So You Want To Be An Activist?

Social movements such as climate change and Black Lives Matter have been sweeping the world, demanding change through protests and social media. One way to advocate for the causes you care for is to be an activist or an ambassador for things you wish to promote. Together at Her Dreams Matter (HDM), we have curated a list of five simple ways to jumpstart your activism adventure.

This is the first, and likely most important, step in your journey to becoming an activist. An open mind is the very first box which must be checked throughout this process. Your previous conceptions of the world and its inner workings will be challenged. This process is intended to be uncomfortable, buckle up. Welcome to the movement!

If you are reading this, you have access to virtually (pun intended) the whole world. This is the beauty of the internet. Just beneath our fingertips is an abundance of resources and humanitarian causes waiting to be researched and joined. Beginning at a website like ours is an amazing place to start. Here at HDM, we promote facts and share stories of girls and women across the globe who do not have access to an education they deserve through our blogs. This is our cause, this is what we want to learn about, but what do you want to learn about? Once you’ve figured it out, https://www.google.com/ is here waiting for you.

No matter which movement you decide to join (whether it be ours or another’s), imparting the information you have uncovered will be an essential aspect of your job. Being an activist means having a voice, and more importantly, using it. It was once said that “Gaining knowledge is the first step to wisdom. Sharing it is the first step to humanity.” (Unknown) The world does not change when we do, it changes when there are people who change it. Educate your friends, family, loved ones, teachers, and others in your life. Be the change. 

Yes, activism means using your voice, however it also means listening to the world around you. As an aspiring activist, we encourage you to be open to all forms of activism. For instance, being an advocate for climate change may not exempt you from needing to learn more about the Black Lives Matter movement. Let us support those around us who are also fighting for positive change. 

Whatever you advocate for, be a role model and act the way you wish to see others act. The key to becoming a leader in any situation is to walk your talk. Yes, saving the turtles can mean less plastic straws. However, saving the turtles is also about using less foam packaging or keeping beaches clean. Every little thing counts!

One thing to keep in mind is that everyone’s comfort zones vary, so not every activist performs to the same level as you. Moreover, you are allowed to go at your own pace. Treasure each step in your journey, no matter how small.

Everyone fights for their own causes, whether it be for survival or for the benefit of others. 

In many cases, we see political protests engulf Haiti, seeking reformation and the resignation of their Prime Minister, Jovenel Moïse. However, it is apparent that the citizens of Haiti fight for something more crucial and life threatening. In 2019, outbursts called out food insecurity, lack of safe drinking water, and lack of care towards the ecosystem, blaming Moïse for these issues. In February of 2020, police enraged over working conditions and unfair wages attacked a carnival, denouncing the government’s spending priorities (Reuters). Haiti, a country in both political and economic crisis, has been cut off from international funding, further worsening the living conditions for citizens. Regardless, they fight on, just as we can for their future.

Thank you for joining us for this week’s blog, we invite you to return next week! Instagram: @herdreams_matter

Written by Riley McNeill, Editorial Officer, and Trista Yu, Editorial Director

Photo credits to Hearthstone Village