Protests and marches can be important tools to make changes. But, to make a lasting impact, we need to be engaged on a daily basis. Here are 10 ways to unleash your inner activist:
Go beyond the hashtag
It is easy to share a meme or tweet out a hashtag and feel like we are engaged in a movement, but there is so much more to being an activist than simply clicking our way to change. That’s not to say that you should avoid using social media as a tool of engagement, just recognize its strengths and weaknesses. Social media is a great way to spread the word to gather people to act in real life. It can also be a rabbit hole of misinformation and anger. Maximize its good aspects while avoiding its pitfalls.
Educate yourself on issues important to you
Make a point to consume information from a variety of outlets and viewpoints. As an activist, you have to take the time to educate yourself on the issues if they intend to discuss. Do your due diligence on sources and authors, ensuring you are encompassing diverse and authentic voices. And, make sure you are sharing accurate information with your family and friends.
Listen
You can’t be an activist if you don’t listen. It’s as simple as that. Unless we take the time to understand varying and conflicting viewpoints, we cannot effectively make an argument for change. Furthermore, listening helps us better understand how we can make a difference, especially if you are trying to be an ally to marginalized groups you personally are not a part of. So, listen to your friends that are POC or LGBTQ before taking action as an ally. They are your best guide on how to be impactful shoulder to shoulder on issues that impact their lives daily.
Speak up in your daily life
If you see something say something. I know this may sound daunting, especially since we are generally conditioned to “mind our own business”. But, if you witness bullying, harassment, racist, bigoted or hateful behavior, lift your voice and speak up. If you don’t feel comfortable injecting yourself into the situation directly, see if you can find an appropriate party to intervene instead.
Convene family and friends around the dinner table
You can use your voice to engage in meaningful discussions that can help build dialogue in your community about issues of social justice and matters impacting marginalized communities. Even the most casual of conversation with friends and family can make a difference.
Volunteer
If you have the privilege of time, use it in a meaningful way by helping others. There are various charitable organizations in local communities always looking for people to lend a hand. Start a community project with work colleagues. Seek out organizations in your local area. There are endless possibilities to make impact through donating your time and talent.
Put Your (or someone else’s) Money to Work
If you are looking to help an individual in your community or support an organization that is committed to causes important to you, use the power of grassroots fundraising. Social media is an effective way to raise funds for a cause or charity. There are a variety of sites that focus on raising funds for individuals as well. Need a reason to raise? Enter a charity run or walk and get your whole crew involved in the fun of participating and collecting for a charity in need.
Share your story
Your personal experience may motivate you to become an activist. It can be difficult at times but sharing your story with others can inspire and motivate your community to make needed changes. It can also give others the courage to come forward about their own circumstances if they feel they are unable to do so. You can share your story over a cup of tea, at a community meeting or on an Instagram live. Scale it to your comfort level.
Contact your MP
It’s easy to say, “that’s just how things are.” Well, they don’t have to be. You have a voice, so use it to change society for the better. Write or call your elected officials. As a former elected myself, I can tell you I responded to every individual communication personally. So, don’t think no one is listening or that its futile. You never know. Your letter may lead to a change in the law.
Better yet, run for office yourself
Do not be intimidated by the prospect of putting yourself out there and standing for election. We need more women, people of color and individuals from all socioeconomic and ability backgrounds to be in the room where decisions are made. Get your seat at the table. And, you can make a lasting impact at every level of government from town council to Commons.
Capri Cafaro is a female equality activist and author. Keep up to date with her on instagram @capriscafaro
