Introverts: How to Become a Kickass Activist This Year
The introverts’ guide to comfortable but effective activism
Being an introvert can be tough. Society seems to praise extroverts and the most forceful voice in a room is often heard first. Common introvert qualities are overlooked at times.
Being introverted and giving a sh*t about social, political or environmental issues is even tougher.
I’m an introvert and I struggle with activism that involves going to big marches, loud protests or performances.
Just the idea of cold-calling a politician to confront them about policy change brings me out in a cold sweat. I’m rarely comfortable speaking to loved ones on the phone!
If you’re introverted too, you might feel pressured to “just get on with it”. When others don’t talk about these feelings, it can seem like you’re the only one finding it difficult to go do the thing. Attending that march about climate change really matters to you, it’s just not that simple.
Sometimes it’s good to push yourself, other times it’s not, and the real skill is knowing the difference.
Feeling overwhelmed at a protest or exhausted for days afterwards is not practising self-care. And worst case scenario, stretching yourself too far with activities that don’t come naturally might put you off activism in the future.
You want to make your frustrations heard. After all, activism can lead to changes in society’s attitudes, prejudices and policies. When we speak up for what we believe is right, we change the conversation and give others our side of the story.
All activism is equally important and more effective than doing nothing at all. And there are loud and quiet ways to create change. In this introverts’ guide to activism, I’ll show you how you can take action on your own terms.
Create
Is crafting your thing? Stitch an important message for your next project and publicise it on the socials.
Unleash your inner artist with a painting or sculpture that speaks your thoughts on a subject.
Or maybe you’re really into baking…
There are organisations who could really use your help in creating materials, like brochures or videos, to support their cause.
Or if you’d prefer to tuck yourself away and write, local papers and websites often accept thought piece submissions about topics that impact on your community. You could even be the person to draft up and apply pressure for resolutions to issues within your workplace or educational institution.
You’re not alone. The Craftivist Collective is a site where you can find project ideas and useful blog posts. But more than that, it’s a movement of thousands of quiet activists using craft to “change hearts, minds, policies and laws around the world”.
Display
Why not share the message on your clothing? You could wear it on t-shirts, bags, pins… Whether it’s a controversial slogan or simply an organisation’s logo that suits your personality more.
You could even commit to something more permanent, like a tattoo (probably give this one more thought, though).
Don’t limit this to your person. Colourful posters or stickers expressing your beliefs can be powerful too.
Socialise
If you’re introverted, you might not want to speak over a loudspeaker to swathes of strangers. But what about talking one-on-one with a friend or family member? Discussing with your dad why the world needs feminism can still be hard, but at least there’s usually no stage fright or threat of conflict.
As well as feminism, the world needs activists who are willing to have intimate exchanges with others. It will have ripple effects each time your buddy then repeats your enlightening conversation to someone else.
Attend smaller meetings held by activist organisations in your area. You could help to plan a protest or organise a march from behind the scenes. Or join a committee within your place of work, university or college that pushes for change on important issues.
Consume (responsibly)
In our capitalist society, you have purchasing power. So put your money where your mouth is — support causes and manufacturing practices that you agree with.
This doesn’t mean buying for the sake of it. But when you do need to add something to your life, and if you can afford to, make an ethical choice. Then casually share your purchase with others and tell them why you chose it.
Take it online
There are so many ways to be a powerful activist on the interwebs.
- Follow other activists online and share their recipes, lifestyle ideas etc.
- Sign online petitions
- Share important statistics
- Promote the ethical brands you love
- Take photos or videos of things you see e.g. posters, stickers, protests, and post these to social media
- Show your own life in words, images or videos. For instance, I have an Instagram account where I show how easy it is to eat vegan food:
Whilst slacktivism is very real, so is social media activism that does make a difference. It connects people with issues and ideas they might not have otherwise heard about. It helps people find their tribes.
Social media activism doesn’t always stay online either, as in the case of Black Lives Matter. The movement began as Twitter discourse and evolved onto the streets — it is now known worldwide.
Take action
There’s a nuance to activism which goes further than shouting loudly at changemakers until you’re listened to.
Whether you choose to create, display, socialise, consume responsibly or take it online, there’s no time like this year to find your inner activist. The world is changing rapidly, and it needs you at the forefront, adding your unique introverted qualities to the conversation.
If you need more evidence for why activism needs introverts, watch this TedTalk by Sarah Corbett (founder of the Craftivist Collective):
Now you’re ready to go out there (or stay in) and kick ass!
N E X T → Our Food Industry is Broken, and Growing Your Own Veg is Simpler Than You Think
Originally published at https://carolineisawriter.com.
