Activism is an idea that has sparked the imagination of our generation. The social injustices of our time have prompted our generation to push for meaningful change in society. Many of us feel that innate desire for change. The stirring inside, that tells us that something should be done, can be done, needs to be done. But how? What can we, as teenagers, do to make change? Sometimes it feels hopeless to even try. Or when you do, it feels like you aren’t getting anywhere and nothing is changing. Or you don’t even know where to start. Many teens these days have taken to posting information on social media. In my experience, most spread the word through a feature on social media platforms called Stories. By clicking on someone’s story, you can see a photo, post, or short video that disappears after 24 hours. When swiping through stories, you see a large number displaying posts that advocate and inform. Important issues like racial justice, climate change, and feminism are all coming at you in short bursts. It can be overwhelming. You start to wonder: yes, spreading the word is important, but what can you actually do? Social media activism should always be backed up by actions and lead to commitments toward change offline, in the real world. At a time when most of our lives are digitized, it is important to remember that the feelings and passion behind current issues are real. Those passions need to be expressed without screens as a barrier. Read on to learn three ways to take your activism to the next level.
COMMUNICATE. Now, this idea might seem like one to skip. Maybe you’ve heard it already and don’t think it works. Or, you have posted on social media and think that you’re covered. However, there is more to communication than posting on social media. Talking to someone face to face, socially distant and with a mask of course, is essential to creating change. Do you feel more inspired when you read an infographic or have a conversation with someone who is passionate about the world around them? Take the time to tell someone about your cause and what you believe in. They might not agree, but communicating can also help you to focus your own ideas and refine your knowledge. If they ask questions you don’t know the answer to, do some more research and learn something new. Opening up to others helps us share the responsibility of engaged activism, making our jobs feel easier. Try to ensure that others feel like they have a space in the world of activism. Teachers, friends, parents, siblings talk to anyone and everyone. So much of activism happens online that we often forget the benefits of the back and forth of a good conversation.
BUILD COMMUNITY. Yes, you can be a very successful activist on your own, but haven’t you heard that there is strength in numbers? Reach out to your friends and other students at your school who have the same ideas as you. See if you can work with them to raise awareness for your cause. Don’t be intimidated by others who may seem like “better activists” than you. If you care and have a hunger for change, you are qualified. It is easier to think of ideas and get things done when you have a small group of like-minded people to work with. Collaborating with others can inspire you to keep going and continue standing up for what you believe in. While you might have to virtually connect due to the current pandemic, virtually connecting with a group of dedicated people who are working towards change makes a world of difference compared to reposting something on social media.
SHOW UP. This is what activism comes down to. Showing up. Taking your activism to the next level. Being at protests, boycotting companies, raising money. Don’t worry, you don’t have to take it upon yourself to do all these things at once. But set a goal, a small one to start, and work towards it. You could try and attend one protest a month or make five reusable masks a week: any goal that works for you. While this may seem obvious, goal setting is a key step that is often neglected. Putting what you want to do down on paper holds you accountable. It also gives you a plan. A plan on how you are going to show up. This way, you know what you need to do, which is half the battle. All that is left is to see your goal to its end.
As high school students, navigating homework, extracurriculars, family responsibilities, free time, and on top of it all, being an activist, isn’t easy. But I hope that this article offers some clarity and points out concrete routes to successful activism. Whether you have used these tools before, or not, let this article serve as a reminder to you. A reminder that the world is still going on beyond our social media accounts. Hearts are still beating. Mouths are still smiling. Feet are still standing.
And yet, guns are still firing. The Earth is still burning. Innocent people are still being killed.
Together, as a community, let’s put down our phones and step outside. Let’s stop turning a blind eye or wishing we could do something. Right now, let’s start breaking down the walls of oppression and building our activism up.