“Resistance 101” Lesson: Unsung Heroes and Activists

Young people across the country are pouring into the streets to protest for social justice. But to create real change, students need to know what comes next.

If you want to make real social change, pay attention to the history of past social movements.

Teaching for Change has created “Resistance 101,” an introductory lesson for students to deepen their impact beyond protesting. They’ll “meet” twenty people throughout U.S. history who have resisted injustice, and learn a range of strategies used by these unsung heroes and activists. People like Anne Braden, who, in 1954, helped an African American man buy a house in an all-white neighborhood, and Dave Archambault II, who rallied Native American allies in 2016 to resist the construction of an oil pipeline.

Structured as a role play/scavenger hunt, the lesson is appropriate for middle school, high school, and university students.

Though the lesson is free, you will need to register in order to access it on the Teaching for Change site. YES! For Teachers does its best to provide educators with easily accessible teaching tools. 

Download lesson.

For more resources from Teaching for Change, click here.

Inspiration in Your Inbox

Get the free daily newsletter from YES! Magazine:
Stories of people creating a better world to inspire you and your students.

Sign Up