- Activist:
a person who campaigns for political and/or social change
- Activism:
policy or action of using vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change
- Internal Political Change:
change initiated by citizens of the country
- External Political Change:
change initiated by other countries
- Social Change:
any significant alteration over time in behavior patterns and cultural values and norms (significant
meaning profound)
Here is a comprehensive list of actions an activist should take part in for the purpose of effective activism:
• Speak “with”, not “for” the given community or cause you are working for.
— This is for those of you who are not directly affected by the political or social injustice taking place. Sure you mean well and are obviously working towards a positive change, but that doesn’t give you license to speak for others. You are not the one being effected, therefore you should help the voices of those who are to be heard.
• Continuously update yourself on current events, facts, and history of your cause.
— Credibility is always a bonus when it comes to speaking to the masses. If you are giving out false information, people will stop listening. False information can also be spread as the truth. When debunked, a cause could be sent back to square one and lose all credit for its previous gains.
• If you are going to consider yourself an activist, and claim your activism, have factual evidence of your actions regarding your work.
— Once again credibility is an important aspect. Who is going to want to believe you (or listen to you) when you have no evidence? Even other activists will shy away from you if you are not actively doing work in the given community. Change does not happen on its own.
• Do not use your activism for personal gain.
— Once again, this is in regards to those of you who are not directly affected by the give injustice. If you are working as an activist and are posting your activism for the purpose of “feeling like you did something good” or saying “look at how great of a person I am”, you are doing it for the wrong reasons. It takes away from the true meaning of the cause and what all the other activists are fighting for.
• Call people out, but also call them “in”.
— We all make mistakes, and I am one to give people the benefit of the doubt. When you encounter an individually who is speaking in an ill manner towards your given cause, group, or injustice you are fighting against, it seems most logical to “call them out” on their behavior. But another effective method is calling people in. Bring awareness to what they are in the wrong about, and then educate them on how to eradicate the negative action. Show them how to better themselves and lead them towards your activist views.
• Continuously educate those around you.
— Knowledge is power as they say. Never be afraid to speak up about your cause, counter false beliefs, and bring the truth to light. All it takes is one eye-opening point to change an individual’s perspective. But do not overstep your boundaries. It is not your responsibility to constantly educate those who do not want to listen, and not everyone will listen. Even so, the more people you can reach out to the better.
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