Constructive Program
Strategy 1. Be concrete and constructive. Although programs can, and often do have symbolic resonance, they cannot be merely symbolic. (Gandhi’s spinning wheel was an ideal combination).
Strategy 2. Try to find “stealth” issues whose significance will be underestimated by the opposition – until it’s too late.
Strategy 3. Most importantly, tackle “keystone” issues that could weaken the whole system if successful. In other words, actions that significantly undermine the oppressive power’s “pillars of support.”
Question: Why is merely symbolic action relatively weak?
Question: What is means by “stealth issue” and “nonviolent movement”?
Question: What does “keystone” mean in this context and why is it significant?
Strategy 4. Be constructive whenever possible and resistant when necessary.
Questions:
A. Why not just be resistant in the first place if you know you’ll have to do it eventually?
B. Is constructive program a form of resistance?
C. Can you think of any movements today that reflect this fourth strategy?
Strategy 5. Form a strategic overview that balances constructive and obstructive measures; shifting to one or the other as appropriate.
Question: How would having the capacity to:
A) carry out obstructive and/or constructive measures, and
B) be able to choose whatever is appropriate at a given time,
strengthen the campaign?
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Also read: Constructive Program, Its Meaning and Place by MK Gandhi