How to be an Effective Campaigner

Based on a note from Jim Hasenauer. President IMBA (US)

Gresham's Law of Activists

There are some people in the libertarian movement who are bad activists.  Even though they may be "OK" ideologically, they do not forward the cause of freedom.  Even if they do make positive contributions, on balance they actually harm the movement.  It is not always easy to spot a bad activist at first glance.  No one is perfect and many outstanding activists slip into bad habits from time to time.  Nonetheless, the bad activist tends to be remarkably consistent.  Virtually every bad activist puts his or her personal or factional) interests ahead of the purpose of the organization or cause.  The good activist expresses his or her individuality through the choice of joining the organization if it identifies with his or her personal interests.  The bad activist will sacrifice the interest of the organization for power, status, enrichment, or some other form of short-term ego gratification. It is harder to be a good activist than a bad one.  But campaigners need to achieve a real "gold standard of activists" to defeat Gresham's Law of Activists and not put up with bad behavior.

How to spot a bad activist as opposed to a good activist:

THE GOOD ACTIVIST

• Tries to be reasonable, polite, and considerate.
• Is more concerned about getting results and is anxious to give credit to others as a way to encourage them to continue what they are doing.
• Is basically modest and recognizes the importance of cooperation of others.
• Wants other activists to participate in the decision process whenever possible & to understand what is being done and why.
• Is always interested in new ideas and encourages involvement by others.
• Tries to disagree without becoming personal or being disagreeable.
• Is very uncomfortable with factions and is reluctant to condemn even the worst bad activist, but will do so if necessary to limit the damage.
• Is inclined to recognize good work by anyone and ignore the rest.
• Keeps criticism to a minimum and always has positive suggestions.
• Is inclined to give people the benefit of the doubt, does not get upset with inadvertent and unintentional slights, and will forgive even intentional acts if the person shows he or she regrets the action.

THE BAD ACTIVIST

• Tends to be argumentative, insulting, obnoxious, and is indifferent to the effect her or she has on others.
• Tries to take credit for any accomplishments, even ones which are primarily the results of someone else's efforts.
• Has delusions of grandeur and makes sure everyone is aware of his or her titles and status.
• Tends to be secretive and cliquish.
• Never listens to what other people have to say.
• Reacts to any disagreement with angry outbursts, condemnations, or personal attacks. Is quite willing to disrupt meetings and alienate bystanders in the process.
• Tends toward factionalism and is inclined to purge activists who are not included in the faction.
• Is constantly critical of anything done by people in opposing factions.
• Devotes considerable time and effort to criticizing other people in the organization.
• Is constantly being "offended" and is inclined to hold grudges.