Morgan Hanna
It is no surprise that in today’s society, information and communication is infinite. With the simple act of unlocking your phone or opening your computer, the world and its knowledge is in the palm of your hand. But as more people begin to realize their potential online, it becomes quite easy to be confronted with harmful ideas of hatred and bigotry towards others, whether it’s spread by strangers, students, or perhaps even the leaders of our communities. In instances of hatred and/or violence towards you or groups of people you care for, the best thing someone can do is speak up t. Using your voice in the name of activism and change can lead to a safer community for all. In that light, here are a few ways teens can advocate for change in their community, their country, and the world.
Post on Social Media
Many young people use some form of social media, since it is the quickest and most effective tool for long distance communication and connection. Let’s say that you saw an act of injustice against a specific person in your neighborhood. Educating your community about injustice via a public awareness campaign is one of the most popular methods of activism, since sending messages or news articles does not take much time and is understandable to all.
Write an Article for your School Newsletter
Writing an article about injustice spreads the word in a more sophisticated manner. Rapid-consumption news sources like TikTok can flood your homepage with misinformation and disinformation, and you wouldn’t even know it. If you want your community to engage in truthful conversations, it is best to take it upon yourself, research a topic using the most trustworthy and least biased sources, and give a more detailed approach to spreading the word.
Small Donations
Let’s say you’re walking down the street and see someone sitting on the sidewalk. They’re holding a sign that mentions something about not being able to buy a bus ticket or a warm meal. Perhaps their sign states that they’re a veteran. You’ll likely feel bad about their situation and wonder if there is anything you can do to help. There are some simple things you can do to assist those who find themselves with unstable housing or no housing at all. For example, you can drive down to your local dollar store and create a small kit of snacks, bandages, hand sanitizer, gloves, and warm socks. You can keep these kits in your car or your school bag, and hand them out to unsheltered individuals you may pass by on the street. If that seems like too much work, you could purchase a warm drink and a cheap meal from the nearby grocery store or Starbucks. A short brewed coffee from Starbucks is only $3, but would feel wonderful in someone’s hands and provide nourishment.
Create or Sign a Petition
Let’s say that your school is implementing an unfair dress code on your fellow students, and you want that to change. Making a student petition is a great way of changing a rule, by displaying via signatures that change is desired. If you are going to make a petition, always inform your fellow students of the petition’s purpose, so that they know what you are advocating for. You can place a petition near the commons or office.
Attend a Demonstration
In times of instability and political controversy, it is not uncommon for people to take to the streets in demonstrations showcasing their outrage. Physical demonstrations are the best at organizing communities and are also the loudest and most eye-catching method of getting media attention. But with louder methods of activism come greater risks. Demonstrations are often met with opposition, either from law enforcement or those that oppose the message of the demonstrators. Some demonstrations can turn dangerous, with people getting arrested or hurt. On top of that, ill-intentioned individuals (who are often not for the true cause) take advantage of the situation to cause damage to public and private property near the demonstration site. While your voice is important, so is your safety. Always bring food and water, along with comfortable walking shoes if you’re going to attend a demonstration. Wear layered clothing that can easily be taken on and off. Keep your personal belongings in a safe space so that pickpockets can’t steal your stuff during the demonstration. If you are attending a demonstration and begin to see violent confrontation between demonstrators and police, leave the area immediately. If you and other demonstrators plan on confronting the police force (which I HIGHLY dissadvise), then make sure to bring eye and mouth protection. ‘No tears’ baby shampoo and cold water work to alleviate the stinging of pepper spray in case any gets into your eyes or on your skin.
There are a million and one ways to advocate for change in your community. In times like these, where division and violent rhetoric run rampant, people need to fight for their rights and for their voice to be heard in this world. Times of true equality and unity may still be far away, and it is never too late to advocate for a better future.