Jim Schermbeck, a veteran organizer known for “causing good trouble,” is eager to pass on his wisdom to a new wave of community advocates through the College of Constructive Hell-Raising.
Founded in 2017, this nonprofit organization focuses on teaching individuals the intricacies of community organizing, especially amid the surge of protests against the policies of President Donald Trump’s administration.
“Protests are a great way to mobilize people, but what’s next?” Schermbeck remarked, emphasizing the need for organized approaches that lead to tangible change in communities.
The college’s curriculum delves into vital moments in Dallas history, such as the community-led efforts that closed a lead smelter in 2012 and the tragic death of Santos Rodriguez, a Mexican-American child killed by a police officer, which catalyzed the Chicano movement.
Students also study the grassroots activism that prompted Dallas to ban gas drilling.
Schermbeck, who directed the environmental organization Downwinders at Risk for 30 years and has been an activist since founding a group in 1977 to oppose the Comanche Peak nuclear power plant, believes ordinary individuals often lead the charge in fights for environmental and civil rights.
“As I get older,” Schermbeck stated, “it’s become more important for me to feel like I’m contributing to the forward progress of any kind, not just environmental justice.”
For several months, students engage with the course material, examining Dallas’ activist history, the city’s community leaders, and various campaign strategies employed across the nation and worldwide.
They focus on projects that resonate with them personally, including public transportation improvements, green space development, affordable housing initiatives, and even launching a local news podcast.
Mallon, a 39-year-old student, is one example of someone taking the lessons to heart. After learning that the city of Plano had sponsored two bills to significantly defund Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), he actively participated by attending DART board meetings and speaking out against the bills in Austin.
Both bills ultimately failed, indicating the impact of grassroots organizing.
Mallon remarked, “The most important thing we can do right now is get involved in local politics.”
The curriculum highlights significant historical events, including the heartbreaking story of Santos Rodriguez, who was innocently caught in a police interrogation in 1973, ultimately leading to his tragic death.
This event galvanized the Little Mexico community and inspired a wave of activism.
In a recent class discussion, Luis Sepulveda, a former Dallas County justice of the peace and a founding member of the West Dallas Coalition for Environmental Justice, recounted his own grassroots efforts in the 1990s to designate a Superfund site to counteract lead contamination in his neighborhood.
Frustrated by the ongoing lead issues affecting his community, Sepulveda spearheaded initiatives that prompted the Environmental Protection Agency to assess and clean numerous properties over several years.
Reflecting on his journey, Sepulveda said, “At the time, I felt like a kid from West Dallas. A Mexican kid could not demand change. But we did it. We stood up for our community.”
Schermbeck recognized Sepulveda’s contributions: “Sepulveda is the father of environmental justice in Dallas.”
Another topic integrated into the curriculum is the ongoing fight for LGBTQ rights, featuring prominent activists Patti Fink and Erin Moore who discussed their campaigns that led to the passage of anti-discrimination laws in 2002.
Their work not only secured protections for the LGBTQ community but also enhanced awareness and resources around the HIV and AIDS epidemic in Dallas County.
The lessons provided at the college encompass the mechanics of local politics, encouraging attendees to learn about city board compositions, state agency functions, and how to galvanize community engagement.
During one class, a student inquired about effective campaign tactics, to which Schermbeck responded with a key principle: “Persistence.”
He explained how small grassroots efforts, when combined, can lead to significant victories in the long run.
The motto of the College of Constructive Hell-Raising, “Small stuff adds up,” epitomizes his belief in the power of sustained advocacy.
Schermbeck motivates students to articulate their personal stories and their motivations for activism, urging them to think creatively when it comes to outreach strategies.
For instance, he highlighted the effectiveness of visual elements in protests, such as giant puppets, which can capture attention and convey powerful messages.
Other practical advice includes fostering relationships through individual meetings with stakeholders and knowing when to escalate actions to achieve results.
Chelsea Limboy, a member of the grassroots movement Dallas Area Transit Alliance, emphasized the importance of understanding historical struggles to advocate effectively for positive change in public transportation.
Previous participants in the college have gone on to notable roles, including leadership positions in various activist organizations focused on environmental and community health issues.
On May 22, the latest class marked their graduation with a celebration titled “A Night of Good Trouble,” attended by approximately 150 supporters.
Amidst the festivities, Jerry Hawkins, a former director of the Dallas Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation nonprofit, highlighted the critical role of such initiatives in addressing the often-overlooked narratives of Dallas’ history.
He encouraged graduates to recognize the significance of their achievements, as activism frequently goes unacknowledged and can feel thankless.
“A lot of change that happens in Dallas gets started in groups like this, and is often initiated by smaller, resource-limited communities who are persistent in their efforts,” Schermbeck said.
For those interested in understanding how ordinary individuals can stand up to greater powers, enrollment for the upcoming semester will open in the fall.
The cost for the semester-long program is $150, which includes necessary reading materials, with options for half and full scholarships available.
Classes are conducted at Good Coworking in South Dallas, further enriching the community spirit among participants.
image source from：dallasnews
