Activism 101
The dictionary defines an activist as one who advocates or opposes a cause or issue vigorously, especially a political cause. I say an activist is one who recognizes the need for change and motivation and passionately sets out to inform, inspire, and improve the world.
I’m certain most people have some cause or issue they would like to champion, but either haven’t the slightest idea where to begin, or are intimidated by possible consequences of acting, i.e. being arrested or worse, ignored. There are others, still, who feel they lack the time or charisma to become an activist. But there are simple ways each of us can become activist in our own right without chaining ourselves to trees or occupying a building.
How to Become an Activist
Know you can
Sometimes when we become aware of an issue that we feel needs fixing or changing, we feel a sense of responsibility and are compelled to take action.
Always believe that you can make a difference. Don’t feel overwhelmed thinking “what can one person do?” Remember, one candle can light 1000.
Know how big a part you want to play
While it's great to think big, it's also important to think small and gradual. Incremental change can be as important, and often more enduring, than massive change that happens quickly and disrupts people in a major way. Think through all the possibilities for slowly unleashing change through your school, workplace, community, town, region, country, or the world.
Ask yourself how much time you have, whether you want to do a little or a lot. Do you want to talk to people you know like family, friends, classmates, or do you want to speak to larger audiences?
Do you want to work solo? With social media and high tech communication at the forefront of information dissemination, being an individual activist is easier now more than ever. You can use social networking, websites, blogs, and even videos to get your message across. Going solo, however, can be lonely and discouraging, and thus hard to maintain.
Perhaps working with others is better for you. You could join an existing group or start your own and recruit members. One of the advantages of being part of a group is the extended power, resources, networks, and passion involved.
How do you want to put across your message?
You don’t have to sing like Joan Baez or speak like Dr. Martin Luther King. This is about recognizing what you're best at and what you know deep down you'll be able to keep contributing without burning yourself out. Perhaps you could contribute to your cause through writing, teaching, speaking, planning events, or art. Or perhaps you're great with website building, blogging, or podcasts? Assess your talents realistically, along with the time and resources you have available.
Research existing efforts
Most causes already have some action going on at the local, regional, national, or international level. Find out what exists now and how you can participate.
If you're working at the local level, does a national organization have resources you can use? Often, you can use resources from a larger organization for things like information, legal research, fliers, strategy suggestions, and mentoring.
If there are no existing efforts, don’t give up believing the task is too large for you to handle. Instead, start small and build by getting others involved. This is easier now that we can rely upon the internet for connecting easily – use Twitter, Facebook, forums, blogs, websites, and the like, to get the ball rolling.
by Em[ress Ashaki