Action Tips: Become an Activist

Does one cause rest close to your heart? If you’re passionate about changing something, from ending global poverty to cleaning up your neighborhood, you can get involved. Sometimes it’s as easy as a good idea. Yes, we know “getting involved” has become a bit of a cliché, but everyday, ordinary people are changing the world – just look in our projects section for proof. These aren’t superheroes or politically powerful people; they are average kids with a sense of duty who are willing to take steps in the right direction.

In the past, we’ve seen activists struggle for higher standards of living, safer working conditions, equality, a cleaner environment, protecting the rights of children and animals, the list is endless. The real question is: how’d they do it? Here are small ways you can practice activism and spark big change locally, nationally, and maybe even globally.

Identify your passion

You may already know off the bat what it is you want to change or improve, but if by chance you don’t, spend some time clarifying what issues you care about. Check out our "What's your thing" section to view 11 worthy causes and loads of issues within those causes.

Channel your passion

Develop a personal response to your issue. If you’re a painter, express your feelings through paint. Write. Speak out. Compose music. Whatever rings true to you, do it!

Study it

Research your issue online or at your local library. Find out the current needs and how you can be a part of the change. Documentaries are also jam-packed with information and can point you to excellent resources.

Get out there and learn

Go out and speak to local activists and authority figures. They can provide valuable advice and can answer your questions.

Explore

Websites like Care2.com and iPetitions.com can give you some inspiration and even show you how you can start an on-line petition. An online petition has the potential of giving voice to thousands of people! Check out our tips on writing a petition here.

Recruit the fam

Get your family, friends, school, church, community center, and clubs on board. Passion is contagious! Apathy is boring!

Organize an event

Organize a letter writing campaign where you and your “action team” write to senators and congressmen about your issue. The contact information of these elected officials is public information so that citizens like you can contact them about the issues you care about most. They want to hear from you so don’t be afraid to speak out.

Start a club

Start a club by finding other individuals who care about your issue too. By banding together you can more easily spread news, collect signatures or rally publicly.

Spread out the cause

Spread news, collect signatures and rally publicly. You’d be surprised at what you can do!

Use the news

Keep you local media up to date on ALL efforts made by community members and action groups. Call or write to your local newspaper, TV or radio station with leads about rallies, newsletters, charities and fundraisers.

Put it out there

Start a newsletter or blog to keep your movement in people’s minds. It’s easy to get distracted but consistency is the key to keeping a movement going. Need help, check out our tips here.

Use your connections

Coordinate with teachers and administration to organize charity projects and awareness events within your neighborhood’s public or private school system. And include your classmates in your endeavors; you won’t have to do it alone and they’ll feel a part of something greater, so everyone wins! Get info on how to have an awareness campaign here.

Don’t do it alone

Don’t be afraid to delegate. You can’t expect to do all the work by yourself. Over-commitment can lead to burnout so assign tasks to your club members. They’ll feel like they have a personal stake in the cause and you’ll avoid stress and loneliness.

The small steps matter

Rejoice in small victories. The path to change is taken by small steps. Don’t expect to end world hunger or charter work peace in one leap. Make workable steps and small goals. Giving your voice and talents to a cause is a small step in itself!

Change starts with you

You can’t claim to stand for a cause if your lifestyle doesn’t fit the bill. Like you can’t fight for animal rights while wearing a fur coat. So when you petition against pollution, try giving up heavy chemical cleaning supplies or start biking to school or work. Living what you promote can be just as beneficial if not more to your cause as anything else.