On becoming an activist: A ‘progress report’ on a 37 year journey to date

The author, writing as a 6th generation Tasmanian, tells the story of his journey to a new form of environmental activism. The influences of social context, family history and personal learning on his development as an activist are described and discussed. It is argued that Tasmania is still in the grip of an oppressive post colonial colonialism^[1] that continues to shape the roles and expectations of ordinary Tasmanians. The author sees his crisis of oppression as a microcosm of that gripping the social context, including local grassroots activism. From a young age the author sought to understand the nature of his crisis and what could be done to change the situation within and beyond himself. His journey has taken him from fear, indignation, and frustration to a new understanding from which he is seeking to facilitate new forms of social activism that will hopefully take Tasmanian environmental activism to a new place. Living Theory is playing a role in the development of the next steps as the author further refines his ideas and practice as he works through a series of ‘Living Contradictions’ in his inner and outer ‘lives’. In this sense he is in an important phase of personal reinvention and spiritual rejuvenation.