Activism?

Well, you're not in an uncommon position... a lot of youth feel like they can't make a difference because they are often unable to vote and we typically believe that voting is the primary way we can make change come about. We feel we lack the resources we need. We think that our voices don't matter; "We won't be heard anyway". We're often told we are "too young". And we are discouraged by this. However, this is all just NOT TRUE.

Activism is for anyone and everyone. As it says on the front page: youth are the future and the future is now! That means it is super important for us to know what is going on in the world and start forming opinions and trying to make the world a better place.

The Oxford definition of activism:

“the policy or action of using vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change”

General path of activism:

Research (find an issue, find out the root, find out why it is ongoing, research effects…)

-You can start on our website, finding a current issue that interests you, and then learning more about it by clicking on the page.

Ask Questions (internal/external) to form YOUR OWN opinion (We will not provide a way to think)

Take Action (spread the word, change something in your life, help people)

Ex: boycotting company, making period kits for people with periods in poverty, creating posts/articles...

Demand Change (directly contact people with capacity to make change)

Ex: writing/sending petitions, calling reps, protesting…

Performative vs Genuine Activism

Performative: -for attention and recognition -stops once the news stops -only online for others to see *making sure others know you are participating*

Genuine: -to actually help -make a real difference -continues until issue is resolved (so never…) -don’t have to post -show up *not about you*

Look under Take Action for ways to put your knowledge into action and activism.