Ways to Get Involved in Social Movements

Invest in the Future and Our Youth

There are many ways to get involved in social change that included starting a movement, working with the youth, and assisting public health could help contribute to an effective society for generation after generation. Social change is the gradual alteration of cultural norms, behavior patterns, and human interactions and relationships.

These modifications ultimately alter cultural and social institutions, ideas, and laws, which will unavoidably have a long-term effect on society. However, adjustments and alterations are significant, though not always for the better or worse. We might not perceive societal change right away because it can take years or even centuries of effort to bring about one shift. Strong communities and societies grow off of engagement.

One of the Most Important Steps to Starting Social Movements

Starting a movement is one of the most important steps in developing social change. Social movements are loosely structured but persistent campaigns in favor of a social cause. They are usually the enactment of or opposition to a change in the social order or values. Social movements are all basically collective even though their sizes vary.

This means that they arise from the more or less accidental meeting of individuals whose ties are not established by rules and processes but who merely share a similar perspective on society. Social movements are behind the most powerful changes around the world. From voting, political rights, civil rights, shifting policies, and enacting laws. Civic engagement is aligned with starting a movement because it is a way to be engaged with what is happening in the world through both political and non-political processes.

The Youth are Our Future Generations

Working with the youth helps the future generation. Youth involvement in the community fosters the development of compassionate citizens who may carry on the same job as adults. Youth who volunteer in their communities also grow leadership abilities, understand the value of assisting others, and get work experience.

There are so many benefits that come along with helping the youth such as increased self-esteem, self-discipline, involvement in the community, and provide youthful opportunities. Participating at youthful events could also provide the youth with information on what civic engagement is and why it is important. Rallying up your own personal youth organization could create more businesses and participants in your local community.

Assisting in public health efforts is a part of community change. Volunteering at your local COVID-19 testing stops could help work in the medical field with how much work needs to get done throughout the day. Public health saves our communities money, enhances our quality of life, supports child development, and lessens suffering by concentrating on community-wide preventive and general health.

Social Movements Benefit All

People must speak up in order to benefit the entire population, public health works to assure its welfare, ensure its safety, and protect it from environmental risks, the spread of infectious diseases, and other threats. It also works to ensure access to safe and effective healthcare. Community health is one of the many ways community engagement could continue to exist.

All in all, starting a movement, working with the youth, and assisting in public health efforts are one of the many ways to create a positive and impactful social change. There are plenty of social movements that people can join if they feel inept at starting one. For example, there is social justice activism or reform, revolutionary, reactionary, religious, and self-help movements.

Becoming part of a movement could make a lot of changes not only for your community but for the nation as well. Standing up against inequities and disparities is a way to help shed light on issues in your area. The youth of tomorrow deserve a better today. Together we can create a better world.

By Maranda Elliott
Edited by Sheena Robertson

Sources:

University of Minnesota: 21.3 Social Movements
The Chicago Reporter: Social movements
WBEZ: Meet 6 Activists Who Are Helping To Shape Chicago’s Movement For Racial Justice

Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Pedro Ribeiro Simões‘ Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Oxfam International’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License