ACTivism Part III By: Puck Arks

Written By: Puck Arks

ACTivism Part III

Today we are experiencing what has been called, I think rightly, an authoritarian coup d’état. I have yet to hear of a single nonviolent activist planning to give up; on the contrary, forces are rallying and there is a badly needed enhancement of sophistication in movement culture itself. Awareness is spreading that we need to move on from one-off protests. Our determination and persistence is the answer to their ruthlessness ⎯ as long as we remain nonviolent. 

1. If you find yourself feeling guilt for supporting corporations, don’t fret, ask yourself why you’re there, analyze your actions.

2. Think of the revolution but do not become obsessed with it, small actions and steps should be your main focus.

3. Many people give up on activism because they’re too impatient for the arrival of the revolution, do not be so fatalistic.

4. Instead of spending your leisure time on social media trying to ‘hook-up’, start becoming active. Use your voice regardless of others. 

5. Remember, mass media will do everything in their power to control every minute of your life; take your time back.

6. Try doing things that do not require some kind of consumption.

7. For at least one day a week go to a step away from and avoid all media consumption.

8. Find public spaces and use them to meet with others, to organize book readings and intimate speeches. *Quaker meeting houses have been generally very receptive to nonviolent resistance.

9. Befriend a homeless person, spend a day with them, see how they live their lives.

10. Call the headquarters of a corporation that you are fighting against and tell them you want to interview them about their vile acts.

11. When your friends tell racist jokes, stop them in their tracks and explain to them how there is nothing funny about racism.

12. If your family and friends say that you’re wasting your time on activism, politely let them know they are wasting their time trying to keep up with the Jones. 

13. It’s good to be vocal, it’s good to be outspoken, it’s good to speak for a cause, but avoid being vindictive. Deliver your message with love and knowledge. 

14. Capitalism will not collapse as the result of violence, capitalism will collapse when people are shown their brutal exploitation.

15. Violence will only justify massive military and police budgets which help them silence you and take your rights away. 

16. Take advantage of your right to congregate, do not isolate yourself in your room and your mind. 

17. Go to a church, sit in the audience, ask them how they feel about the exploitation of human beings worldwide and what they are doing to create peace. 

18. Do not obsess with becoming a revolutionary, it will come with time, focus and methodical actions.

19. Do not be a sexist, do not disclude people from conversations, events and protests based on their sex.

20. If you’re a male, you can most certainly be a feminist, fighting for women’s rights does not undermine your person-hood in any way.