If you’re anything like me, the past 6 months have lit a fire in you to make a difference, get more politically active and involved in the causes you care about, and use your voice. This is an opportunity. There is a movement right now, and the way to sustain it is to join it. This is your world, your country, your community. It’s your job to step up and do something.
“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” – Barack Obama
Because I’m a coach who likes to break things down and make them manageable for my clients whether it’s getting over a breakup or launching their own business – or changing the world – I’m giving you 6 steps to change the world.
ONE: You’ve got to go on a media diet. We are constantly plugged in and we know it’s bad but haven’t stopped. Set up some guidelines for yourself. My favorite one is having a policy that you don’t read news in bed – so you are avoiding all news right before you fall asleep and right when you wake up. Those are powerful times for your brain – protect yourself. You also need to make sure you’re getting your info from legit sources. Before you share an article, check out the source and look for a couple other legit ones to back it up. It’s better to share accurate information than to be the first one to share the story. You should also be getting your information from a variety of sources and voices. Always try to broaden your worldview by hearing about other people’s experiences.
TWO: You need to pick your top issues – this can be one, this can be five – only you know your schedule and how much you can really handle. Once you choose, follow reputable organizations that work in those areas. They will typically post legit news about the issue and offer lots of ways to get involved. You will become an expert on that topic(s) which will make your next steps even more effective.
THREE: Use your voice. You may not think you have a platform or influence but you do. You have followers on social media where you can share information about the issues and causes you care about. You can raise money. You can ask questions, listen to, and share with those with different perspectives. All of this can be done without even getting off your couch. When you do get off the couch, you can use your literal voice to speak up in city council or school board meetings, or in town halls for your representative (you can call and email them too!). You can have a conversation with your crazy uncle about why you are not ok with his racist rants, conspiracy theories, or sexist jokes. You have opinions, and you have a voice. Share them.
FOUR: Do something. So you’re informed, you’re focused on your top issues, and you’re using your voice. Now you need to decide what action you are going to take. Maybe you’ve just started marching and that felt good. Maybe you thought it felt too overwhelming and you just watched. What are you going to do now? Volunteer for an organization doing the good work you are passionate about. Join a political campaign for a candidate you really believe in and make calls or go door-to-door (yes, elections happen more often than every 4 years). Maybe YOU are the candidate you are waiting for and you need to run for office. You should.
FIVE: Don’t skip on the self care. I’ve been there, ok? Throwing myself into the causes I believe in only to realize I have become completely depleted. Not only is self care important so that you can keep going toward your passions and causes, it’s also important because you’re a human being who deserves to be cared for – & actually NEEDS to be cared for. In a time when self care is seen as selfish, it can be a radical act. One of my favorite resources of all time on self care is available here: Rewriting the Rules.
SIX: Be a good person. BNever stop growing and learning. Be honest. Be someone you can be proud of. Show up when you say you will, reply to emails in a timely manner, be kind to people when you have nothing to gain, do good for the sake of doing good. Be there for your friends and your family. & don’t beat yourself up when you make a mistake because you’ll never be perfect.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
Ok my love, go out there and do it. I believe in you.
