This collection uses primary sources to explore AIDS activism during the 1980s. Digital Public Library of America Primary Source Sets are designed to help students develop their critical thinking skills and draw diverse material from libraries, archives, and museums across the United States. Each set includes an overview, ten to fifteen primary sources, links to related resources, and a teaching guide. These sets were created and reviewed by the teachers on the DPLA's Education Advisory Committee.

Discover how to overcome obstacles to take civic action for a cause you care about, in this video from the PBS KIDS series ARTHUR. After watching the video, students explore the steps involved in creating a campaign for change. Included are support materials for teachers. [10:33]

In this interactive lesson, students will learn about the historical background of racial segregation and the brave individuals and groups who stood up against segregation during the 1950s and 1960s.

The United States has a long history of activists seeking social, political, economic, and other changes to AmericaåÑalong with a history of other activists trying to prevent such changes. American activism covered a wide range of causes and utilized many different forms of activism. American sociopolitical activism became especially prominent during the period of societal upheaval which began during the 1950s. The African American civil rights movement led the way, soon followed by a substantial anti-war movement opposing American involvement in the Vietnam War, and later by vigorous activism involving womenåÕs issues, gay rights, and other causes. The United States remains a land of nearly constant change, and activists play a significant role in the ongoing evolution of American democracy. It seems likely that Americans will remain enthusiastic activists in the future. This exhibition is part of the Digital Library of Georgia.

Sanaz Mazinani is an artist with a background in political activism who uses art to inspire dialogue about perceptions of cultural identity. In the latest episode of Art School, she describes her current art practice. [5:23]

Do Something is a nationwide network of young people who know they can make a difference in their communities and take action to change the world around them. As part of Do Something, young people are asked what they want to do to make things better and then given the resources and support to bring their unique vision to life.

Find out about efforts being made to eradicate genocide and other crimes against humanity by activist group Enough.

Meet Erica, a high school student from Oxnard, California, in this video excerpt from Earth Island Institute. Learn how she fought the construction of a proposed liquefied natural gas facility near her low-income, Latino neighborhood. Hear from a member of the Sierra Club who describes the proposed facility, and hear how Erica educated people about the potential environmental impacts and how to get involved to stop the project. Includes background essay and discussion questions. [4:42]

This collection uses primary sources to explore Fannie Lou Hamer and the civil rights movement in rural Mississippi. Digital Public Library of America Primary Source Sets are designed to help students develop their critical thinking skills and draw diverse material from libraries, archives, and museums across the United States. Each set includes an overview, ten to fifteen primary sources, links to related resources, and a teaching guide. These sets were created and reviewed by the teachers on the DPLA's Education Advisory Committee.

This video details a formula for making political art in five easy steps by offering examples of successful projects from high profile artists Banksy, Corita Kent, Emory Douglas, Ai Wei Wei, Shepard Fairey and Barbara Kruger. [3 min, 23 sec]

Meet an activist who works to help the struggling farmers of rural India, in this video from Wide Angle. [2:30]

This collection uses primary sources to explore Ida B. Wells and anti-lynching activism. Digital Public Library of America Primary Source Sets are designed to help students develop their critical thinking skills and draw diverse material from libraries, archives, and museums across the United States. Each set includes an overview, ten to fifteen primary sources, links to related resources, and a teaching guide. These sets were created and reviewed by the teachers on the DPLA's Education Advisory Committee.

Video presents a look at how activists are helping to free victims of human trafficking in India. [2:15]

Explore how celebrities can use their influence to support social and political movements in this video [5:06] from American Masters, Sammy Davis, Jr.: I've Gotta Be Me. Learn about the contributions of Sammy Davis, Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement, his relationship with Martin Luther King, Jr., and how his story intertwines with greater issues of identity and power within the role of an activist. Support materials include discussion questions, vocabulary, and teaching tips on how to make connections to celebrity activists today. Teaching materials are included.

While learning about the California migrant farm workers' fight for justice led by Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, students learn to make connections and think about cause and effect.

This learning module includes several examples of ways that students can make a difference in their communities to create positive change.

From Debbie Levy: "Today, Jo Ann will be the first to remind you that she is just one of twelve black students who went through the agonizing experience of desegregating Clinton High School.  She'll make sure you know that because of her parents' decision to leave, she spent only one semester there.  The heroes, she'll say, are Bobby Cain and Gail Ann Epps - the ones who hung in there long enough to graduate despite the danger and discomfort of showing up, day after day, to a place where they knew they were not wanted. I say they are all heroes."

From Debbie Levy:"Today, Jo Ann will be the first to remind you that she is just one of twelve black students who went through the agonizing experience of desegregating Clinton High School.  She'll make sure you know that because of her parents' decision to leave, she spent only one semester there.  The heroes, she'll say, are Bobby Cain and Gail Ann Epps - the ones who hung in there long enough to graduate despite the danger and discomfort of showing up, day after day, to a place where they knew they were not wanted. I say they are all heroes."

Lucas Benitez worked picking tomatoes in Southern Florida for wages that were barely enough to live on. Conditions were deplorable and workers faced a climate of intimidation, fear and violence right here in the United States. Lucas Benitez rose up to create an alliance of workers and consumers that forced fast food giants McDonalds and Taco Bell to change their ways. He was able to transform the lives of some of the worst paid people in America, and bring dignity to their working lives. [11:04]

Individual responsibility for water quality is the key to solving the puzzle of water quality. Awareness of the problem isn't enough. It's only when that new knowledge is put into Action, that we'll begin to see a difference in our water's quality. Change a personal practice, monitor a stream, educate a neighbor. It's up to you. You are the most important piece, when it comes to solving the water quality puzzle. [1 min, 25 sec]