How To Turn Your Skills Into Activism Impact

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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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Understanding How to Turn Your Skills into Activism Impact

When Jeremy learned the importance of using his best skill in activism, he found a way to make a difference for a cause he cares deeply about. By clarifying his gifts, he found activism that suited him and kept him motivated.

Take a moment to reflect on your skills.

Your Ordinary Superpower

What comes effortlessly to you? When I speak to budding activists, I ask them about what author Mark Hensen calls their ‘ordinary superpower.’ Everyone has one. It might be baking, being a good listener, or planning parties. And that ordinary superpower can be used in activism.

Skills You Have Learned

Have you gained expertise in specific areas? Maybe you’re a graphic designer, mechanic, or teacher. These are also skills that can be applied to activism.

Hobbies

Sometimes, our hobbies reveal hidden talents. Perhaps you’re a musician, a cook, or a gardener. And yes, these skills can be used in activism, too!

Turn Your Skills into Activism Impact

You can use your best skills, no matter how specialized, to make a difference for the cause closest to your heart.

Writing: If you enjoy writing, you can create articles, blog posts, or social media content to raise awareness about your cause.
Art: Use your artistic skills to design posters, infographics, and visual campaigns that convey powerful messages.
Public Speaking: If you’re comfortable speaking in front of an audience, consider giving talks, leading workshops, or organizing community events.
Technical Skills: Programmers, engineers, and IT professionals can develop websites, apps, and tools that support nonprofits.
Teaching and Training: Educators can create and deliver workshops, courses, and training sessions.

Align Your Skills with Causes

Once you’ve identified your skills, think about how they can be aligned with the cause closest to your heart. Here are a few examples:

If you’re a photographer, use your skills to document environmental issues and create visual stories highlighting the urgency of climate action.
If you’re a lawyer, offer pro bono legal services to marginalized communities.
If you’re a teacher, help a disability nonprofit train its volunteers.

For example, here are some real-life ways activists turn their skills into activism impact.

Artistic Activism: The Guerrilla Girls

The Guerrilla Girls are an anonymous group of feminist artists who use art to challenge sexism and racism in the art world. By creating provocative posters, billboards, and performances, they raise awareness about the underrepresentation of women and people of color in art institutions. Their creative approach to activism has sparked essential conversations and driven changes in the industry.

Tech for Good: Code for America

Code for America is a nonprofit organization that uses technology to improve government services and empower communities. By leveraging the skills of programmers, designers, and data scientists, they create digital tools that make government processes more efficient and accessible. Their projects have addressed issues such as criminal justice reform, healthcare access, and civic engagement.

The 5-Step Activism Path

In Step 1, you find the cause closest to your heart. In Step 2, you inventory the gifts you bring to the activism table. As you progress through the remaining steps, find an activism method you love and look for ways to bring your passions and skills into the perfect activism opportunity. The world needs your unique contribution.

Announcement

I am thrilled to announce that my groundbreaking What’s On Your Sign? has been expanded, updated, and renamed The Happy Activist: Journey the 5-Step Activism Path to Focus Your Passion and Change the World. This comprehensive guide has more tools, practical tips, and inspiring activist stories to help new and seasoned activists find joy and fulfillment in their activism.

In addition, The What’s On Your Sign? Workbook has also been updated and renamed The 5-Step Activism Path Workbook. I designed the workbook to provide readers with actionable steps and exercises that align with 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 have 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.

How To Expand Your Power and Turn Your Skills Into Activism Impact