Activism “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead Activism is defined as the policy or action of using vigorous campaigning to inspire and bring about political or social change. Thought leaders may inspire and prompt social and political activism that will get people talking and engaging with each other as well as governing bodies to bring change where it is needed. Establishing and leading campaigns designed not only to initiate change but also encourage activism from people or an organization. The world and South Africa has seen groups and individuals that have come together to actively oppose or challenge systems they thought were going against or did not represent equality, human rights for all or freedom for all. Activism can be demonstrated in various ways and different mediums are used to promote activism in a manner that will be effective in each medium ensuring the targeted groups of society are reached and awareness created at large. Volunteer on your own or with interested groups to assist disadvantaged and underprivileged people, and threatened species and habitats. Any individual or group can volunteer to work in refugee camps, at local schools and medical care clinics, or for some other NGO (non-governmental organization). There is a huge network of volunteer organizations around the world, and once you are part of it, once you start volunteering. Grassroots activism is aimed at increasing the publicity of, and most importantly the support for, your cause. Grassroots activism particularly aims to engage the interest and if possible the involvement of members of the different groups that are being negatively affected. The goal is to organize them, to pull them out of their complacency and defeatism, and to assist them in their opposition. Direct lobbying is lobbying local government officials and, if you can arrange it. Plan a trip to your government or municipal headquarters. Doing this reveals the real or remaining power of a democracy. You can simply walk the designated headquarters of offices and request meetings, on the spot, with your government officials or leaders of an organization. Of course, you will probably end up meeting with their legislative or policy aides, but these are the people who create the documents, and originate the policies, that the elected officials sign off on anyway. Inform the aides of your concerns, and ask them to support your positions. Demonstrations: are considered the core expression of activism, where you protest against companies and other organizations (or groups) that are engaged in unethical activities. There are many different types of demos, and they normally take place at organization offices or other facilities. Demos include marches, strikes, sit-ins, sleep-ins, teach-ins, street theater (such as anti-nuclear die-ins), and, in extremely serious circumstances, e.g., to protest murder, hunger strikes. Various activist groups have been formed in South Africa to fight for a specific cause across various issues that affect society and its inhabitants. Today we bear witness to activists that fight gender equality, corruption, animal and human basic rights as well education. inkulufreeheid.org
Posted on: Mon, 19 Aug 2013 08:43:20 +0000