No, this is not a workout routine - this is Neville's Activisim 101 blog post full of tips and tricks as well as the right mindset an activist should be in. I know it is a little too late now that the protests have quieted down in Malta, but this will mainly speak from an LGBTQI+ activist point of view. Still, feel free to adapt and apply the suggestions to however they suit your activist needs!
It is not I, it is WE
Personal agenda? Chuck it out the window - we don't need it, we aren't politicians here (ALL tea, ALL shade). Keep the community's values at the forefront, you are not alone in this.
Keep it Civil (as much as possible)
Very straightforward - or is it? This concept depends on a lot of factors and it is highly subjective. Had we not had huge LGBTQI+ riots for love and recognition in America or the feminist Suffragettes marching and protesting around to be able to vote, we wouldn't be where we are now. In conclusion sometimes you have to make sure who needs to see you there sees you and who needs to hear you hears you.
Be as Present as Possible
It is good to voice your opinion online, but it is much more fruitful and beautiful to lend a hand to an organisation with your same beliefs and values. For example; I am a member of LGBTI+ Gozo and now also a writer for Allied Rainbow Communities Malta - both sexuality and gender minority groups. And yes, I would like to tease an upcoming article I have in mind so keep your eyes peeled on my Instagram!
Love and Compassion
Make sure that whatever you do comes from a place of love and compassion. I know, it is not easy to always be nice when arguing against the various troglodytes who have ideals that are stales than the jar of pickles I have tucked away in the corner of my cupboard (don’t judge me, you also have something similar in your cupboard!). Yet, when possible whe should always strive to come from a place of love and compassion when it comes to defending our point and standing our ground.
Never Give Up
This is probably one of the most important out of these five. Giving up should never be an option no matter what the situation. Stepping down and becoming passive is a weakness when it comes to being an activist. Yes, times will be rough and yes you feel like you are drowning but find that mermaid to teach you how to dive and resurface when you’re drowning - find that burning passion that got you there in the first place, why were you an activist in the first place?
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Thanks for reading my post on activism. I hope you learned a thing or two or got inspired to go out there and give a voice to a minority or situation that is close to your heart. Make sure to always be safe and keep these tips handy! See you again on Saturday!
Sandy hugs and salty kisses,
Neville xx