[More about Backbone Campaign's theory of change and grand strategic framework can be found HERE.]
This presentation, entitled “Love Wins - Grand Strategy in a Battle of Paradigms,” was recorded at the annual Ground Zero action commemorating the victims of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and all victims of war and violence. The talk weaves principles from Sun Tzu's "Art of War" and Col. John Boyd's "Grand Strategy Briefings" into lessons learned from 14 years of artful activism. Moyer’s discussion explores the protection of things that are beyond price, against forces that seek to commodify everything and everyone. Key concepts from Backbone's Theory of Change with case studies lay the foundation for growing a robust, vibrant, and sustainable social change that transcends “mere resistance to the profanities of corporatism, to deliver victories for our communities and future generations.”
Bill Moyer is a fourth-generation Washingtonian who lives with his wife and daughter in the woods of Vashon Island in the Salish Sea near Seattle. He co-founded the Backbone Campaign and has served as its executive director since 2004. A leader in the theory and practice of artful activism, Backbone combines lessons of the performing arts with grand strategic principles from the Art of War to invigorate nonviolent social change movements. Bill and his Backbone colleagues have designed and produced hundreds of creative protests and trained thousands of change agents. They have helped transform mundane demonstrations into cultural happenings with innovative tactics like spotlights to project messages onto buildings, and helped introduce the world to kayaktivism during the sHellNo! campaign to stop Arctic drilling.
Moyer directs the Solutionary Rail team, which he formed in order to plot a path for the United States to transform a broken and dangerous railroad business model into a catalyst for social and environmental solutions that can act as an integral component of a just transition to sustainable society. More on the Backbone Campaign can be found at its website, BackboneCampaign.org.
The Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action was founded in 1977. The Center sits on 3.8 acres adjoining the Trident submarine base at Bangor, Washington. The Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action offers the opportunity to explore the roots of violence and injustice in our world and to experience the transforming power of love through nonviolent direct action. They resist all nuclear weapons, especially the Trident ballistic missile system. Thanks to the Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action in Poulsbo, WA
Recorded 8/5/18 by Ed Mays of Pirate Television and seen on Free Speech TV