Inspiring Activism

The Role of Psychology in Environmental Campaigning and Activism

On September 23 and 24, 2010, nearly two dozen activists and psychologists gathered at the offices of Friends of the Earth in Washington, D.C., to explore how to productively apply research and insights from psychology to inspire and empower real, systemic change at every level.

Friends of the Earth partnered with Psychologists for Social Responsibility (PsySR) to host this meeting, which was funded by a generous grant to PsySR from the David and Carol Myers Foundation.

Several themes emerged early in the meeting: the need to articulate a positive vision for the future; the need to engage individuals’ hearts as well as minds; and the need to balance short-term policy objectives with the imperative of significant long-term change.

Psychologists for Social Responsibility has posted psychologists’ presentations at the workshop on the relevant research and theory.

Read the full report.