How to Start in Activism: What’s in it for Me?

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Terri Lyon

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 January 17, 2025

Being clear about your motivation is the third step to getting started in activism. So, after you find your passion and identify your skills, take time to understand your motivation. Be selfish. Ask yourself: What’s in it for me?

I admire those people who fight for a cause selflessly by focusing on the greater good. And those of us who now realize we can’t ride the bus for free anymore, are ready to be selfless, to trade our selfishness for selflessness.

Wait, not so fast. You need to stay selfish. That sounds terrible, doesn’t it? But it is not.

What’s In It For Me?

Effective long-term activists understand what motivates them and make sure it is part of their work. Activism can be difficult and unrewarding at times, and your passion for your cause is what is going to get you through the tough times and ensure you remain a long-term advocate.

So, step 3 is to consider what motivates you and make sure you get that in your activism work. Research shows that long-term volunteers focus on the things they receive from their efforts, such as:

• Translating values into action.
• Enjoying the work
• Having fun with others
• Learning and feeling capable

Your motivation, particularly if you are young, may include the opportunity to learn skills for future jobs. Perhaps working as a trainer for your cause helps you translate values into action and explore whether teaching is a good career option for you. You’ll be doubly motivated.

Be Selfish

Your motivation matters. So, be aware of the best outlet for you to make a change and stay focused and motivated over the long term.

Being selfish is okay when it contributes to selflessness.

[Motivated? Make the difference you wish to see in the world.]

As the Sufi Mystic poet Rumi said,

“now is not the time to stay home.” Open the door, step out, and start the challenging work of making change.”

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Learn more about Getting Started in Activism.

• Focus your passion and find the cause closest to your heart among the myriad of causes.
• Match your skills with the type of activism work that best suits you.
• Find an activism opportunity that works for your life.
• Determine if your social justice work truly makes an impact.
• Stay motivated in your activism for the long-term.

What Rewards Will You Get Out of Activism?

How To Take Stock of the Gifts You Bring to Activism

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