Hi, Kristine.
I, too, have been exploring fruitful approaches to rebellion. As a result, I founded a group called The Saners. (WeAreSaners.org).
Our group is still new, with only a few hundred members (although I've got nearly 2K followers on Medium), but I think we are guided by some pretty good research—and we've been researching the same questions you've been asking.
I love your essay, because it explores these issues in a very thoughtful and scholarly way. My studies have been somewhat scholarly, but my tone is that of an activist.
You are performing the essential function of educating people. I've been trying to turn them into effective activists.
As you know, the challenge is HUGE—we need to prevent climate collapse, and transform a "culture" of consumerism and rewarded selfishness to a genuinely humane and caring culture that values Life and Relationships and Nature and the Earth—instead of the useless mountains of commodified crap we are taught to manufacture and purchase—before it all goes into landfill.
Capitalism (but also other extraction-based systems) does not value either human beings or the Earth. Both are mere resources (which is why people are merely human resources and the Earth is only source of raw material for production). The planet and creatures on it—including us—have no value whatsoever except as producers and consumers of stuff with the ultimate objective to further enrich the very undeserving ultra-wealthy few whom we unwittingly serve.
The Saners intends to slash CO2 emissions, severely and quickly, in the least painful way—by cutting production down to what humans by their biology require—nutritious food, shelter, medical care...and little else. We intend to inspire others to join our movement by a positive and visible example, using our smarts and not violence.
We have studied the history of movements to determine, insofar as possible, what works and why. There is no precise set of steps, but there IS a blueprint to guide us. It comes from Gandhi, and King, and Cesar Chavez and others. But the most useful lessons come from a small, modern, little know but very effective group. They are the 5 college students who founded Otpor! and overthrew the Serbian dictator Milosevic, replacing his tyranny with an elected representative government. They have an organization (CANVAS) which explains and teaches effective strategies and tactics for movements. Much of their materials are available online for free. (See Canvasopedia)
Anyway, I'm now a follower and subscriber to your work on Medium. I invite you to check out The Saners website at WeAreSaners.org and, if you are so moved, to join at WeAreSaners.org/join.
Oh, and if you have any advice for me and our group, I'm all ears. I like the way you think!
Ray
