From a systems perspective, the role of the art therapist as social activist at a time of deep and crucial change for our clients, mental health systems, our country, and the world is discussed. Despite the fact that art therapists, through our artists' identities, are natural agents of change, our education and strivings for professional acceptance mediate against our natural proclivities in this direction. Case examples of their experiences as change agents are presented by three art therapists: two write in dialogue about their participatory research project with Central American refugees, and another writes about her work as a trade union activist.