How to Become a Better Activist

We are all activists in our own way, we assess situations, derive opinions, and defend our beliefs. Whether that means donating to your local charity, sharing a post on social media, or even recycling your water bottle, we all commit small acts of activism whether we recognize them or not. The issue at hand is whether these small acts are contribution enough, and if they are not, how do we become better activists?

1. Educate yourself. 

When committing to a cause, it is imperative that you are knowledgeable about what you are fighting for. Do not let this first step dissuade you. It is easy to skip over conversation topics and rally invitations with the excuse of “I don’t know enough about it.” Yet, easy does not mean right. Utilize your resources to learn about current events. Take trips to your local library, ask google endless questions, and always read about contrasting points of views on each topic. 

2. Form your opinion. 

Once you have a solid understanding of the cause you want to advocate for, seek to understand different perspectives regarding your topic. In politics, your understanding of what and who you disagree with is just as important as your understanding of what you support. Reflect on your own life experiences and world view while deciding your stance. Activism requires passion and excitement, therefore you should feel connected to the cause you are fighting for. 

3. Talk about it. 

Whether with your friends, family, or someone you just met, talk about the cause you want to advocate for. By opening the floor to conversation, you are not only spreading awareness about your topic, you are also receiving new opinions from others. The more you discuss politics, the greater your understanding grows, as people of different backgrounds, lifestyles, and generations will add to your worldview. It is important to remember that successful activism cannot be “my way or the highway,” you have to take into account the opinions of others, and that often means compromise. 

4. Act on it. 

From the simple act of spreading awareness through conversation to joining organizations, incorporate your political passions into your day-to-day routine. Find groups that align with your goals using resources like the Everyday Activism Network, Amnesty International, or your local community. If you cannot find an established organization or group to join, start your own. Group together your peers, fundraise for charities you wish to support, and organize peaceful protests when necessary in your area. Even if your impact is small, it is still meaningful. The important thing is that you are transforming your opinions into action, thus propelling progress.

5. Stay consistent. 

Be excited about your activist journey! Keep the energy you are putting towards a cause you believe in consistent. Don’t allow yourself to become quickly overwhelmed, you are not expected to single handedly solve large-scale issues within days. However, giving up early will prevent any issue from being solved at all. Take your activist journey one day at a time. Cultivate your curiosity, and more importantly, your hunger for justice and change.

Sources

Dreher, Jennifer. “How to Be an Everyday Activist and Take Action on Social Justice Issues.” Everyday Activism Network, Everyday Activism Network, 7 Nov. 2023, www.everydayactivismnetwork.org/archive/how-to-be-an-everyday-activist.

Activist Groups | Amnesty International USA, www.amnestyusa.org/get-involved/grassroots-activism/activist-groups/. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.