Buzz
An agent of change is anyone who recognizes the need for transformation and dedicates their efforts to instigating it. As demonstrated by accomplished teenage agents of change, barriers of structure, society, or economy need not hinder one's pursuit of their passion and the creation of positive transformations. If you aspire to make an impact on an issue you're passionate about, you can achieve this by educating yourself about the matter, engaging in both offline and online activism, and potentially pursuing a career aligned with your cause.
Actions
Discovering and Nurturing Your Drive for Transformation
Establish ambitious yet feasible objectives. Throughout history, individual agents of change have contributed to the downfall of empires, the liberation of the oppressed, and the propagation of new ideologies. Today, even adolescents can enhance their local communities or spearhead movements for social justice through their own endeavors. When striving to accomplish something, it's crucial to specify your desired outcomes and develop actionable strategies to attain them.
- An effective strategy for setting goals is to 'think globally, act locally.' Essentially, you should envision how your actions can benefit the world at large while implementing changes within your own community. For instance, if your goal is to mitigate carbon emissions, you can implement changes in your lifestyle to reduce your personal carbon footprint.
- For example, while combating human-induced climate change is an admirable aspiration, it's too broad to directly translate into actionable steps. Instead, you can advocate for stricter emissions regulations for vehicles and industries in your locality.
Engage with or initiate an organization aligned with your cause. If you share a fervor for a cause shared by numerous other activists, you're likely to find existing organizations to join. These could range from student clubs to nationwide entities like the American Civil Liberties Union or the National Organizers Alliance.
- Many activist groups offer various levels of engagement, allowing you to participate in ways that suit your comfort level, whether it involves attending meetings and protests, contacting local representatives, or contributing financially when possible.
- Alternatively, you can establish your own activist group, whether it's a recycling club at school or an online anti-racism community. Starting small is perfectly acceptable.
Offer your time as a volunteer. Donating your time is one of the most effective ways to support your passion. Reach out to local organizations working for your cause and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
- For instance, if you're passionate about aiding animals, consider volunteering at a nearby animal shelter or wildlife sanctuary. There are numerous ways to assist, from caring for animals to aiding in fundraising events or creating online content.
Contribute funds or resources. Many activists or charitable organizations rely on resources to carry out their mission. If you're unable to contribute financially, you might be able to provide other necessities, such as clothing or canned goods.
- Note that the credibility of charities varies. Before donating money or goods to support a cause, conduct some research. Assess your chosen charity's reputation with organizations like Charity Watch, Charity Navigator, or the BBB Wise Giving Alliance.
Engage your circle of family and friends. Share information about your cause with your loved ones and encourage them to participate. If they express interest, provide literature about your cause or engage in discussions about your findings. If you engage in volunteer work, invite interested friends or family members to join you.
- If you're unsure how to begin, compile a list of five friends or family members with whom you feel comfortable discussing your cause. Consider the most suitable approach for reaching out to them (e.g., via email, phone, or in person) and contact them in a manner that feels right for you.
Lead by exemplifying. A fundamental and impactful form of activism is living by your beliefs, also known as “conscious activism.” Practicing conscious activism entails integrating activism into your daily life by adopting behaviors that directly align with your cause (e.g., minimizing your carbon footprint, using sustainably sourced products, etc.).
- For instance, if you're passionate about reducing animal cruelty, you can begin by abstaining from products derived from animals (such as fur or leather) and avoiding businesses that exploit animals (such as circuses or SeaWorld).
Discover and define your passions. What aspects of the world arouse your enthusiasm, instill hope, trigger anger, or evoke fear about the future? Your passions may involve championing positive initiatives (like promoting healthier school menus) or confronting perceived injustices (such as combating online body-shaming of teenagers).
- Create a comprehensive list of your passions, outlining specific issues, potential solutions, and actionable steps you can take for each.
Engaging in Digital Activism
Advocate for your cause on social media. Utilize social media platforms to keep your friends and followers updated on the causes you endorse. Share informative articles, document your involvement, and encourage others to participate in events or contribute to fundraisers supporting your cause. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are excellent starting points.
Present and substantiate your viewpoint. Regardless of your cause, whether it pertains to nuclear disarmament or gender identity rights, you'll encounter individuals online with differing perspectives. While some may remain unpersuaded despite evidence, others may be open to reasoned, well-supported explanations.
- Support emotional appeals ('This product jeopardizes our children's health!') with empirical evidence ('Refer to the following scientific studies...').
- Given the prevalence of misinformation online, conduct thorough research to verify evidence before sharing.
Promote online petitions. Initiating a petition no longer requires door-to-door canvassing with pen and paper, thanks to the internet. Various websites and social media platforms, such as change.org and petitions.whitehouse.gov, host petitions. To garner support for a petition:
- Establish a clear, achievable goal — e.g., 'Preserve the wooded area adjacent to Veterans' Park from development.'
