Activists put their lives on the line daily to fight against oppressors, and to raise awareness about issues. Fighting for and aiding oppressed groups is not easy, nor is it popular. In fact, most activists have considered themselves to be chosen for the work. Although the media shows many activists protesting and marching, activism provides an ocean of opportunity for anyone willing to be involved. Everyone can find a place in the struggle, or assist the activists who risk their lives every day.
Ever wondered what you can do to help without protesting? This list will assist you in getting involved.
1. Water
My first rally was in Sanford, Florida, in honor of Trayvon Martin, and over six people fainted due to heat strokes. Passing out water at these protests can prevent complete exhaustion and dehydration. Donating water, or passing out water at rallies, is an easy way to get involved. You can also organize with individuals to give water to necessary communities.
2. Legal Aide
As long as there are protests, there will sadly be arrests. No matter how peaceful the protest is, some people do not want anything to change, so they attack the freedom fighters. On April 7, 2017 In Jacksonville, Florida, five peaceful protesters were arrested and assaulted by police officers due to an opposing activist agitating a fight. The agitator was not arrested. The peaceful protesters were charged with felonies. In these situations, activists need lawyers.
3. Money
Whether the money is used to help an activist personally, or is being used to further a movement, money is necessary. There are ways to get creative and support. In 2015, Beyoncé and Jay Z donated money to Baltimore and Ferguson activists for bail. You may be thinking, “well I don’t have the Carter's type of money.” That’s fair, but your money does not have to be long to help. Protesters need travel gear, art supplies (for signs), food, housing goods, gas money, etc.
4. Volunteer
The Let Your Voice Be Heard community organization CEO, Miles Mulrain Jr. said, “We need people to volunteer, be more hands on.” The members of this organization go directly into neighborhoods, and assist people with housing, political information, youth services and more. This organization, and ones like it, can impact more youth if people volunteered, because they are solely funded by community.
5. Vote
We’re all familiar with presidential elections, but our voting freedoms are not limited to November. It’s imperative that we research candidates for local, congressional and senate, and vote accordingly. Effective voting can keep certain people from positions, therefore decreasing the need for protesting.
Visit http://act.commoncause.org Here you can find your elected officials, how to contact them, bills they've introduced, committees they serve on and political contributions they've received.
6. Emotional Support
Juggling recent news, studying history and balancing a personal life as an activist is draining and time consuming. Let an activist know that they are welcome to use your shoulder, and ear, whenever they need to vent.
7. Teach
“The greatest mistake of the movement has been trying to organize a sleeping people around specific goals. You have to wake the people up first, then you’ll get action,” — Malcolm X.
Teaching history and informing people about the political climate is another way to get involved. Consider the people who do not get involved solely because they do not know about political, social or environmental progression. Also, knowledge will build confidence and hope. The more we know about historic figures like Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth, the more we'll accept that we can make significant changes because it's in our DNA.
8. Participate In Boycotts
While boycotts may seem extreme and outdated, it has been a trusted method practiced by many activists. The Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955–1956), led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, lasted 13 months. Blacks refused to support the buses until the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that segregation on public buses was unconstitutional. Boycotts are extremely effective because they threaten the financial growth of an organization.
9. Open Your Home
Activists spend a lot of time traveling and showing support to other freedom fighters. It is not foreign for activists to need places to stay while preparing for meetings, rallies or community events in other cities/states.
10. Self-Care
The best way to help is taking care of yourself—especially your mental health. It’s easy to fall into a depressed state by thinking about changes that should take place in this world. Caring for self is the necessary foundation in showing up for others.
11. Create Art
Nina Simone said, "It is an artist's duty to reflect the times." Creating art serves as a great escape and a historic blueprint. The correct art can provide an escape from all of the unwanted news, and teach upcoming generations about the political and social atmosphere of the times.
12. Social Media
“Peaceful marches are not what passed the Civil Rights Act, it was the inhumanity the media was able to display on the global stage that made segregation bad for foreigner relations.” — Ebony Payne (artist, poet, author, activist)
Sharing articles, videos, and news posted by activists is something we all can do effortlessly. This helps spread updated information and combats mainstream media's miseducation.
13. Food
A great way to get involved is providing food for activists who have dedicated their lives to social change. Cooking for them, or even just sending groceries, will definitely decrease their everyday worries, thus giving them more time for activism.
14. Meeting Places
During the Civil Rights Movement, freedom fighters met in churches and homes to discuss ideas, recruit new fighters and remain updated on information. This is still necessary for private planning. Although we have social media, none of us truly know who has access to our virtual lives.
In Shonda Rhimes book, The Year of Yes, she says, "Find something you're passionate about it and fight for it, at least once a week." Rather it be helping activists directly, joining an active organization or starting your own activism, there are ways to get involved. For more information please visit aclu.org.
