How to Become an Activist - Some TipsPosted by McDaniel Lindegaard on June 8th, 2021 If you are young, passionate about social justice and the values that it represents, and looking to take your passion to the political arena, then you will want to know how to become an activist. Activism is a broad term, covering a wide variety of tactics and organizations dedicated to social change. If you have an interest in this topic and the determination to make it succeed, then you can turn to various types of activism, such as civil disobedience and sit-ins, as well as protests and marches. One thing that all types of activism have in common is that they rely on creating awareness of issues, spreading information, and engaging communities. You may be a member of a small group trying to get people to stop abusing animals, or you may be part of a large movement demanding economic change or better treatment of immigrants, minorities, and other disadvantaged groups. While many types of activism can seem extreme and even dangerous, there are a number of methods that anyone can use to begin learning how to become an activist. First of all, it's important that you decide what type of activism appeals to you. Is fighting for peace and social justice important to you? Perhaps you want to get people to stop abusing animals and working in sweatshops. There are countless ways that one can utilize to learn how to become an activist, and hopefully you will find the method that is right for you. Once you know which type of activism interests you most, it is time to start doing some research on how to become an activist. You should make a list of colleges and universities that offer courses in social work and then start researching each one's requirements for admission. Some require a bachelor's degree, while others simply require that you have completed high school. It is important to know ahead of time what the requirements are so that you can prepare to apply. Every school is different, and you should consider how much time you have to put into your studies before applying for any courses. One of the most popular ways to study how to become an activist is by obtaining an associate's degree in social work. This allows you to continue studying without interfering with your current job. While working in your current job is important, it is important to know that sometimes the situation may not allow you to pursue your studies. In these cases, getting an associate's degree is a good option. It is also possible to obtain a certificate in social work at most community colleges. If you are considering becoming involved in how to become an activist, you may want to consider this option. These programs usually only take about two years to complete. However, there is a drawback. Most community colleges do not offer the same opportunities to elect classes in other types of activism such as political or community organizing. If you still have some time left over, you can consider getting a Master's degree in Social Work. This program takes four years to complete. The curriculum will include courses in American history and government. You will also learn how to research and document historical events. Getting a Master's degree in this field is important if you are looking to become involved in movements for social change. There are many other ways to get involved in how to become an activist. However, knowing how to become an organizer is going to be essential. Learning how to gain supporters and organizing skills is necessary for anyone who wants to become involved in any type of activism. Learning how to be an organizer is not hard to do, but it is something that you will have to put time and effort into. The best way to learn how to become an activist is to speak with other like-minded individuals. Find local meetings that involve other activists and see what your opportunities for involvement are. You might want to start learning about community organizing as well. There are agency that have workshops that teach you how to become an organizer, so take advantage of these events.Like it? Share it! More by this author |