How To Be Your Own Activist | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

How To Be Your Own Activist

Here's Some Tips on How You Can Get Your Voice Heard

11
How To Be Your Own Activist

In the past few months I honestly believe the spirit of activism has increased ten-fold in this country. It's no surprise with everything that's been going on in the media from the Black Lives Matter movement to the LGBT community's concerns and now immigration reform, there's a lot more to this than just a differing of opinion. Whatever the outcome of these issues will affect the entire country and its constitutional framework. Who knows? Precedents might very well be set and will possibly change history.

But this will not happen by watching protesters on your local news channels. Anyone who cares about these issues and their community will need to take action but protesting alone should not be your first choice. It starts by contacting your local senators or government officials and getting them to listen to your side of the story. Everyone has a story to tell and its their job to listen and act accordingly. I'm sure you're thinking they will ignore you. That may very well be the response however not everyone in politics turns a blind eye to hot button issues.

Some lawmakers will make things happen even if its on a small scale. It starts small and then grows into something that cannot be ignored. Let's look at how initially small movements turned into historic landmark cases.

1. Montgomery Bus Boycott

This was well before most of us were born but became one of the most memorable activist movements in history. On December 1, 1955 Rosa Parks, an African-American woman refused to give up her seat to a white man on a bus. Subsequently she was arrested and fined. In response to this many blacks boycotted the public bus system. This boycott lasted over a year. The Supreme court ultimately ordered Montgomery to integrate their bus system and this movement started the rise to the Civil Rights movement headed by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Just a caveat though, Parks was not the only one that decided to challenge this system but she ended up changing it.)

2. Don't Ask, Don't Tell Policy

American society seems to have a "macho" image and the military is no exception. The Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy basically meant that the military would not question your sexuality and would assume that you were heterosexual unless you tell them otherwise. If you were found to be homosexual then you would not be allowed to serve or were discharged from service. Of course this drew the ire of the LGBT community and other communities alike. However in 2010 this policy was repealed and now gays and lesbians could serve openly without fear of being discharged.

3. Black Lives Matter

This movement is one of the most racially and politically charged movements in this era. Some pundits have even gone so far as to consider the activists in this movement "terrorists" because they believe this movement promotes violence against police officers. Retribution is the last stance anyone should take to get justice for victims of police brutality. Take a stand and work on reform, that is the only way things can change for the better.

There are a number of other hot button issues out there concerning the environment, immigration and education that also need to be reformed before they too evolve into another crisis. But I bet you're asking what can I do? The answer is get involved with any local movements that matter to you. Go to town hall meetings and make your voice heard. Write letters to your local government or state senators to get them on board. Network with people that have influence in your community. You can even write articles about your concern and submit it to your local newspaper, or why not Odyssey!


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

10 Things To Know About The First Semester Of College

10 things that most incoming college freshmen have no idea about.

155
campus
Pexels

Starting college is pretty scary and fun at the same time. You are free of your parents(in most cases) but this is the first time you have no idea what the heck is going on. Here are 10 things you may want to know going into your first semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter

It's not all morning coffees and singing along to the radio.

908
The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter
morethanwheels

I've been in college for four years now. I spent half my time as a commuter and half as a resident so I've experienced both sides of the housing spectrum. One thing I've learned comparing the two is that my struggles as a commuter far outweigh anything I went through while living on campus. Commuters have to deal with the problems school brings along with a slew of other issues; I've filled up my gas tank in the worst kind of weather conditions and napped in random places in public more times than I'm proud to say of. This is a list of some of the most challenging aspects of being a commuter.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

3653
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

17805
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments