Just the word “activist” can conjure up all kinds of conflicting images in our minds from violent civil unrest to peaceful, cooperative dialogue. When we consider our need to live more sustainable lives, we are being called to face some very tough challenges, personally, in our local communities, nationally and globally.
How can we follow our hearts and speak out for what we believe in without causing further suffering or hardship? How can we be effective and consistent in how we decide to act? How do we engage in non-violent methods of transformation?
According to Joanna Macy, author of “Coming Back to Life: Practices to Reconnect Our Lives, Our World.” There are three dimensions to shifting towards a more sustainable way of living. They are 1) actions to slow the damage to the Earth and its beings; 2) analysis of structural causes and creation of structural alternatives; and 3) a fundamental shift in worldview and values. Whilst we can see that it is necessary for all of these to happen, we might wonder why any of us as individuals should take part in number (1), which is basically about becoming activists.
Becoming an activist can mean putting ourselves in the spotlight, opening ourselves to criticism, aggression and stress. So why would we do it? The “holding actions” and campaigning that activists engage in as part of point (1) are necessary to buy us more time to carry out parts (2) and (3). There will be government legislation needed as an inherent element of part (2) and some of this will require campaigns by the public to bring necessary laws into existence or to ensure that they are drafted to allow for optimum resilience and sustainability. The cultural shift mentioned in part (3) can be achieved through a softer form of activism in terms of education, mentoring, coaching and training, writing and journalism and facilitating discussion. So there are many different ways in which we can choose to become an activist.
On a personal level, being involved in activism and campaigning on sustainability issues can add meaning and purpose to our lives and a tremendous feeling of achievement that we know will serve not only ourselves and our contempories, but possibly many generations to come.
1. What are you passionate about? What are you angry about? What breaks your heart? Follow the answers that feel strongest for you. This is where your motivation and energy lie. These are your chosen areas of engagement, your “causes”.
2. When you think of each of your causes, what needs to change? What needs to happen for this area to be heading in the right direction for a sustainable future?
3. What kind of obstacles are standing in the way? Legislation? Bureaucracy? Lack of education?
4. Who else thinks the way you do? Find others you can join forces with. E.g. campaign groups, charities, online forums.
5. Decide how much of your time, energy and skills you are willing to devote to your activist role. Be clear on your boundaries (especially with respect to time) and responsibilities (what actions you’re happy to do and what you’re not prepared to do.)
6. Decide on what methods you will use to stay informed on events in your chosen areas of engagement (your causes).e.g. newsletters, specialist magazines, blogs, google alerts.
7. Be mindful of the 5 tiers of service: Serve i) the divine by expressing your gratitude, ii) yourself by staying healthy and inspired, iii) others through random acts of kindness, iv) your local community by getting involved, v) the world by taking responsibility as a global citizen.
Anita Roddick is an example of an activist who achieved much through her campaign work and her business in her short life. Anita’s website (set up by her husband Gordon following her death) contains some useful ideas to inspire you and I will leave the final words to her:
From: www.iamanactivist.org
“I am not an activist in pursuit of recognition or fame.
I am not an activist so that strangers will think I am a good person.
I am not an activist because it is good for business (although more often than not it is).
I am an activist because being an activist makes me feel alive.
Activism is being a voice for the voiceless, standing up for the weak and the frail, engaging the human spirit. It’s putting your head above the parapet, being heard. being seen, being counted…Do something. Do anything. Just do something.” Dame Anita Roddick 1942-2007
Some other, related, websites that you might also like to have a look at are:
In the UK: www.38degrees.org.uk
In the USA: www.moveon.org
In Australia: www.getup.org
For world citizens: www.avaaz.org
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7 Responses for "Are You an Activist?"
Great post, Sally. Made me realise that too much of my “activism” is passive: living in certain ways etc. Bearing witness by one’s way of living is important and necessary, but doing something else is also important. I contacted my local FOE group immediately after reading your post, so will see what they’re up to.
PS: Isabel Losada’s book “A beginner’s guide to changing the world – for Tibet with love” is a really good primer on activism. She’s a funny and passionate writer. You can see her stuff at her site http://www.isabellosada.com/.
Hi Sally.
I really appreciate this post. I have been pursuing a PhD in organisation consulting for a while now (this is my last year – hurrah) and, as I inquire into my stance as a consultant, I realise that I am an activist. As a consultant I have always thought that I should provide a ‘neutral’ environment for my clients and that any decisions must be theirs alone. Now I realise that this isn’t enough for me.
The Joanna Macey quote is very helpful; I realise that the way I can become an eco-activist is to use my talents as a photographer. You have referred to my blog before but now you might detect an increasingly ecological slant and I have tackled the meaning of beautiful images of our coast line. Any further support your readers could offer either direct or onto the blog would be much appreciated! As you say, joining forces is really helpful!
All the best,
Steve
Tess – I do like that idea of having passive and active activism in our lives. Bearing witness is great, I think, maybe a greater contribution than most of us realise. it was lovely to read about what you did as a result of reading the post – good for you and I hope you enjoy it, however you choose to get involved.
Steve – What interesting perspectives on your role as a consultant and using your talents as a photographer. I had noticed the ecological slant and have been fascinated by your “edges” theme. I remember having a conversation with one of my coaches about the meaning of that word – “edge”- from a personal and spiritual development point of view. For me that conjurs up so many different images, to do with activism, chaos, pushing boundaries, achieving growth…Very inspiring and stimulating!
Thanks to you both for contributing.
Hi Sally,
I found this post really interesting, I attempt to be Green in a lot of ways including green blogs and an Ma. on ethical marketing but otherwise my activism is of an entirely passive nature – this has helped me realise I need to ‘get out there’ to show what I am truly passionate about…
Thanks for the post
Envirogirl – my pleasure and it’s good to meet you. All the best with “getting out there” and shining your light!…and thanks for what you already do in a more passive role.
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