There are so many different ways to orient and activate yourself and others.

This guide may help you clarify your level of engagement,

assist in realizing the appropriate group for you or getting ideas for how best to shape your action.

Applying the principles of Transformative Activism

(imagination, participation, inclusion and sustainability)

is possible in any of these types and orientations.

 

Orientations of Activism

Charity – By offering financial support for those who are working an an issue that is important to you.

Service – By volunteering time and care to a group that needs it.

Participation – By helping to make actions happen.

Empowering – By supporting those who are trying to make transformation happen.

 

12 Different Types of Activism

Volunteer 

Joining, either by yourself or with a group, an organization or agency that deals with the issues you’re focused on.

This could be political campaigns, to think tanks, to aid groups.

Grassroots activism 

Increasing the publicity and support for your cause by grabbing people negatively affected and organizing them.

Letter writing and petitions

Sending letters and petitions to government officials and representatives, designed to inform them of your views, demands, or get a response.

Direct lobbying 

Meeting with your elected representatives (or their policy aids) to request support for your movement or pieces of legislation.

Litigation 

Utilizing lawyers and legal aid groups to enact justice, fight against harmful institutions, or bring more publicity to your movement.

Consumer boycotts 

Meant to show grievances and problems with a particular company or institution by refusing to buy their products or support them.

This can range from writing in to the executives, to call-ins, to demonstrations.

Selective purchasing ordinances

Using either the law or other powerful purchasing institutions to punish companies that engage in activities that your movement disapproves with.

Ethical investing 

Limiting investment (whether on an individual or corporate level) to institutions and companies that don’t participate in unethical actions.

Economic sanctions 

Encouraging your government to impose economic restrictions on countries that are oppressive or dictatorial.

Demonstrate 

Protests aimed at companies or institutions that propagate what your movement is trying to fight against.

Different forms of demonstration include marches, strikes, sit-ins, sleep-ins, teach-ins, street theater, andhunger strikes.

Civil disobedience, “monkey wrenching,” and other “direct action”

The most confrontational form of activism, meant to directly confront unethical individuals and organizations.

Arrest is a possibility.

Agitate 

Encouraging oppressed groups to defend themselves or protest against their oppressors.

 

The Choice is Yours.

In which direction will you choose to act?

Let us know what you think of these options. Pros and Cons.

What has been the most effective in your experience?