Political Activism 101

The world seems scary as fuck right now and you may be scrambling on what to do. This living document will be updated to provide strategies and ways to get involved politically. Note: I am not the only voice on activism and these resources are being compiled and updated by various voices and levels of expertise and experience.

If you have additional items to be added, please email me at meetmeatthespotpodcast@gmail.com with the subject line "Political Activism Resources".

First things first: take a breath. If you are new to political activism, things can seem overwhelming. So many accounts on every social media platform tell you what you should and should not do. You may be like me when I first became politically aware and have this sense that you need to do everything for everyone, be on every committee, every community organizing call, attend every protest or march, and then some. I will save you the time and the frustration and tell you to take a step back. You are one person and you can't do it all. There are a lot of social justice issues being threatened right now and it's important to remember that they are all connected.

Now is the time to find one issue to focus on. I recommend choosing an issue you are passionate about that lights a fire within you. Activism and allyship are a lifelong journey that do NOT include centering yourself or expecting recognition or praise (specifically if you are not a member of the community you are raising your voice to protect). Because of this, it can often feel like you aren’t doing the work in the right way. If you find a topic you are passionate about, you are less likely to feel this way!

Let's put away the pink pussy hats, the black squares on Instagram, the blue bracelets, and every other performative action and get down to the real work.

Back to Resources

So what now? Before you can jump into the work, I recommend keeping the following in mind:

This work is going to make you feel uncomfortable. Being uncomfortable is not the same as someone's rights being stripped away. Work through this uncomfortable feeling to avoid shutting down.
Before you get defensive in a comment section (think "but not all white people/women" or "but not all men"), close the app and take 1 hour to reflect on why you are feeling defensive.
Content creators who are members of communities that have been marginalized do not owe you shit. They are not responsible for educating you.
Your activism and allyship cannot be conditional on groups conforming to what you believe is right. Communities that have been marginalized have been doing this work for decades. This work is not always wrapped up in pretty paper with a lovely bow. It's messy and learn as you go sometimes.
Your social media account followings should be very diverse. This allows for you to get perspectives from various people to avoid only seeking people who agree with you or make you feel comfortable. This also allows you easy opportunities to repost, share, and amplify voices who have lived experience.
Take breaks when needed. This is a lifelong journey and you can't pour from an empty cup.
Joy is part of the revolution. There is purpose behind joyful protests where there is music or dancing. There is purpose in living as your most authentic self. Oppressors want to break you down. Don't let them take away your joy.
Lastly, get a therapist. A good one that is able to help you process your feelings with activism. People in communities that have been marginalized are not there to coddle your feelings or help you work through them.

Now that we have all that out of the way, let's dive into the activism pool!

Back to Resources

Community building:

Volunteer in your community
Talk with your neighbors
Attend events hosted by members of marginalized communities
Follow diverse voices in social media
Wear a mask
Support local artists
Support local coffee shops and bookstores
Helping your neighbors (especially disabled or elderly folks)
Self-care with others

Activism for introverts:

Writing letters to elected officials
Email campaigns
Donate to your favorite content creator
Donate to local abortion funds
Donate to protestor funds (money or supplies)
Donate to bail funds
Share social media posts
Create social media posts with calls to action
Write blog posts
Make posters and signs for events
Get creative- sew, crochet, paint, sculpt, color, make digital art

Activism for extroverts:

Call elected officials
Canvassing
Host or attend protests, rallies, marches
Host educational workshops
Create social media videos with calls to action
Donate to your favorite content creator
Donate to local abortion funds
Donate to protestor funds (money or supplies)
Donate to bail funds
Host local events
Speak at school board meetings

Resources:

Back to Resources

THAT SEX EDUCATOR

Political Activism 101