We at Counterweight have some ideas about how to counter cancel culture and Critical Social Justice. We are sure you do as well, and we want to get your ideas of what might work. Below is a standard advocacy planning framework. We’ve included a few of our ideas in each section, but we could be wrong. Or we could be missing something, such as a game changing creative idea. If you, like us, are tired of being told what to think, of being silent, of feeling threatened by cancellation, of seeing mainstream institutions taken over by radical ideologies, then please take the time to help us fashion possible solutions. Under each section, please share with us your ideas on how to achieve social change. After we receive all the replies (by 4/2/2021), we will compile them into a single document. Our fearless leader Helen Pluckrose and the Counterweight team will review all your suggestions and we will incorporate the best ideas we receive into our advocacy plan. We will issue the new document by 4/16/2021. Thanks, in advance, for your contribution!

1. What is our goal?
   Our goal should not be the total defeat of CSJ. Such an outcome is not possible or even desirable, as people must be permitted to hold a variety of worldviews in a liberal society. Rather, our goal should be to get mainstream institutions – universities, news media, publishers, big tech, government agencies, corporate human resources, charities, etc – to accept that there are varied ways to see the world and to understand diversity and equality. We must encourage these organisations to allow viewpoint diversity, and to implement training programmes that cater to a variety of different beliefs and perspectives. Beyond this, we would like to work to address genuine problems of inequality within our society using a liberal approach to social justice.

2. Who are our target audiences?
   Our target audiences are multifold: first, institutional leaders in academia, corporations, big-tech, nonprofits, media; second, potential supporters who need to be educated, equipped and mobilized; and third, “fence sitters” who may be willing to move in our direction given exposure to the right messaging.

   
   

3. What is our message?

• Do emphasize the value of liberal discourse and the importance of a multiplicity of views on complicated issues
• Do explain how alternative approaches to diversity can preserve free expression and advance our pluralistic society
• Do show empathy and concern for marginalized communities. Do condemn racism and bigotry.
• Do, especially when engaging online, ask people if they are willing to engage in an open discussion, free from name calling and attack
• Do explain how well-meaning CSJ initiatives inadvertently harm race relations and prevent important conversations about gender, etc.
• Do tell personal stories of how individuals have been hurt by CSJ initiatives

Don'ts

• Don’t try to ban CSJ or penalize adherents to it
• Don’t demonize the people you are speaking with
• Don’t address the issues in an overly abstract manner unless you have longer term opportunities for engagement or are in a scholarly setting
• Don’t jump the gun and respond to any mention of diversity & inclusion with suspicion and hostility

4. Who are our messengers?



Thus far the messengers have primarily been intellectual thought leaders addressing the issue in books, specialized publications, podcasts and social media.The movement encompasses people with a wide range of political positions who share only the belief in freedom of belief and speech and the value of the marketplace of ideas. Right-of-center voices and styles of communication are better suited for engaging with more conservative audiences, and left-wing voices for center-left audiences, where many of the challenges arise. We need more left-wing voices with credibility on the left to act with courage and make the case.




In order to move the needle to liberalize the conversation, we need to build a sufficiently large movement that opposes CSJ and is willing to speak out for their concerns and support others doing the same. Our biggest challenge may be to bring out and train the messengers.

5. How should we deliver our message to the target audience?

Many of the actions currently carried out by or contemplated by Counterweight are important steps, such as:

• Providing direct support and guidance for people faced with challenging situations
• Developing and scaling non-CRT diversity training programs
• Holding ongoing online education fora
• Generating regular publications and “tools of the trade”
• Building a thriving, ever growing community of courageous and skilled individuals
• Securing legal support when necessary for individuals treated unjustly
• Conducting high-level scholarship on issues of CJS
• Recruiting cross functional experts to build out communications and advocacy efforts
• Producing videos, documentaries, and other digital content to tell stories and highlight trends Advocating against government CSJ programs in legislatures and parliaments

These initiatives and ideas are just the tip of the iceberg.

6. What are our assets?

The opposition to CSJ continues to grow in reaction to “cancel culture” and indoctrination efforts. Key assets include:

• Numerous passionate individuals who care about liberalism and are increasingly concerned about threats to a liberal society
• Committed volunteers who are using their unique skill sets to create compelling educational content, support those in need, raise awareness, educate and more
• Incredible array of thought leaders, including many top POC thinkers, who compellingly oppose CSJ Organizations in the UK and the US devoted to the matter
• Powerful social media presence among numerous top thinkers and influencers

7. What resources/capacities do we need?

We need:

• Financial resources to hire staff and organize major initiatives
• Greater recognition in segments of the philanthropic community of the challenge
• More experts in communications, marketing and resource development
• Increased business planning and operationalization
• More bold individuals, buffeted by a supportive movement, willing to challenge CSJ in their organizations and communities

8. What should be our immediate priorities?

In the short run, we need to:

• Increase financial resources
• Provide enhanced direct support to individuals facing issues in the workplace and communities
• Develop more digital content
• Build a growing and powerful community of supporters
• Produce a messaging guide based on tested messages

9. How do we know if we are succeeding?

Success will be determined, over time, by:

• Surveying people in certain fields (academia, government, human resources) and detecting attitudinal shifts
• Growth in number of people opposing the monopoly of CSJ
• Increased articles and scholarship
• Embrace of alternative models of diversity in organizations
• Specific government policy changes (such as ceasing CRT diversity training programs)