Read an exclusive extract of Make it Happen , the handbook to tackling the biggest issues facing the world, from inspirational activist Amika George.
CHOOSE YOUR CAUSE
Whatever kind of person you are, you can be an activist. I believe that activism comes in many forms. Refuse to be typecast as a do-gooder or hippie tree-hugger, and know that incredible change has been achieved by a whole range of people who couldn’t be more different from each other. I don’t believe you need to be the most outgoing person in your community, or the most eloquent speaker, or ultra-resilient and resourceful to do this. You can be any sort of person.
I’m not the loudest person in the room. Neither am I the most confident. If you’d told me four years ago I would be speaking in front of TV cameras, or that I’d be standing alone on an open stage holding a mic on the other side of the world, I wouldn’t have believed you. But the urge to act takes over, and you feel you just have to do it. That feeling comes from some-thing which really, really matters to you. Whatever you want to change, whatever issue you feel is demanding to be heard, it can be you who makes it happen.
Our world is a scary place right now. As I write this, I’m reading about impending wars across nations, where diplomacy seems to be wearing thin, and political leaders tweet about solutions in the form of destruction and retaliation.
I’m reading about the consequences and terror of a global pandemic killing thousands and plunging the world into collective despair. I’m reading that a worldwide economic downturn is looming, and that mass unemployment, deprivation, and even famine could cause so many more to suffer.
I’m reading about a climate crisis so severe that raging bush-fires have forced thousands to flee their homes, and floods and storms are the biggest killer in countries already crippled by desperate levels of poverty. I despair that my future will be foreclosed by politicians who say we can’t afford to tackle the climate emergency. Politicians who are careless about our future because they may not live to see the consequences.
I’m reading about misogynistic, racist, and divisive comments made by world leaders, which no longer elicit widespread outrage and condemnation, purely because we’ve become inured to them. When there seems to be no hope for the world, it’s easy to become apathetic and, instead of feeling angry, find ourselves accepting.
But the world is full of people refusing to give in to despair, and against all odds are growing and cultivating seedlings of hope and change. We are getting bolder and bolder in seeking out spaces where we can make sure we are heard, and we’re using the internet and social media to expand our reach and connect with others who share our concerns and determination to change the status quo.
You may have been propelled to action because you’re directly affected, or you might have become aware of an injustice that’s staring you in the face and refusing to move away. Whatever the reason, remember you have power – and use it.
Make it Happen is out now! Available here.
