Periagoge
Scenario

When volunteer groups question whether their civic work creates real change

Three of us have been volunteering together at the legal aid clinic for two years and we're all struggling with whether we're actually helping people or just making ourselves feel better about an unjust system. One of us wants to quit and do direct action instead, one thinks we should stay and work for reform from within, and I'm not sure we can keep working together without talking about what we really think we're accomplishing.

More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

A group united by shared values is discovering that good intentions aren't enough to resolve fundamental disagreements about how justice actually gets done.

Your guide for this
Hypatia
Hypatia works with people navigating exactly this kind of situation.
Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with Legal & Civic Life?”

Peri

Peri can explain why this happens, help you decide if this is the right situation for you, and point toward the right journey or coach.

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.