I want to be more active in... activism?

[TwllBach]

Since having DS 2.5 years ago I’ve suddenly woken up to all the horrors in the world. Before him, im ashamed to say that I wasn’t interested in politics or world events really and now I find it all a bit scary.

I listen to podcasts like the Guilty Feminist and she keeps saying how important it is for people to become more politically active and to use our voices. I want to be more involved in activism but I feel a bit like I don’t know how.

I don’t have any money - I donate £3 a month to UNICEF and that’s about my limit. I don’t really have spare time to volunteer, but might well do in the future.

How does one do small acts of activism??

Talk to people, let them know about issues that the mainstream media gloss over.

Late last year the UN did an investigation into the impact of austerity in the UK. The findings were shocking. But the BBC gave it barely any time at all.

The war in the Yemen is horrific, and our government are supplying arms that are being used. Yet many people don't have the first idea this is happening.

If one person learns something from what you've told them, then you've achieved something. We can all make a difference!

One way open to parents is school and nursery committees, always plenty of issues to be debated there

Bombardier Deborah Frances White talks about how we are all journalists now if we have access to social media so that is s really good point actually!

Perhaps the place to start is to think 1) what is your particular priority for change (inequality? poverty? climate change? etc) and 2) what are your skills, and what would you feel happy doing? And then perhaps 3) what groups are there near to you that you might be able to work with. It's much easier to become active with other people both in terms of knowing 'what to do' and also in that it becomes a social activity so you don't feel like you're fighting in the dark.

So for example you could

• join your local Amnesty group and write letters to prisoners / lobbying messages to politicians etc
• volunteer at a foodbank, community library etc
• join whichever political party is closest to your views and become active in the party (anything from door knocking to baking cakes for fundraisers to standing for the local council)
• get involved with a local women's group / climate justice group etc etc etc