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Key Takeaways
Finding the cause closest to your heart is the first step toward sustainable activism.
A cause may connect to your lived experience, values, community, skills, or vision for a better world.
You do not have to choose every issue. Focus helps you make a more consistent and meaningful contribution.
What Activism Cause Is Closest to Your Heart?
Finding the cause closest to your heart is the first step on the activism path. Through reflection on your life and your ideal world, you can find areas of activism passion to explore. Ultimately, you’ll find your cause, the one that helps you live your values in your activism.
How to Use This Guide
Browse the causes below and notice which ones create a sense of energy, concern, or personal connection. You do not have to choose the most urgent cause in the world. The best place to begin is often the cause that keeps calling your attention.
Environmentalism
Environmental activism covers many issues important to protecting our planet. Explore the many creative, and sometimes surprising, ways activists make a difference.
Mental Health Awareness
Mental health awareness activists focus on getting help for those with a diagnosis and for their caregivers. This cause is important: one in five people will experience mental illness each year, and activism in many forms is needed to reduce the stigma so people don’t hesitate to get the care they need.
Racial Equality
We’ll have racial equality when people are treated equitably regardless of their skin color or physical traits. However, we have a long way to go to achieve this cause.
Consumer Activism
You have the opportunity to be a consumer activist every day. There are opportunities for the betterment of society in how companies create goods. Considering how others manufacture the products you buy is a form of activism. Another possibility is to consider your purchases as moral choices – how do they impact society? Finally, you have power in the way you use your goods.
Health Equality
Our health is a huge part of living a fulfilling life. Activists in the cause of health equality work to make sure everyone gets access to the health care they need.
Feminism
Women are still fighting for equal rights. Someday women will have equality in pay, a level playing field, and an environment free of sexism.
LGBT Rights
Rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) cover many issues, including legal and social equality. In addition to equal rights under the law, activists for this cause work toward better acceptance in society.
Political Activism
One of the most common activism areas, political activists may run for office, canvass on an issue, and lobby elected officials and policymakers for their issue.
Disability Activism
Disability activists work for the rights of those needing access to the same resources as abled people.
Peace
Find Your Cause
Finding the cause closest to your heart is the first step toward activism that feels focused and sustainable. Use Step 1 of the 5-Step Activism Path to reflect on your values, experiences, and vision for a better world.
