Activism & Complaining

What’s the difference?

When I talk about the No Complaining Project, I get challenged by political organizers: In order to change the system we need to call out what’s wrong. Does no complaining mean staying silent? Where is the line between activism and complaining?

These questions dive right into the heart of going NoCo. My short answer is that it’s all about your intention.

Going NoCo isn’t just about shutting up and not verbalizing complaints. The goal of going NoCo is to move from complaining to taking action, accepting what’s happening, or walking away.

A key distinction between complaining and problem solving is whether the person listening can do anything about the situation. If they can implement change, join you in the fight, or help strategize a solution, then I define that as problem solving, not complaining.

So political actions like letter writing to Congress (who can take action), marching in the streets (recruiting onlookers to join you in the movement), and organizing meetings (strategizing a solution) are all defined as problem solving.

What is unproductive is griping about a situation with someone who already agrees with you. Initially, this can help to establish camaraderie, a common sense of purpose, help you find a group of like-minded…