For example, if you like being alone, don’t choose activism work that involves dealing with people all the time.
Love the SMART acronym. Easy to remember and applicable for all kinds of goals. I like that you talk about it specifically with activism in mind here. So many people want to affect change and might be spinning wheels without a plan like yours.
I have always been a person who makes plans before I begin anything – this SMART plan is truly worth trying.
The terminology, “Mixed-up Motivation,” is not one I was familiar with but I certainly know the feeling of being punished with more work for doing a good job. Harkens back to the old saying, “No good deed goes unpunished.”
It gives you hope.
This is really thought-provoking and has certainly made me challenge myself as a white Brit living in an affluent middle-class area of south London. “Identify areas where you can grow in the process of dismantling privilege” – strong words that I will be sharing with my family.
I came to recognize my own hidden prejudices and privileges. I continue to examine myself as society turns itself inside out finding excuses. There are no excuses. Just un-examined lives. Tonight will be reflective.
If you are looking for an easy to read, beginner’s guide to becoming an activist, Terri Lyon has written “What’s on Your Sign” just in time. The reader will discover valuable tools designed to support the strategic examination of personal gifts, values, motivations, and opportunities as they set and achieve activism goals. In the current climate, many of us are searching for purposeful action that positively impacts the causes about which we care. This guidebook for activists will illuminate your path!
I read just recently that if it is truly your calling that it will energize you while you are doing it. Teaching has always been my calling and it definitely energizes me!
Make A Difference
How many new activists head to the streets and start protesting many different causes? That isn’t effective or sustainable.
My fourth step in the activism path sets you up for success. By choosing an activism method that matches your skills and keeps you motivated, you’ll make the change you want to see in the world.
What People are Saying
I’ve always known I want to get involved in some sort of activity that will positively impact my community. I had no idea where to start and after reading What’s On Your Sign? I identified an area of interest I had always taken for granted but never considered for activism. It helped me evaluate my experiences and identify my relevant qualifications, and has focused my search for the ideal organization with which to become involved.
I’m inspired by Peter [Tiesenhausen, an artist of protected his land from a pipeline with copyright law.] What a brilliant idea, and a brilliant man! If we all found creative ways to beat these guys we might be able to finally protect our land and our health.
Excellent book on figuring out your best way to be involved.
I like the new word: Slacktivist. Haven’t heard that before! It’s amazing what social media is able to achieve these days that other methods can’t.
I am increasingly aware of the animal welfare issues in our society and in my horror at the thought of contributing to cruelty I realised I must discover if the wool I am using was once attached to a happy sheep. Thank you for your work and care too.
I often sign online petitions, and this has made me think about why I do that.
If you want to make a positive difference in the world but aren’t sure where to start, then read this book. Don’t just read it, but also go through the exercises that Terri Lyon has carefully prepared. If you put in the time and effort, these exercises will lead you to your purpose in life and show you how to be an effective advocate for the cause that is dearest to your heart.
Change The World
The fifth step in the activism path is to make sure your hard work pays off for your cause.
Plan for maximum activism impact. Effective performance is a mixture of the right skills, knowledge, motivation, and circumstances. As you begin your activism, improve your odds of making a positive impact.
Stay motivated in your activism. Identify ways to stay motivated in your activism work using goal-setting and self-management tools. You will celebrate your accomplishments and adjust your goals if needed.
What People are Saying
I have been taking small steps to lessen my footprint. Now I need to think about how I can apply my particular skill set and strengths to having a bigger impact on saving the environment.
I love this because the focus is not on ‘me,’ ‘I,’ and ‘myself.’ but directs you to think about the world. The first go-to option is where we could get a higher ROI for that buck. A great list that gives options and insight of not only using the voice but the wallet too to reflect what you value.
As always, you’ve written about a topic that touches me. Cheering you on.
This easy-to-read book is for anyone searching for ways to get involved in activism. It provides a step-by-step approach to help you identify your interests and passions, identify your skills and the qualifications they bring (or determine what skills you will need to develop!), identify the programs or organizations that are right for your interests and skill set, and to help you evaluate whether your activism is making the differences in your community you want to make.
I am not a sign-toting, march-going activist but through her book I found ways to bring change in the places that matter to me in a way that works for my personality. I felt inspired and encouraged due to her step-by-step layout from finding my passion to making a difference. This is more than a go-get-em type of book. It has practical steps and ideas that bring you through the process if you are a beginner activist or someone who needs an infusion of centered focus.
[Like their results? Use the book, too!]
The first step in the path is finding your passion. I don’t just ask you to identify the cause closest to your heart, though. I also guide you to:
Activism – what’s in it for me?
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