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getting involved in your community (CHALLENGES (being young (not being…
getting involved in your community
finding groups!
social movements
climate change movement
power shift network
sunrise movement
sierra student coaliton
citizens climate lobby
imatter youth
350.org
immigrant rights movement
movemiento cosecha
women's rights
womens march empower
lgbtq+ movement
glsn
non-profits
county wide organizations
ex. morris county young dems, ATNJ
political organizations
republican clubs?
democratic committees
school groups / clubs
hs dems
environmental clubs
social media!!
FACEBOOK
for adults, pretty much everything is on facebook! it can be really convenient for discovering what's going on around you!
most useful features for getting involved:
find events!
(ex. marches, rallies, meetings)
join groups!!
(example: NJ-11 for change, NJ-7 forward, swing left NJ-7, your congressional district probably has one!!)
can be annoying, but if you use it with PURPOSE, it's v helpful!!
young people
instagram
EASILY share-able, nicely designed graphics, very image + video based!! protip: use canva for a free design
software!!
social media activism can NOT be all! it has it's value + place, but it's important to make sure it's a supplement to real life experiences! stereotype of "armchair activist" or"slack-tivist"
the whole process!!
research + learn!!
show up to things!!
build relationships!!
put in time!!
don't be afraid to take responsibility or leadership! there's no magic secret!
"great leaders don't set out to be leaders, they set out to make a difference. it's never about the role, it's about the goal."
contribute in any way you can! you can find a role!
(examples: photography, art, fundraising, finance, graphic design, connections)
volunteer at political campaigns that you support + believe in.
GOTV (get out the vote) is a super easy + impactful way!!
phone banking (easy, can do it from home)
canvassing (just show up, talk to ppl, can be fun)
show up to rallies + fundraisers!
start by reaching out to just ONE person. message them, or something!
start seeing familiar faces, initiating conversations, getting to know people!
super important to organizing work, because it's difficult and you want to be able to support each other!!
connect over
shared values!!
empowering + inspiring!!
monthly meetings / small events
IT'S TOTALLY OKAY TO BE THE YOUNGEST PERSON THERE!!
usually not that exciting, but it's where the work happens!
big events!
marches, rallies, volunteer opportunities, fundraisers!
bring a friend with you! especially to big events!
they can be intimidating, if you're just starting out! or they can be really exciting + energizing, if you're into that kind of thing!
on
all levels of government
, look into your elected officials, upcoming elections, candidates + their platforms/campaigns!
federal congress!! (senators, representatives)
town council / city council
state legislature (senators, assembly)
you don't need to get involved in ALL levels, just be aware of who you're supporting!! EVEN if you don't vote!!
reach out and speak your voice! your elected officials are there to represent YOU!! call them, message them, write letters to them, meet them if you can! tell them what you think about their positions on specific policies!!
look for opportunities everywhere!
dive in deep!!
WHAT organizations + groups are active in your community?
there might be groups right near you, that you've never heard about!!
educate yourself through trainings (online webinars + IRL), conferences, books, videos, online guides, articles!
RESOURCES!!!
email lists CAN BE super super super awesome!! sign up for them!!
initiate conversations! talk to community leaders + activists + people with experience! ask questions!
use service-learning investigation techniques!!
community mapping and thinking about root causes!
CHALLENGES
information overload
being young
not being able to drive
not having parent's support
not knowing where to start
OVERWHELM!!!
burnout
commitments/time
family life
school, extracurriculars
STRATEGIES
start wherever you are, do whatever you can! get active in your school, at clubs, support actions online, focus on learning as much as you can!!
start with ONE main issue that you care about!!
you don't need to pay attention to the news every day to make a difference! stay educated, but it doesn't have to be in "real time"! focus on the taking action part! learn about the positive things going on in the world!!
practice self-care! it's not just a buzzword, it's a serious part of activism! make sure you're taking care of yourself, valuing your health (mental + physical + emotional). set personal boundaries for yourself, be aware of your needs + advocate for yourself!!
figure out what your priorities are! don't spread yourself too thin! everyone only has 24 hours in their day, focus on the things that make an impact, things that add value to your life, and try to cut out time-sucking habits!!
connect to an existing group, or start your own group! you don't need to create change all on your own! support the people who are already working!
to find/share this mind map - bit.ly/gettinginvolvedslc18