- Personalize the cause by sharing personal anecdotes — e.g., 'Like many local children, I developed an appreciation for nature by exploring those woods.'
- Combine online and offline efforts, encouraging friends and colleagues to endorse your petition both digitally and in person.
Offer financial assistance if possible. Donating money online to established organizations aligned with your cause is convenient, but it's wise to research how these groups allocate funds. Additionally, consider crowdfunding options via platforms like indiegogo.com or firstgiving.com, or utilize social media to encourage direct donations.
- Ensure transparency regarding the use of funds, especially when fundraising for local initiatives such as animal shelters. Many donors prefer clarity regarding fund utilization.
Becoming a Knowledgeable Advocate
Educate yourself about your cause. Prior to engaging in advocacy, familiarize yourself with the pertinent issues by exploring relevant literature available at your school or local library.
- Seek reading recommendations from charities or activist groups associated with your cause. Many organizations provide curated reading lists on their websites.
- Consult teachers or professors knowledgeable about your cause for further reading suggestions.
Explore websites dedicated to your cause. Identify and explore websites of activist or charitable organizations aligned with your cause. Review their issue summaries, learn about their ongoing efforts, and discover opportunities for involvement.
- While using the internet for research, critically evaluate information sources and remain mindful of potential biases.
Stay informed through news sources. Stay updated on developments related to your cause by following news broadcasts or accessing newspapers, magazines, or online publications. Charitable or activist organizations affiliated with your cause may also provide newsletters or updates highlighting recent developments.
- Exercise caution when consuming news from various sources, particularly online, and consider the potential biases of authors or publications.
Enroll in courses relevant to your cause. High school or college students can consider taking classes that enhance their understanding of their chosen cause. For instance, if environmental concerns drive you, consider enrolling in an environmental science course.
- These classes not only deepen your knowledge but also connect you with like-minded individuals.
- Consult your instructor outside of class for additional insights on involvement or further education.
- If traditional schooling isn't an option or doesn't offer suitable courses, explore free or affordable online alternatives. For instance, Smith College provides a free Women’s Activism course on the edX platform.
Amplify the voices of those most impacted. To truly understand how to assist others affected by your cause, listen to their experiences. If direct communication isn't feasible, connect with affected individuals and communities via social media or access their narratives in literature or online resources.
- For instance, to support LGBT+ rights, engage with local LGBT+ members to grasp their concerns and offer assistance. Joining a Gay-Straight Alliance club on campus can offer valuable insights.
Engage with fellow advocates. Networking with local activists provides insight into ongoing efforts in your region and how you can contribute.
- Utilize social media to connect with activists or attend local organization meetings.
- In academic settings, interact with students or faculty who share your interests. Explore campus organizations aligned with your cause.
Building a Career in Advocacy
Pursue a degree relevant to activism. College-bound individuals should consider majors supporting their cause. Fields such as organizational leadership or specialized areas like environmental science or women’s studies can align with your activism.
- Explore alternative career paths conducive to your cause. For instance, a passion for public health may lead to a medical career.
Explore internship opportunities. If you're new to the workforce, internships serve as a stepping stone towards an activist career. During or post-college, seek internships aligned with your interests. Check if grassroots organizations or non-profits offer internships. Consult your college advisor for guidance on finding activism-related internships. Completing relevant internships can pave the way for a career as an activist.
- Some degree programs may mandate internships for graduation. Ensure you fulfill internship requirements if necessary for your degree.
Scout for activist positions. Ready to enter the workforce? Seek jobs relevant to your passions. Explore openings at charities and grassroots organizations aligned with your beliefs. For instance, if you excel in writing and editing, consider a copywriting role at a grassroots organization. If event planning is your forte, explore opportunities as a volunteer coordinator.
- Your skill set likely aligns with the needs of activist organizations — whether it's accounting, driving, cooking, carpentry, or medicine.
Insights
-
Get inventive! Activism isn't confined to grand events. Even from your garage, you can make an impact. Bloggers advocate through their writing, educators inspire critical thinking, artists disseminate guerrilla art, tech-savvy individuals curate e-zines, and more.
-
When collaborating, prioritize the group's needs. Be open to compromises while upholding core values.
-
Delve deep into your research rather than skimming the surface.
Cautions
- Consider the repercussions before engaging in acts of civil disobedience. Keep a lawyer's contact handy if you anticipate potential arrest. In the USA, organizations like the ACLU provide pocket cards for this purpose.
- Show respect for others' viewpoints and recognize when you're veering into soapbox territory. Once you notice this, it may be time to step back from activism.
