Across college campuses, a growing number of students are raising their voices to demand that universities stop investing in companies that profit from apartheid systems and human rights abuses. For many, this call for divestment is about more than just numbers on a spreadsheet—it’s a way to hold institutions accountable and align financial decisions with values of justice and equity.
The idea isn’t new, but the energy around it is rising. Fueled by grassroots organizing, student-led campaigns are gaining traction and creating real pressure for change. These efforts are built on clear goals, informed advocacy, and a deep sense of solidarity with oppressed communities.
What This Article Covers
This article looks at how student groups can build momentum for divestment. It outlines strategies for effective organizing, shares examples of what’s working, and highlights the power of storytelling and coalition-building.
You’ll also find ideas for making your message heard and keeping the campaign active, even when progress feels slow.
Understanding the Push for Divestment
At its core, divestment is about refusing to fund harm. When a university invests in companies tied to apartheid systems, it sends a message that profit is more valuable than justice. That’s why students are pushing back—asking schools to take a moral stance through their endowment choices.
Divestment campaigns often grow out of research. Students dig into university financial records, identify links to problematic companies, and publish their findings. This groundwork is essential. It gives campaigns a solid foundation and helps frame the issue in a way that’s hard to ignore.
Once the facts are clear, the next step is building pressure. That doesn’t mean just holding a protest or sending an email. It means creating a steady presence, telling stories that connect, and bringing more people into the conversation.
Bringing People In
One of the most powerful things a campaign can do is invite others to get involved. This might mean speaking at student government meetings, organizing teach-ins, or setting up tables on the quad. Every interaction is a chance to grow support and deepen understanding.
Not everyone will agree right away, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t to win every debate—it’s to keep showing up with clarity and compassion. Share why this issue matters to you. Talk about the people affected. Help others see the link between investment choices and real-world consequences.
Campaigns also grow when they connect across communities. Working with student groups focused on racial justice, climate action, or workers’ rights can strengthen your base. When issues overlap, the support multiplies.
Creative Actions That Build Visibility
A campaign needs attention to keep moving. Creative actions help people notice—and remember—what’s happening. Art installations, symbolic protests, and media stunts can all bring new eyes to the cause.
Some students stage mock trials, hold silent vigils, or set up walls to represent barriers to justice. These actions don’t have to be big. Even small gestures, done consistently, show that the movement isn’t going away.
Social media is another powerful tool. Share updates, highlight student voices, and keep the message fresh. Visual content tends to get more engagement, so consider graphics, short videos, or event photos. The more your campaign is seen, the harder it is to ignore.
Keeping the Pressure On
Momentum doesn’t build overnight. It comes from steady effort. That’s why planning matters. Set clear goals, build a calendar of actions, and check in regularly with your team. Keep track of who’s doing what, what’s working, and where you can improve.
Stay connected with campus allies. Faculty members, alumni, and local organizers can provide support and guidance. Their experience and networks often open doors that students can’t access alone.
It’s also helpful to stay informed about what other schools are doing. Look for examples of successful divestment campaigns, and learn from their paths. Reach out, ask questions, and share your own progress too. Solidarity doesn’t stop at the campus gate.
Talking with Decision-Makers
At some point, your campaign will need to meet with university leaders. These conversations can be tough, but they’re also a chance to speak directly to power. Be prepared. Bring your research, your demands, and your stories.
Frame the ask clearly. Focus on values, not just numbers. Many administrators care about the university’s image and legacy. Help them see how divestment aligns with the school’s stated mission and the expectations of its community.
If things stall, don’t give up. Follow up with petitions, op-eds, or public statements. Keep inviting decision-makers to engage. Persistence shows that you’re serious and that the issue isn’t going away.
Celebrating Progress and Staying Grounded
Wins don’t always come all at once. A school might agree to review its investments or hold a forum on the issue. These steps matter. Celebrate them with your team. Let people know their work is making a difference.
At the same time, campaigns can be exhausting. It’s okay to rest. Take care of each other. Check in often. The movement is stronger when people feel seen, supported, and hopeful.
Stay grounded in the reason you started. Every email sent, every meeting held, every banner raised—it all moves things forward. And even if change takes time, your effort plants seeds for a more just and honest future.
Building momentum for divestment is about more than finance. It’s about reminding institutions that their values are reflected in how they spend their money—and that students are watching, organizing, and leading the way toward accountability.