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.
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Last Updated on November 16, 2024
In a conflicted world, the concept of a happy activist might seem ironic. Yet, it’s precisely this positive activism that can lead to lasting, impactful change.
Is Happy Activist an Oxymoron?
Since I published my book What’s on Your Sign? How to focus your passion and change the world and created my website, “Life at the Intersection,” I have been speaking and writing about the importance of effective and motivating activism. Activists making a difference get purpose and fulfillment from their work.
Yes, you can be a happy activist.
Busting the Angry Activist Stereotype
One day, I asked my website designer to find pictures of happy activists. But honestly, we both had trouble finding any. There were plenty of activists frowning, yelling, raising their fist, and yelling. The stereotype of an angry activist is everywhere.
According to Merriam-Webster, activism is
“a doctrine or practice that emphasizes direct vigorous action, especially in support of or opposition to one side of a controversial issue.”
The root of activism is ‘active,’ which indicates taking steps such as challenging the status quo and advocating for change. However, the inclusion of ‘vigorous’ and ‘controversial’ makes this activism definition lean toward negativity.
When you think of your own activism definition, what comes to mind? For many, the image of an angry protestor shouting slogans and waving signs is the first thing that springs to mind.
A New Stereotype
This is critical because happy activists are more effective and motivated activists. They are more likely to make an impact on their cause and less likely to drop out.
When I updated and expanded What’s On Your Sign? I changed the name to The Happy Activist: Journey the 5-Step Activism Path to Focus Your Passion and Change the World.
The Happy Activist will give you tremendous gifts – loving yourself more, living your values, reveling in hope, a more balanced life, and joy.
Here is how Erica transformed herself into a happy activist.
Erica’s Story
You Can Be a Happy Activist
Erica transformed herself into a happy activist. You can be a happy activist, too.
In my research on activism, I found that effective activists take actions that allow them to have maximum impact. They focus on the cause closest to their heart. Use their unique skills. They consider what motivates them. They choose their opportunities carefully. Finally, they set goals, and they monitor their impact. I built these actions into an easy-to-use 5-Step Activism Path for new activists to follow.
With the 5-Step Activism Path, you will be empowered to use your skills, talents, and experiences to act for those who need you.
How To Be a Happy Activist
The research-based 5-Step Activism Path guides you to happy activism.
Step 1: Focus Your Passion
In step one, you focus your passion. Activists who focus their efforts rather than taking a scattershot approach are more effective. Imagine a firefighter trying to tackle every blaze in the city. That doesn’t make sense, right? The same goes for activism. Spreading yourself thin dilutes your impact.
Instead, identify the cause closest to your heart. Your happiness comes from making a difference for the cause you are most passionate about. You develop your expertise and engage deeply with the work.
Step 2: Clarify Your Unique Skills
In step two, you clarify your unique skills. You wouldn’t use a screwdriver to hammer a nail, would you? The same goes for activism. You have things you do well, talents that come naturally to you, or skills you have acquired. Use the skills you already possess to be more effective, motivated, and engaged.
Step 3: Identify Your Options
In step 3, you identify your options. There are many activism methods to choose from. Still, traditional techniques such as marching and lobbying are not everyone’s cup of tea. There are many ways to make a difference. Do activism you love.
What activism work will make you happy? You will be a happy activist when you match your passion and skill to an activism method you love.
Step 4: Find Your Perfect Activism Opportunity
Step 4, find your perfect opportunity. One that makes you excited to get started and fulfilled when you finish. The time you spend on activism is precious. So make it count. Make sure the opportunity you choose works for you and brings you joy.
Step 5: Stay Motivated
And step five, stay motivated. Ready yourself by setting goals that will motivate and keep you focused on achieving the best results. And to celebrate your milestones, big and small, to keep the joy of activism alive.
The Importance of Happy Activism
Volunteers have a 98% dropout rate.
When new activists leap in without focus and preparation, they tend to drop out. And we need every activist motivated and engaged.
There are so many needs in our world. And rather than being overwhelmed, depressed, and perhaps even terrified, you can be a happy activist who makes change by doing activism they love.
Coming August 19
In addition to the main book’s transformation, the companion workbook What’s On Your Sign? Workbook has also been updated and renamed The 5-Step Activism Path Workbook. This workbook is meticulously designed to provide readers with actionable steps and exercises that align with the five-step path outlined in The Happy Activist. It’s the perfect tool for anyone looking to deepen their engagement and make a more meaningful impact.
To support educators and community leaders, I developed a Common Core-aligned Teacher’s Guide. This resource provides lesson plans, activities, and discussion prompts to inspire and empower the next generation of activists.
The Happy Activist is more than just a book; it’s a movement toward a more positive and effective approach to activism. Join this journey, whether you’re an individual passionate about change, a nonprofit director preparing new activists, or an educator dedicated to empowering your students. Discover how to turn your passion into action, focus your efforts, and make a lasting impact—all while finding joy in the process.
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