Dr. Terri Lyon is a licensed psychologist, professor, and the author of The Happy Activist. As the creator of the 5-Step Activism Path, she specializes in helping individuals achieve sustainable social change through a skills-based approach. Known as "The Activist for Activists," Terri is a dedicated environmental activist and animal lover who believes activism should motivate you, not drain you.
The right kind of activism is one that fits your cause, skills, interests, available time, and preferred way of contributing. You might enjoy traditional methods such as advocacy, organizing, research, or leadership or creative methods such as writing, art, music, photography, or theater. The goal is not to choose the “best” type of activism, but to find a method you can use effectively and sustainably.
In this video, Miyoko discovers that she finds her perfect activism when she matches her passion and skills to community needs.
Miyoko made the initial mistake of jumping into activism and found she was not engaged with the work. When she stepped back and explored the type of activism that would truly engage her, she found a perfect opportunity.
Activism Techniques: Traditional vs. Creative
Many activists tell me they jumped into activism without much thought and later found themselves overwhelmed and unhappy. Don’t be an activist dropout! Take time to explore types of activism that may not have been on your radar.
Many people have a stereotype of a protestor with a raised fist, shouting angrily. Instead, find a type of activism you enjoy. That might be a traditional activism technique, such as advocacy or running for office. But you might resonate with more creative approaches such as art or writing.
Mobilization vs. Engagement
Protests are the most visible forms of traditional activism. They involve gathering in public spaces to express dissent, raise awareness, and demand change. Protests can be powerful tools for drawing attention to issues and mobilizing public support. But they are not a technique of deep engagement with your cause.
Lobbying involves influencing policymakers and government officials to enact or change laws and policies. This can include writing letters, making phone calls, and meeting with representatives. This is essential work that I encourage you to pursue for the cause closest to your heart and for causes vital to your community.
But reflect on your level of engagement for the cause closest to your heart vs. other issues. Support other issues with mobilization. For your cause, get deep engagement with a type of activism that suits you.
Mobilization is occasional actions that support a cause, such as signing a petition, attending a rally, displaying a yard sign, or making a donation. For example, if your sister wants you to contribute by putting up a yard sign or volunteering at the polls, that is mobilization. Go ahead and help if you want to. But if she wants you to run voter registration phone banks every week, that’s engagement. Feel free to say, “Thank you for considering me, but I can’t.”
Deeper engagement is sustained involvement in your cause, such as organizing, researching, leading campaigns, educating others, or volunteering regularly.
Employee Activism: Workers can advocate for changes such as better mental health policies, safety, and social responsibility.
Shareholder Activism: Shareholders can use their equity stake to influence corporate policies.
Sit-ins: Sit-ins are nonviolent protests where activists occupy a space to demand change.
Traditional Activism Techniques
Traditional types of activism such as protesting and lobbying have been used for decades to drive change.
What are the different types of activism?
Activism can include advocacy, organizing, education, research, leadership, direct action, consumer activism, workplace activism, movement support, and creative approaches such as art, writing, music, film, photography, and theater.
What Kind of Traditional Activism is Right for You?
Logistical Coordination: Managing transportation, accommodation, and event logistics.
Resource Management: Getting the necessary resources and supplies.
Support for Life Tasks: Offering meals and childcare.
If traditional activism techniques are not your cup of tea, consider using your creative skills.
Creative Activism Techniques
In creative activism, you use your artistic expression to make change.
Research on Creative Activism
Creative activism can attract attention, engage emotion, broaden participation, and help people encounter issues in ways that conventional advocacy may not.
Deciding between traditional and creative activism depends on your passion, skills, and motivation. But whatever you choose, you can use the technique to make a difference for the cause closest to your heart.
Ask yourself:
What issue matters enough that I want to stay involved?
What am I already good at?
What kinds of activities give me energy rather than drain me?
How much time can I realistically contribute?
Which of the methods above would let me use those strengths?
NEXT STEP
A Perfect Question: “What is the Right Kind of Activism for Me?”
Deciding between traditional and creative activism depends on your passion, skills, and motivation. But whatever you choose, you can use the technique to make a difference for the cause closest to your heart.
