Perhaps even the word “activism” may be too harsh for some people, but for me it conjures up images of hope for a better, more peaceful world. While we may not agree with people blocking roads, bridges and airports, or throwing paint on/near works of art, we cannot deny that disruptive action has historically been effective in getting attention for causes that are otherwise being overlooked.
Nearly seven in 10 of academics surveyed rated disruptive protest tactics as “at least quite important” to success of a movement, ranking it as more important than gaining media coverage or even strictly avoiding violent tactics.
However, we do not all need to take to the streets, as Bill Moyer proposes there are four different roles of social activism required in order for effective change to be made: Citizen, Reformer, Rebel, Change Agent.
Without going into the detail for each role, which you can read more about here, the key message for me is that we all need to find a way to play our own part, whatever that may be, in alignment with our own skills, strengths and values, making use of whatever power, platform or privilege available to us to build a better world together.
The message I seem to keep getting from the world (ahem, Learning to Do Less To Achieve More), is that:
- I am not 100% responsible for everyone and everything in my life – I am just one person!
- I do not have to suffer in order to have impact – I can go gently and still be effective.
Applying this to my activism, I am asking myself, how can I go more gently and still help to bring about the change I want to see in the world?
This will be an iterative process that I am sure I will continue to keep learning, but some of the ways I have successfully attempted so far have helped me:
- Asking for help – from friends, fellow activists, colleagues, coaches and therapists, and allowing them to help me!
- Starting conversations from a place of curiosity – asking why things are the way they are (or why people are not more active/supportive), rather than assuming the worst about a situation
- Throwing out the script/agenda – allowing events to unfold a little more naturally rather than trying to micromanage every detail
My activism can be gentle, and still be effective, by making it sustainable in the first place. By accepting my “good enough” is indeed having a positive impact, even if it is not immediately visible. By playing to my strengths and trusting that I do not need to suffer (or make others suffer!) in order to effect change.
How can your activism be more gentle? What would that look like for you? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Siobhán Kangataran 