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Sometimes readers and friends get in touch to ask for advice. They’re struggling to cope with an onslaught of human rights abuses in their country, or they’re bracing for an onslaught soon.
Maybe the political situation has shifted dramatically – away from democracy and toward authoritarian rule – and they feel they need to do something other than doom-scrolling.
Resist.
But how? They’ve never been an activist for democracy and human rights before. Where do you even start?
Books have been written about this, of course, but start with three things:
First, hold on to truth. Authoritarian rulers and wannabes flood information channels with lies. Sometimes the aim is to gaslight the public into believing those lies and adopting their worldview. Sometimes it’s simply to confuse people so they doubt their own eyes and ears, making them passive – if you’re no longer sure what’s real, you’re unlikely to resist.
Do something active to hold on to the facts and, more importantly, the idea that facts exist and still matter. Write in a diary, post on social media, make a video, send emails to friends – anything that gets you to remember and/or share the facts.
When doing so, try not to repeat politicians’ lies, not even to “debunk” them. Their lies get too much attention already, and communications research shows repeating a lie only reinforces the false idea in people’s brains. If you feel you absolutely must mention the lie, use the “truth sandwich” technique.
Second, do what you’re good at. You may not have experience in activism (yet), but you do know how to write songs, set up servers, bake cakes, paint signs, organize events, drive a bus, spread information, do first aid, and other things that may be useful for local and national movements.
Don’t start by focusing on what you don’t know how to do. You will learn those things as you go along. Focus on what you can offer and contribute to the cause, working as part of a larger team in your area.
Third, keep yourself healthy. Any struggle for democracy and human rights against authoritarian political forces will be long and difficult. It’s frustrating, often exhausting emotionally, and maybe even dangerous physically. Realize it’s multiple marathons, not a single sprint.
Take breaks. Spend time with friends. Eat healthily. Exercise.
Don’t become addicted to the media of online outrage. You won’t do anyone any good if you have a breakdown.
Finally, one bit of advice for old hands. There are so many people out there who want to get involved right now but don’t know how. Help them find pathways to you, and most of all, welcome them.
Sometimes, veteran activists and the long-time socially engaged look at newcomers with an attitude of, “what took you so long?” or “why didn’t you speak out earlier?” But everyone has their own learning curve.
Holding grudges about the past is not going to help accomplish anything in the future. Welcoming fresh recruits and new allies just might.
