The Activist for Activists. Author of Make a Difference with Mental Health Activism and The Happy Activist: Journey the 5-Step Activism Path to Focus Your Passion and Change the World. Teacher, Psychologist, Environmental Activist, Animal Lover.
- Grandparents Can Develop Activist Grandchildren - September 29, 2025
- Top Six Reasons Credit Union Benefits Are a Smart Choice Over Banks - August 18, 2025
- The Meaning of Equanimity: Discover How to Survive Challenges with Composure - June 9, 2025
Last Updated on August 29, 2025
In this post, I cover how to be a solo activist and provide resources for solo activists. In a previous post, I encourage activists to craft their ideal activism opportunity. Visualizing your dream opportunity is one step toward making it happen. Or getting many elements of your dream into your reality.
One way to make an impact on your cause is to create your own activism, rather than joining an existing movement.
But how do you know if going solo is the right activism approach for you?
Is Solo Activism The Right Approach For You?
There are advantages to going solo:
- You can focus on your unique issue or on your unique approach to an existing problem
- It offers autonomy to use your process and timeframe
- Going solo caters to people who like to work by themselves
- It caters to people who enjoy strategic visioning and making their own way in the world
At the same time, going solo may not be the right approach:
- There is no one else to share work with, which may cause pressure and stress
- There may be work/life balance challenges
- You get no support from an existing movement
What’s In It For Me?
One way to help you decide which approach is right for you is to consider your personal motivation for activism. If you are motivated by satisfaction from the work, creating your own activism means you have control. If working with other people motivates you, it will require work to ensure you have the community you need.
Examples of Solo Activism
Lynne Iser created a website called Elder Activists: Creating a Thriving and Just Future. To inspire elders, she shares stories about others who are making a difference in their senior years. Along with educational resources, she lists opportunities to act in social causes.
When Nichole Brandt was in college she created Poverty and the Arts. Her goal: to provide unhoused or previously unhoused people with a way to create and sell their art. The organization provides a place to work, supplies, mentors, and opportunities to display their work.
Not only are our artists able to generate income and gain valuable entrepreneurial, artistic and professional development skills through the Artist Collective program, they also find a place that nourishes the soul, builds their confidence and reignites their dreams. – Nichole Brandt
Greta Thunberg started her solo activism skipping school to sit in front of the Swedish Parliament. Climate change is her passion. On September 20th, 2019 six million people worldwide, inspired by her stance, joined her in a strike that became the largest protest in history.
Greta’s activism inspired a large movement, but your work doesn’t have to. Instead, make a focused effort for your cause.
[Inspired? Learn more about The Happy Activist.]
How To Be a Solo Activist
If you have a vision and the motivation to go solo, research the following:
- What do you need to do to get ready? Recognize the match between your skills, knowledge, and motivation and what is necessary for your vision.
- Do you need any training?
- What about improving your understanding of this area?
- Do you need to hire resources where you don’t have an ability?
Once you decide you are ready to go solo, take this extra step. Make sure you are not duplicating the efforts of people who are already doing this work in the field. Chances are they have had boots on the ground longer than you. Learn from them and add your unique spin to what they are doing. Don’t hinder or dilute the efforts of others.
What activism opportunity is right for you?
Resources for Solo Activists
- What is your vision?
- What are your gifts?
- What’s in it for you?
- How can you match your gifts to the needs of the community?
- Are you making an impact?
The 5-Step Activism Path Workbook contains surveys, checklists, and reflections designed to help you create your solo activism.
Even if you decide to forge your own path, you can seek help from activist organizations. Solo activists have access to a wealth of resources to support their work. Online platforms like Meetup and Facebook groups offer opportunities for you to connect with other solo activists. Numerous online resources offer guidance on legal considerations, fundraising strategies, and effective communication techniques. These resources empower you to make a meaningful difference in your community.
READ NEXT
Powerful Activism Tips From the McRaven “Make Your Bed” Book
How To Resolve Ethical Dilemmas in Work for the Greater Good
Another Brick In The Wall: How Individuals Can Contribute to Social Change Movements
What Can I Do to Make the World a Better Place?
Don’t Let Obstacles Get In The Way Of Your Activism
