How to be an Activist

Why Activism?

As professional activists ourselves, we’re always thinking about the different shapes and forms that activism can take.

Earlier this year, we wrote an article for NCS called “What is Activism” that explored how individuals can fit activism in with their lives and interests. That article was met with a warm welcome, so we thought we’d take the idea even further and dedicate 16 posts to helping you improve your activism during the UN’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

• 16 Days of Activism is a campaign created by UN Women to encourage more people to participate in ending Violence Against Women and Girls. It begins on 25th November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) and ends on 10th December (Human Rights Day).

Below are 16 types of activism to try out - each condensed into an Activist Profile. Have a read to discover what kind of activist you are or who you’d like to become…

The Protestor shows up and shows out for what they believe in. Turning collective discontent into powerful movements. 

The Protestor can’t just stand by and watch, they take to the streets and squares to publicly fight for change.

“Artivism” (using the arts to create impact) is at the core of what we do at The Vavengers. Whether they’re painters, poets, musicians, theatre-makers or something else entirely, our fellow Artivists allow their creativity to lead the way. There’s something special about an Artivist’s fearless ability to harness the arts and stimulate cultural change.

More about Art as Activism.

The Advisor is an organisation’s trusted friend. Ensuring that the charity meets its aims, stays accountable, and represents the needs of its community. The Advisor usually comes in the form of a Trustee - looking at the big picture, providing support and navigating the charity through challenging times.

Sometimes, situations in public don’t feel right. The Active Bystander challenges, prevents, or distracts from unacceptable behaviour. They may call out friends, report what they’ve seen, or show solidarity with the person being targeted.

Remember: this isn’t always safe; never put yourself at risk of harm.

The Listener knows the value of learning from others - especially those with lived experience. 

The awareness that one doesn't know everything is a central quality of The Listener. Listening leads to understanding, and The Listener does a great job of showing survivors they are heard.

The Petitioner knows that simply signing a name drives major change. Petitions and pledges help campaigns you believe in to secure a seat at the political table. And when there’s strength in numbers, we could always use a few more Petitioners.

It starts with just one signature...

The Donor is exactly who their name suggests. They have a straightforward approach to activism: give what they can and trust the charity to know how to spend it best. 

Financial power is a privilege, and The Donor rightly extends that privilege to those most in need. 

This is the one for the thrill seekers and goal setters. Challengers push their minds and bodies in the name of a good cause whilst discovering something about themselves along the way. Whether it’s a marathon, cycle, or even a crafting challenge, The Challenger is sure to keep things exciting.

The Supporter blends traits found in many of our Activist Profiles. Even in their changeable form, The Supporter simply shows up for a meaningful cause. 

Whether by attending events, sharing causes with friends, or wearing their "I'm a Vavenger" jumper wherever they go, it’s always best to have one in your corner.

Whether they're with the United Nations or friends around the dinner table, The Educator takes it upon themselves to share knowledge and truth with others. 

Challenging the status quo is central to The Educators' ideology as they continue to combat misinformation and harmful stereotypes. 

The Fundraiser mobilises the people to make their money go further. Whether they're rounding up spare change on the street or organising a fundraising extravaganza, The Fundraiser is at their best when connecting causes with contributions. 

Even though The Voter acts periodically, typically once every 4 years, their activism is long-lasting. 

The Voter signals their support by using the ballot box as their tool. An astute Voter also stays  politically active by monitoring voting records and parliamentary debates to ensure their community's needs are met.

Whether they spend their days reading, typing, evaluating or surveying, The Researcher is crucial to the activism ecosystem.

Research is essential to activism to keep things accurate, effective, and diverse.

Driven by curiosity, data and innovation, The Researcher is ahead of the curve and always in the know.

The Volunteer is the backbone of the charity sector. Most charities in the UK are small, and most rely on the goodwill and hard work of passionate Volunteers to keep their projects running.

We're lucky enough to have a network of outstanding Volunteers who consistently commit their time, knowledge, and energy to our cause.

The Vocalist uses their voice and position as a force for good. The Vocalist is often an active digital advocate, re-sharing stories, studies and their hot takes. They aren't shy about confronting issues in person either - calling out inappropriate language or weaving activism into everyday conversations.

But it's not just about being loud themselves. It's about platforming the voices of others. The Vocalist understands this is everybody’s space.

There’s an activist in everyone, and you'll likely see yourself in multiple of these personas.

But, no matter your resources, energy or expertise, understanding your skills and interests is the most effective route to creating impact.

However you express yourself, do it your way, and become an activist today.