Individual Activism

You Have the Power to Create Change - Advice for Individual Activists

Amnesty International began with one person's reaction to a story about a human rights violation. When British lawyer Peter Benenson heard about two Portuguese students who had been imprisoned for making a toast to freedom, he decided that in addition to telling government officials about how he felt, he should also tell his friends, his co-workers, and anyone else who would listen.

Just because you're working solo - for whatever reason - doesn't mean your voice won't be heard! Use this guide to help you develop your own personal brand of activism.

You Are Not an Island!

So you think you're an "individual" activist? Think again! Have you ever sat down and considered just how many people you are connected to? - from friends and family to colleagues and schoolmates, you are actually in the centre of a web of dozens of potential fellow activists.

Family and Friends

Most people have a huge network of family and friends who will be interested in hearing what interests you. Use holidays or family occasions to talk to your relatives about your human rights work. Get your friends to sign petitions or forward them action e-mails that you think they would be interested in. An excellent gift for the "person that has everything" is the Amnesty International Canada gift membership. It's a great way to support Amnesty, encourage a friend or family member to get active and give a thoughtful gift at the same time.

Faith Community

Start up a conversation with the appropriate leader(s) in your faith community about human rights and your work with Amnesty International. There are many ways that they can get involved. You can arrange for campaign material to be posted on bulletin boards or featured in newsletters or schedule guest speakers in to talk about human rights.

Workplace

Like your family and friends, your colleagues at work are probably interested in finding out what's important to you. Let them know that you're an activist and, if they're interested, keep them up-to-date on actions and events that they may be interested in. (For example, if you boss is a fan of classical music, be sure to tell her about the Amnesty benefit concert.) Some companies have workplace giving programs - check this out and any donations you may to Amnesty may be matched by your employer. Finally, depending on your work environment, there may be lots of action you can take at work. This could include leaving petitions or postcards in the lunch room or on bulletin boards, raising money through workplace donations or simply doing public awareness work by having Amnesty materials placed around the building. If you work in a coffee shop, ask if you can put Amnesty brochures by the cash desk or if you work at a library or bookstore, offer Amnesty bookmarks with the books. Use your imagination - your place of work (even if you're a high school student with a part-time job) can be a great opportunity to expand your activism.

School

Schools are one of the greatest environments for activists. High schools and campuses are hot spots of progressive activist action - and home to lots of energetic, young potential activists! Check out our range of pages on in-school activism like How To Start A YSP Group and Raise Awareness @ Your School. The possibilities are endless!

In Your Community

If you look at your everyday surroundings a little more closely, you'll notice that there are tonnes of opportunities to get active in the community. That bulletin board in the grocery store is the perfect home for Amnesty's latest poster. Your local library probably has counter space somewhere to display Amnesty's frontline brochure. Even little things, like wearing an Amnesty International t-shirt or adding a tag-line to your e-mail signature (eg. be the change - www.amnesty.ca) can bring huge results. Open your eyes, get creative and imagine the possibilities!

Resources for the Individual Activist

Use the internet to network with other young activists around the world! These are some great sites to help keep you active, connected and aware