic tendencies. Powerholders may play parts of the movement against each other, targeting the radical flank through media smears, anti-protest laws and policing.
At their best Rebels make fellow changemakers appear more “mainstream” and acceptable and thus open space for others in the movement to take a strong stance and push for change. They put forward an emotional and moral challenge, polarising an issue so people have to choose a side. They model courage for others who may feel more timid in the face of official institutions and coercive power.
The Rebel role in the context of Palestine solidarity
Israel’s genocide in Gaza is a horrifying violation of human rights which requires staunch and urgent opposition. It is not ‘business as usual’, so polite and orderly responses don’t match the emotional state of many people in the movement, especially those directly impacted or close witnesses. Effective rebels are channeling this emotion into actions which grab media and public attention and confront aspects of Israel’s war machine.
Many Rebel activities involve putting bodies on the line, such as picketing, blockading and kayak-based direct action to block Zim ships in ports. Activists have targeted Heat Treatment Australia (HTA) in Naarm/Melbourne to disrupt its operations and demand it stop supplying the Israeli military. Other examples involve boisterous protest, such as student strikes and when constituents living in Prime Minister Albanese’s electoral area disrupted Federal parliamentary question time after he refused to meet them.
We do not welcome manufacturing companies and companies involved in the supply chain of destroying Palestinian lives. We do not welcome them on our land, as an act of demonstration and solidarity with our Palestinian brothers and sisters. – Oskar Martin, Bundjalung and Kamilaroi Nation
Change Agent
About the Change Agent Role
People playing the Change Agent role build people power, providing opportunities for mass participation. Change Agents start and maintain organisations and networks, setting up structures to support long term struggle. They hold out a vision for the movement and engage in public education to persuade more and more people. They may have an analysis of the root causes of problems (such as white supremacy and colonialism) and push for paradigm shifts.
When playing the Change Agent role ineffectively people can become preoccupied with ideological purity and utopian visions as well as building a specific organisation or faction. They can live so fully within the movement that they lose touch with mainstream perspectives, which can cut them off from connecting with potential audiences and supporters. Frustrated and exhausted Change Agents can turn on others in the movement that they see as accepting the status quo or not being as enlightened as them.
At their best Change Agents communicate a motivating vision and a clear strategy to get there. They understand that change can take time and they take people on the journey with them. Through political education and practical experience the movement and its members become stronger over time.
The Change Agent role in the context of Palestine solidarity
The Palestine solidarity movement has experienced extremely rapid growth since October 2023. At times of movement ‘take off’ many people care strongly about the issue and look for ways to take action. Without pre-existing organisations and networks, and newly formed groups, the movement can fail to absorb those people, who become demoralised without a place to channel their contribution. Change Agents do the important work of setting up the structures through which people can organise, learn, grow and act.
In Australia APAN has provided crucial infrastructure since 2011. The network includes grassroots human rights groups; Jewish and Palestinian groups; aid and development agencies; and unions. This pre-existing structure allowed many people to connect with local or identity based groups as well as access support for new groups. APAN provided leadership on responding to political developments, building on a background of research and policy development over many years.
Around the continent there are many autonomous groups and coalitions that are organising regular protest events, such as Free Palestine Melbourne. FOE Melbourne has put out a regular calendar of events organised by different groups including discussion groups, film nights, fundraising dinners, campus events, actions and more, so that people could find out how to connect with the movement in many different ways. The DEiFY collective maintains an action toolkit outlining many different kinds of action to take. A myriad of groups have exerted influence within their own spheres or communities (such as ethnic and religious communities, unions, the climate movement etc) and then come together with others for large mobilisations.
In light of the ongoing genocide in Palestine and the outpouring of global and local grassroots support for Palestine, the Australian Palestine Advocacy Network is determined to continue building people power and supporting the broader Palestine movement on this continent. – APAN
Navigating tension across roles
Social movements are made up of many individuals and organisations with varied strengths, perspectives and theories of change. It is understandable that tensions arise between people playing different roles. For example:
- Citizens stand for widely held values in society, they speak from the centre of society, the mainstream. Change Agents push for paradigm shifts, contracting new forms of relationships and building alternative institutions, and can be viewed as utopian and on the fringes (or forefront!) of society. It can sometimes seem like Citizens and Change Agents are speaking a different language, losing each other in translation as their cultural norms clash.
- Reformers work within the official institutions of a society, working the system to get results often through negotiation and compromise. Rebels draw lines in the sand, make hard demands, and tend to have less respect for the law and authority. Rebels may view Reformers as sellouts while Reformers may view Rebels as saboteurs of a carefully planned project of incremental change.
The challenge is understanding our role and those of others, seeing that each has a contribution to make. It doesn’t mean we all have to get along but if we play each of the roles effectively we’re far more likely to achieve collective impact.
It can help to take a movement perspective. Consider how you will act to build overall impact, and how your actions impact on movement relationships. Play to your strengths and allow others to play to theirs. Don’t expect others to think or act the same way you do, and don’t put a lot of energy into trying to change them. Debate can be healthy but entrenched conflict can lead to burnout and alienation.
Opponents of the movement will try to sow division so avoid ‘piling on’ with critique, especially after high pressure events. Remember that others in the movement are motivated by deep care and concern too. You have a lot in common!
Keep the pressure on your true adversaries and your eyes on the prize: a free Palestine and an end to genocide.
This section draws on my article Exploring Roles in Social Change Movements which has more tips for collaboration and collective impact.
Four Roles Training
It can be very productive to explore the four roles in training sessions with participants from different parts of a movement. If you are interested in running a training contact Holly Hammond for a workshop schedule and tips.
People in other countries and movements are welcome to adapt this article for your context. Please share what you come up with.
Explore Further
- Bill Moyer’s Movement Action Plan and Four Roles of Activists
- Palestine 101: Videos, Factsheets, Books & More
- 3 Key Insights for Building a Powerful and Loving Movement against Oppression in Palestine-Israel
- Defiance Creates Hope Zine: Grassroots Action for a Free Palestine
- Board Members, We Need to Talk About Palestine
- Understand your Role in Social Change
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