Social Activism Overview: How to Get Involved in Social Activism

Social activism is the practice of working toward the reform of institutions, behaviors, relations, and expectations in society. To achieve their particular goals, social activists aim to affect political policy, build new institutions or organizations, or encourage individuals to change their behaviors directly. Common social movements for activists include racial equality, gender equality, immigration reform, human rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and religious freedom.

Other forms of activism include environmental activism and computer activism (or hacktivism).

Social activism can take many forms, including:

1. 1. Economic choices: In capitalistic societies, you can use money as a tool for direct action and advocacy. Individuals may choose to spend money only with businesses that support their social causes and boycott others that fail to align with their ethical code. Economic activism typically relies on collective action—the aligned choices of a large group of people—to effect change.
2. 2. Social media for social change: Social activists in the twenty-first century use social media platforms to spread awareness of issues and connect interested individuals with activist organizations. In the 2010s, activists in the Arab states used internet platforms to broadcast protests to international audiences; this movement, called the Arab Spring, codified the importance of social media in contemporary activism and awareness. Hashtags (in “hashtag activism”) are also a form of social media activism. Examples include the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter, which advocates use to call out prejudices against Black communities, and the hashtag #MeToo, which spreads awareness of sexual harassment.
3. 3. Social protests to change public policy: Mobilization—the public gathering of groups of people—is a long-standing method for offline social change; examples include rallies, sit-ins, peaceful assemblies, and other forms of civil disobedience. Public demonstrations can be a powerful way to show support for marginalized groups who may otherwise be less visible. A famous example is the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, which civil rights movement leaders organized. More than 200,000 people attended the 1963 march in Washington, D.C. to push the federal government to act on discrimination and injustice against Black Americans. During the march, Dr. King gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial.
4. 4. Socially conscious art (or artivism): Many artists—including painters, sculptors, street artists, and writers—use their work to generate awareness of social issues and fight for change. Examples of art activists (or artivists) include painter Jacob Lawrence, street artist Banksy, and writer Toni Morrison.

There are plenty of ways to get involved in social justice and work to enact positive change. Here are some tips to get started:

1. 1. Build your understanding. You must educate yourself on any social subject before you work toward change. Find reliable sources that can help develop your understanding of the issue and its complexity; follow their sources and citations to build the strongest foundation of knowledge and ensure credibility. If you are new to the movement or lack a personal connection to it, spend time listening to affected individuals to understand the many facets of their experience and how you can help. You may also choose to study social science, political science, or sociology in a class from a university or a community workshop.
2. 2. Donate. Many social activist groups are nonprofit organizations that rely on charitable donations to continue operations. If you have the means, consider making a donation to help fund their mission. You can also aid in fundraising efforts by spreading the word to friends and family.
3. 3. Find local and national organizations. There are many major and grassroots organizations working tirelessly to effect social action. Do some research to identify any local or national organizations you could help, whether by offering volunteer hours, performing a specialized service, or helping spread the word. If you have a particular cause without existing support, consider starting your own nonprofit to fill the unmet need.
4. 4. Spread the word. Societal awareness is key to social change—the more people know about a particular issue, the more likely they are to fight for reform. Use your spheres of influence, including your friends, family members, and social media followers, to spread the word about the issues.
5. 5. Take action on political issues. Many social activists aim to effect change in political spheres and government agencies, including by lobbying for local and national public policies. Stay informed on local and national elections and use your vote to elect representatives that believe in your causes. You may consider running for local or national office yourself to be at the forefront of political activism and change.

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