Discourse and Change Answers

Review the graph, which shows public support in the United States for same-sex marriage.

Zane is writing an opinion essay about the US military’s policy of "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Read his first paragraph.From 1994 until 2011, the US military had a policy known as "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Members of the LGBTQ+ community had already been forbidden from serving in the military. With this law, they still could be kicked out of the military if their identities became known. However, their superior officers could not ask them to confirm their identities either. So they were allowed to serve, but only if they hid an important part of themselves. In 1994, when President Bill Clinton signed the law, some people thought it was a victory for the LGBTQ+ community, but it was a harmful policy.

How might a group that focuses on the issue of climate change, such as the Sunrise Movement, best measure the success of their advocacy?

Read the scenario:A student organization working to raise awareness about hate crimes against local Asian communities has $1,000 in their operating budget. Half of the group wants to use the money to run and promote a social media campaign. The other half wants to spend it on a large, in-person event.Which outcome would be a compromise for the group?

What is unique about a grassroots movement?

What might an advocate do to create change?

Read the scenario.Stephen wants to start a tutoring program at his school to help struggling students.What kind of group might Stephen contact about raising money for the program?

Xavier plans to write a letter to his local school board about expanding students’ access to technology. Read the facts he has gathered to include as supporting evidence.In 2015, 39% of children ages 3–18 did not have internet access at home.In 2020, nearly 93% of households with school-age children did some amount of learning from home because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

A member of the March for Our Lives organization writes an editorial for his school newspaper about the need to fight gun violence in schools. What is a piece of evidence he could use to support his argument?

Jabeen is working on a speech to convince fellow students to volunteer in the community. Read her first paragraph:I urge everyone to sign up for our school’s new volunteer organization. I know that everyone is busy with homework and other activities, but this is an issue that’s bigger than we are. You probably think that nothing you can do can make a difference. Maybe you’re right. It may be hopeless to try to bring about change.What advice might help Jabeen make her argument more convincing?