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Why engage in activism? -

Engaging in activism is crucial for living in a better world. By coming together and fighting for change, we can restore the planet, neighborhoods, our connection with nature, and more. The aim is to live in a world that is governed with care and community, instead of violence and wealth.

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What do you care about? -

Before you can be an effective activist, you need to identify what issues you care about most. Observe what other people are doing to address these issues and consider what actions you could also take.

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Learn from the past -

You may wish to begin your journey to being a successful activist by learning about the history of social movements and which ones have been successful in securing change. Research shows peaceful protests are more effective than violent protests at achieving public policy goals.

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Education -

Educate yourself on the cause you are supporting. Read widely, listen to podcasts, and watch documentaries, for instance.

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Sign petitions -

Sign petitions to amplify voices, express solidarity, advocate for change, and raise awareness. Sharing online petitions can help bring attention and build momentum on issues that may otherwise be overlooked.

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Be flexible -

Keep an open mind about traveling to support causes. You may need to head to different places for events, conferences, protests, or meetings with other activists.

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Eliminate self-imposed barriers -

Building self-confidence will help ease anxieties around feeling like your actions won't make a difference. You don't need to know everything about the issue you're supporting and sometimes you'll make mistakes, just strive to keep learning and understanding.

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Engage in conversations -

Have open conversations with people who have differing viewpoints. The goal isn't to change someone's mind, but to present them with the information that your cause is just.

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Stand up to oppression and discrimination -

Activists stand up to oppression and discrimination when they see it. Spend some time thinking about situations you may find yourself in and consider ways to respond in the moment and what actions you can take afterward.

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Know your rights -

Learn your constitutional rights and how they apply to demonstrations, direct action, and protests.

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Boycotting and buycotting -

Boycotting (refusing to buy a product or do business with a company) and buycotting (purchasing products in support of a company or brand's policies) are effective tools for people to drive social change.

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Get involved in the political process -

Voting is the most significant way a person can impact the society they live in. Commit to learning as much as you can about officials and policies on a local and national level.

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Educate others -

Educate others on the issues you care about or point them in the direction of organizations, activists, speakers, and scholars.

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Attend events -

Attend public events, including lectures, fundraisers, and workshops, to learn more about your cause and network with like-minded individuals.

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Listening -

Listening is an effective form of activism. Listen to what others from different backgrounds have to say, then use your privilege, gender, or race to speak up and spread to your network.

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Tell stories with empathy -

Whether you're giving a speech or speaking with peers, meaningful stories, rather than just statistics and facts, can help people feel more hopeful and better connected.

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Use your creativity -

Behind-the-scenes roles are essential for the functioning of campaigns. Use your creativity to design posters or flyers, or your organizational skills to plan events or fundraisers, for example.

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Write articles or blogs -

Consider writing an article for a local newspaper or noticeboard or creating a blog to share your thoughts and feelings about a cause.

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Send emails and letters -

Consider writing emails or letters to decision-makers. Be as clear as possible about the issue you're supporting and outline how it affects you and/or your community.

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Donate -

Monetary donations provide support to organizations and initiatives on the frontline of various issues. The donations can address urgent needs in times of crisis or help organizations access the resources they need to advance their cause.

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Take classes -

If you're still in school, take advantage of classes that build your knowledge in activism. For example, a law class or degree will provide valuable insights into legal frameworks and rights.

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Use social media -

Use social media to raise awareness of issues, organize events, and mobilize supporters.

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Build a support network -

Activism can be physically and emotionally draining, with burnout a common challenge. Prioritize self-care practices and maintain a support network.

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Join a local group -

Activism efforts are more effective when done as a collective. Join a local group to share resources, attract media coverage, and draw more supporters.

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Volunteer -

If you have some spare time, volunteer to support a cause or issue. Canvas neighborhoods for political campaigns or offer to drive campaign leaders to and from appointments.

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Fundraise -

Raise money for nonprofits, activities, and social movements around the world. You could sell homemade crafts or arrange community fundraisers.

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Engage in protests -

Attending protests or demonstrations can draw attention to your cause and show the strength of your movement.

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Stay up-to-date -

Issues evolve, so it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest news and information. Engage with organizations run by the people affected by the fight, to amplify their voices.

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Network and collaborate -

Build communication with like-minded people and organizations. A strong network amplifies your efforts; joining forces with related causes can be more impactful.

Sources: (NBC News) (Everyday Activism Network)

See also: Stars detained or arrested protesting for a cause

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