What Is The Dissident Project?
The Dissident Project is a non-profit speakers bureau that connects immigrant speakers who fled authoritarianism with American High School students at no cost. Their speakers hail from countries like Venezuela, Hong Kong, Eritrea, North Korea, the People’s Republic of China, Iran and many more.
Through in-person event style presentations, the Dissident Project aims to share first-person accounts with students to illustrate why American principles of liberty are beacons to many around the world and motivating them with inspiring stories of determination in the face of oppression.
Book a speaker today. Interested parties should visit dissidentproject.org, or contact charlie@joinyv.org directly for more information.
Classroom Ideas: Help students develop a real-world perspective
When students listen to someone who has personally experienced life under authoritarian regimes, they gain a more profound understanding of complex issues like freedom, resilience, and human rights. First-person stories create a personal connection, helping students develop empathy and a real-world perspective that deepens their learning. This engagement fosters critical thinking, allowing students to grasp the true impact of political and social issues on individuals and societies.
Below are some follow up activity ideas for your classroom:
- Activity #1 – “My Story, Our Lesson” – Reflective Writing and Discussion
Objective: To encourage students to connect personally with the speaker’s story, recognizing universal themes of resilience and freedom.
Activity: After the speaker shares their experiences, ask students to write a journal entry or reflection. Prompt them to consider questions like: What part of the speaker’s story surprised or moved you? What freedoms or rights do you value that the speaker didn’t have?
Discussion: Facilitate a class discussion to share reflections, encouraging empathy and connection across cultures and experiences.
- Activity #2 – “Mapping Authoritarianism” – Comparative Political Systems
Objective: To understand the differences between democratic and authoritarian systems and the impact on individuals’ rights.
Activity: Students research the political and civil rights of the speaker’s home country and compare it with their own. They can create posters, slides, or infographics to present key differences in government structure, civil liberties, and freedom of speech.
Extension: Invite students to connect with the speaker’s story by analyzing how authoritarian policies affected them personally and discussing how democratic institutions protect freedoms.
- Activity #3 – “The Power of Speaking Out” – Public Speaking and Advocacy
Objective: To deepen understanding of the specific freedoms impacted by authoritarian regimes.
Activity: After hearing the speaker’s story, students research one issue affecting people in authoritarian countries today (e.g., censorship, restricted voting rights). Each student or group creates a short presentation advocating for awareness of this issue and presents it to the class.
Reflection: Conclude with a discussion on why speaking out is important and ways they can responsibly advocate for human rights locally and globally.
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