Love the community idea. I'm trying to get involved in a local charter of XR. I'm subscribing the community!
this post was submitted on 27 Jan 2024
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In Person Activism
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"Power wants your body softening in your chair and your emotions dissipating on the screen. Get outside. Put your body in unfamiliar places with unfamiliar people. Make new friends and march with them." -Tim Snyder
A community for sharing information about ways to get involved with real world activism to make the world a better place.
Spend less time arguing about politics on the internet. The world is in trouble. Get out there and try to help.
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I like the idea too. I'd be interested in stories from people who did some kind of real life action and achieved results. I think there are a lot of groups that you could join (and I've joined a couple) but it's hard not to feel like the things I'm doing aren't affecting any change.
I think for tangible results, I'd very much recommend land conservation groups. When they finish a project, whether it's buying land or working with landowners on easements to keep it undeveloped and open for recreation, at the end you can walk those woods and see the habitats you helped to preserve (and if they maintain trails and educational opportunities there, helping with that can be really satisfying).
On the other hand, helping set up tool libraries and makerspaces, providing capabilities to your community, and teaching people can be a very vivid impact. Even giving things away on your local Buy Nothing -type group can help you meet and help people from your community, and even connect them with each other. I introduced my neighbor to the woman who runs a refuge charity I give computers to (because he was getting rid of warm clothing and furniture) and she realized there's a bunch of state resources he's eligible for (he had to retire a few years back due to a stroke) and she's helping him figure out what he can use. That's small in the grand scheme of things, but it's a legit improvement in his life.
I don't know if that's the kind of activism you had in mind but maybe it'll help.
You may be interested in the Sandy and Nora Talk Politics podcast. They are Canadian socialists, not anarchists, but they have been heavily involved in direct action for years and often have good tips on organizing.
One of their central themes is that anything worthwhile requires physically gathering together. You can share calendars, make websites and podcasts, file petitions, and write books or posts, but it all comes down to meeting in person, organizing in person, and acting in person.
Also, as much as it pains me to say it, the far right has the in-person thing down to a science and that is a major source of their power.
Get out there, connect with people, get shit done.