As some of you may or
may not have noticed I have become more involved volunteering as an activist
for a few causes. And I guess on reflection I have always been a type of
activist. According to our friend Wikipedia “Activism
consists of efforts to promote, impede, direct, or intervene in social,
political, economic, or environmental reform with the desire to make changes in
society.” A dictionary simply states
that it is “the policy or action of using vigorous campaigning to bring about
political or social change.”For me personally, it’s
a very interesting form of volunteering. It compels you to take a stand, be a
voice and take some form of action. Sometimes it is not easy. It may not be
great for the faint hearted! It leaves you open to criticism. You will always
find people with an opposing view. It’s not for everyone but more should be
doing it. Our future depends on it. And I have never believed that more than I
do today. Why do people
become activists? Again, for me personally, it’s about finding a cause you care
about enough to take some action to support. My actions over the last 12 months
have been joining organisations, volunteering my time, attending meetings,
marching the streets, highlighting my causes utilising social media and
writing.
What is my main
motivation for doing so?
- My kids. I am seriously worried about the future world that they may inherit. The science is in. We have been warned. When Governments around the world don’t take action, we, the people, will.
- It’s political. The rise of far right players in the political world is frightening. It must be resisted. We must learn from history
- Volunteer Management. We could all learn so much from how these activist organisations, recruit, motivate and organise their volunteers. They are all so far ahead of traditional Volunteer Management it’s not funny. We have so much to learn. So I am motivated to learn.
- Connections. Activists are so connected and do it so well. I have joined their footprint on Twitter and they know how to use it to their advantage. I have made amazing and inspiring connections. With a few exceptions I think the traditional field of Volunteer Management are still miles behind when it comes to their usage of social media. On a global scale the VM sector is disjointed.
I will continue to share my musings. On a mission. Talk soon.
“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I
was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— because
I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a
Jew.
Then
they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.” - Niemöller
