Direct action in the environmental movement of the 1990s referred to politically motivated, often physically disruptive tactics — such as blockades, tree-sits, road occupations, and mass protests — used by activists to directly intervene in environmental destruction and force policy change, rather than relying solely on political channels 12345. These actions were characteristic of radical groups like Earth First! and emerged in response to issues such as road building, deforestation, and car culture, aiming to challenge both government and corporate power and to draw urgent public attention to environmental crises 1234.
Direct action can often garner press attention (although the media usually need to be notified in advance via a press release and/or direct communication), which makes it a useful tool for broadening the communications impact of a campaign or issue.
Bay Area Action’s use of direct action had several distinct characteristics, for instance:
Creativity — BAA became well-known for creative activism such as costumed theatrical protests (often with Earth Circus) and giant “human signs” spelling out messages on freeway overpasses.
Multiplying factor — BAA members sometimes joined other organization’s protests, such as EF! actions during 1990’s Redwood Summer, and in the late ’90s around the Headwaters Deal. BAA’s Action Team was often mustered in the early days to participate in demonstrations etc. organized by other groups.
Youth — The High Schools Group repeatedly used in-person demonstrations to pressure companies to change their destructive ways.
BAA’s direct action over the years
This is a work in progress. Data will be added as we continue to build the Archives. If you have personal memories of any of these events, we encourage you to share them, if even just a sentence.
BAA members tabling at the Lawrence Livermore Lab demonstration, 1990. Credit: Peter Drekmeier / Bay Area Action Archives
1991
Nevada Test Site — 700 arrests including BAA members. Media coverage reaches national audiences, supports activities of peace movements around the world. (1991-01)
Yuliya’s DNC protest trip with PPJC, August 2000 (did Ryan Buckley also go?)
Coverage from the Mercury News of BAA members giving SUV tickets. Credit: Bay Area Action Archives / Original photo by Richard Hernandez
Several members of the BAA Schools Group and dozens of citizens and members from other groups staged a sit-in blocking consumers from entering the Gap’s flagship store in San Francisco. Credit: Mark Bult / Bay Area Action Archives
Pesticide Alternatives rally at Santa Clara County bldg
Hilary Hulteen Oregon treesit
Jenny Cade Ramsey Gulch SC treesit
BAA Schoolies, alongside members of Peninsula Peace and Justice Center and other concerned citizens, urged passing motorists on El Camino Real to “WAGE PEACE” in 2001. Credit: Mark Bult / Bay Area Action Archives
Ward Valley protests, DavidS says probably 1995 (check newsletters)
U’wa protest(s?) at Fidelity
Ramona Rubin EF! blockade
Kristina Lindsay treesit
press, date unknown, "Stanford protesters chain themselves to bulldozers," PA Daily News (Tex and Barb)
Notes
As with most contemporary articles researching the BAA Archives, this is a work in progress. We will update it with dates, links, and photos when possible.
If you have details to add, we encourage you to contact us.
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