#Metoo, gun violence, the women’s march and Trump. Feeling it now? That burning passion inside of you? Well, that’s you feeling the need to embrace activism. Rebecca Scurlock, the Director of Youth Powerhouse, believes that activism is a deeply personal action. She says: “At its core, activism means standing up for the changes you believe need to be made in society.”
Being an activist is available to everyone, regardless of age. In our modern society, with so many divided opinions it can be easy to just settle with an opinion. However, to see change in the world you have to be that change.
Educate yourself
Learning and acquiring new knowledge about something you didn’t understand before is very beneficial. Read online about issues affecting society and members of society everyday. While it can shock, upset and anger you, learn something new. The idea that everybody should be treated equally is as significant as maths equation, if not more so. What are you waiting for? Read up about your passion, the statistics and information you need to tell others about it. Set up alerts on your phone too and download the BBC News or Sky news app.
Talk about it
Conversing with those who have the same thoughts and ideas is always useful. There is so much that we can learn from our friends, family and those around us. Not only listening to what they have to say, but educating them on certain situations can be really powerful. Sharing our opinions and questioning why we think and feel this way can create excellent conversation starters.
Follow similar people
If learning about world issues is something that you would rather do in a group, follow people who believe the same as you. This could even mean attending a march or starting a petition. A crowd can sometimes be more impactful than one person. Learn from those who came before you and those outside your immediate networks and communities. Intersectional activism which is connectivity between different identities and challenges – is necessary to see a change.
Volunteer
If you have the time, volunteer at charities and organisations that you care about. Not only will you feel good about helping, you will also learn more and make connections with people who are interested in similar ideas to you. Not to mention, it is a fantastic way to gain new or use existing skills and make a difference.
Carry on
Activism doesn’t mean having a fleeting interest. Being an activist requires a passion for a particular subject matter whether that be campaigning, marching or both. Activism means that we do not have to conform to what others want us to believe. In a world that never ceases to shock and confuse us at times, it is important to make your voice heard.
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Cydney Irby, Founder of Dream on Youth