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| Nonviolent Action for Social and Environmental Justice: Contemporary Options |
| Sunday, May 26, 2019 |
| 8:00 AM–8:50 AM |
| Hyatt Regency East, Ballroom Level, Grand Ballroom AB |
| Domain: Theory |
| Chair: Mark A. Mattaini (Jane Addams College of Social Work-University of Illinois at Chicago) |
| CE Instructor: Kathryn Roose, M.A. |
| Panelists: JAMILA RAQIB (Albert Einstein Institution; Center for International Studies at Massachusetts Institute of Technology), RICHARD RAKOS (Cleveland State University), KATHRYN ROOSE (University of Nevada, Reno) |
| Abstract: This panel offers an opportunity for convention attendees to interact with Jamila Raqib, the 2019 ABAI Presidential Scholar who will make opening comments, and behavior analysts with long interests in nonviolent social action. In some cases traditional approaches to nonviolent struggle have become less successful than previously; for this reason, emphases in this panel will be on exploring nonviolent scientific 21st century alternatives. A particular focus will be on contemporary approaches to understanding and shaping what Gandhi discussed as the “Constructive Programme”—which overlaps substantially with the seminal behavior analyst Israel Goldiamond’s “constructional” approach. The panel will include an audience-driven question and answer period, with time allotted for interactions amongst the panelists and the audience. |
| Instruction Level: Basic |
| Target Audience: Board certified behavior analysts; licensed psychologists; graduate students. |
| Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, participants will be able to: (1) define and discuss at least three alternative strategic options for nonviolently and effectively supporting social and environmental justice in the 21st century; (2) identify several commonalities between Israel Goldiamond’s “constructional” approach, and Gandhi’s “Constructive Programme;” (3) list at least three specific steps that they could take to prepare for, and participate effectively in, collective action for social and environmental justice. |
| JAMILA RAQIB (Albert Einstein Institution; Center for International Studies at Massachusetts Institute of Technology) |
 Jamila Raqib, an Afghan native, was a nominee for the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize, and is Executive Director of the Albert Einstein Institution in Boston, which promotes the study and strategic use of nonviolent action worldwide. From 2002 until his recent passing, Ms. Raqib worked directly with political scientist Gene Sharp, the world’s foremost scholar on strategic nonviolent action. In 2009, she and Sharp jointly developed a curriculum called Self-Liberation: A Guide to Strategic Planning for Action to End a Dictatorship or Other Oppression drawing extensively on that literature, to provide in-depth guidance for groups planning or engaged in nonviolent struggle for democracy and human rights. She is also a Director’s Fellow at the MIT Media Lab, exploring how innovations in technology and education can make the collection, sharing, and application of knowledge of nonviolent action more effective, timely, and secure. In addition, she is currently doing research on nonviolent social change grounded in Gandhi’s “constructive programme,” which is similar on multiple dimensions to constructional work as outlined in Israel Goldiamond’s work. Ms. Raqib’s TED talk on nonviolent resistance has been translated into 29 languages and has more than 1 million views; many of her presentations are also widely shared on YouTube, making her work accessible especially to young people. She is among a handful of people in the world who has studied the extensive literature on nonviolence social change in real depth and has been working directly with the groups who have been applying that knowledge in conflicts around the world. Raqib regularly gives presentations and conducts educational workshops for activists and organizers, human rights organizations, academics, and government bodies concerned with diverse objectives including challenging dictatorship, combatting corruption, and attaining political rights, economic justice, environmental protection, and women’s empowerment. She also serves as commentator on nonviolent action for multiple media outlets and oversees the dissemination of extensive resources on the topic through the Einstein Institution. She therefore has much to contribute to behavior scientists and practitioners interested in expanding their involvement and participation in social change, human rights, and sustainability efforts, particularly from a constructional perspective. |
| RICHARD RAKOS (Cleveland State University) |
 Dr. Rakos received his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Kent State University and now is Emeritus Professor of Psychology at Cleveland State University. He retired in 2016 after 37.5 years at CSU, most recently as associate dean for faculty and program development in the College of Sciences and Health Professions. Dr. Rakos is widely published in the areas of assertiveness training, self-management, law and psychology, and cultural analysis. He served as Editor of Behavior and Social Issues (and its predecessor journals Behaviorists for Social Action Journal and Behavior Analysis and Social Action) from 1981-1993 and as associate editor of BSI from 1993 to the present. He also served on the editorial board of Law and Human Behavior from 2000-2016 and is a fellow of the American Psychological Association. Since retiring from CSU, Dr. Rakos has maintained his behavior analytic scholarly activities while expanding his private clinical practice significantly, focusing on the behavioral treatment of persons experiencing difficulties with anxiety, stress, depression, self-control, obsessions and compulsions, and social/interpersonal relationships. |
| KATHRYN ROOSE (University of Nevada, Reno) |
 Kathryn Roose, M.A., BCBA, LBA(NV), CADC is administrative faculty in the College of Education and a doctoral student in behavior analysis at the University of Nevada, Reno. She has experience as a drug and alcohol counselor, and as a practicing clinician with children and adults with and without disabilities and their families, adults with neurocognitive disorders and their families, and organizations. She currently manages data and evaluation for a federally funded grant implementing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports in Nevada, and works as a consultant for the State Juvenile Justice System updating state policy and revising systems, practices, and data collection. Her current research projects include an experimental analysis of teamwork and cooperation in organizational settings, and conceptual analyses of social issues including the fake news phenomenon, employee wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and a behavioral science perspective of nonviolent action. Ms. Roose is the Student Representative to the ABAI Executive Council and is active in the ABAI SIGs OBM Network and Behaviorists for Social Responsibility. |
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