Activism 101: A Guide to being a Youth Activist

By: Ashley Rosser

If you want to start your activism journey, and don’t know how, you have come to the right place. I know it can be overwhelming. There are so many organizations, committees, and nonprofits. When I got into activism, I had no idea where to start, and I’m sure many can relate! That’s why I’m here. So if you’re ready to get involved, let’s begin.

What is Activism? 

The definition of activism is "the policy or action of using vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change." But really, activism means that you're passionate about an issue, and you're actively advocating for it and trying to solve it. Activism comes in many different forms, writing to public officials about your concerns, speaking up about the issues on social media, and going to protests. There's so many other ways you can be an activist, but those are just a few.


Why is Activism Important?

Change comes from a million little actions, not one significant action or project. Everyone can make a difference in the world. Without activism, without people advocating for change-making, we would not be where we are today. If John Locke didn't advocate for inalienable rights, we would not have them. If Martin Luther King didn't work day in and day out to get African Americans the rights they deserve, we wouldn't have the progress we have today. If Elizabeth Cady Stanton did not hold the Seneca Falls Convention, women wouldn't have the rights they do. But, there's so much more work to do. We need justice, we need solutions, and we need a better America. This is why we are activists.


Groups to Get Involved In

Climate Change
There are so many problems in today's world that need to be solved. You can start with one, or pick a few and become advocates for them! One of the biggest problems right now is climate change. A fantastic organization that advocates for climate change is Sunrise Movement. They conduct workshops, host events, and have local hubs across the country. I recommend joining a regional hub to meet changemakers in your area. All you have to do is email them and find out ways you can connect!

Feminism
If feminism and or women's rights are your thing, Girl Up is the way to go. They host events, clubs, and challenges If another issue interests you, look up the issue and organizations that deal with it. 

Voter Suppression
Voting is one of the essential aspects of a functional democracy. But, there is so much voter suppression across the nation. If you want to help solve the problem, a great place to start is When We All Vote, you can sign up to be a voting captain, and get your community registered to vote. 

Simple Ways To Get Involved
If you are not ready to join a group, you can do amazing things from home. A fantastic way to show your concern for an issue, you can email elected officials. Tell them about your interests and a solution if you have one. Maybe they are already addressing the problem, and you can get involved. 

You can make a difference with family members from your house, research the topic you're passionate about, and educate your family members on what they can do to help. Some of the most amazing solutions come from inspiring conversation.

You don't have to do big grand solutions to make a difference. A thousand little solutions will make a big, sustainable one. You're not alone in your activism; everyone is working together to create a better world. 







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