This weekend, there was the March for Science. Before that was the Tax March, the Women's March, among others. Coming up soon will be the national Climate March. Whether or not you attended these protests, there will be a time, even for the most ardent progressive, when they'll have to miss an organized event of solidarity or social activism. Our lives are filled with decisions and priorities, and so this is only natural, as is the guilt that comes from missing out on supporting a cause. That is why we must remember that there are plenty of ways to be a part of the solution, beyond just marching when the time comes. I covered a variety of ways to affect change in everyday life in a previous article. Here, I aim to more specifically address methods of contributing to marches, rallies, and other events when you're destined to miss out on them.
1. Social media
An easy one. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, use any and all formats available, and in the real world, word of mouth or even pamphlets and fliers. The point is to bring attention to the march. Try seeing if you can hang up invitations where you live, work, and visit. Be proactive about this option, especially if you know far in advance that you won't be able to make it to the march. You might not be able to attend the event, but you can help inform potential other activists who can go themselves. If you don't have too many social media connections, or opportunities to hang posters, try wearing clothes or pins that give attention to the event.
2. IOU
Drop some money into the organization sponsoring the event, or other groups helping support the cause, but be careful that it goes to the cause itself if so. Usually, those dollars really do help cover expenses for the march and daily operations for the organization, which create attention in the community and funnel interest, resulting in more participants and funding. If you feel like you're not contributing enough to the cause as is, try creating a charity pot between your family, friends, or peers. In addition to money, these organizations may ask for other types of materials for their goals beyond money, like amenities for victims of natural disasters, or school supplies for children in impoverished neighborhoods.
3. Work to be done
Alternatively, find out other ways you can help the organization or cause involved with the protest besides going or helping fund it. When the marchers leave, there's still work to do, so see in what ways you can volunteer or attend meetings for the group. If you haven't the time to reach out, contribute individually- write and phone your representative, visit their office, and discuss the concerns with friends. Organizations and groups will be more than thrilled to have you contribute, and you'll feed good having helped in some way. Such experiences might even turn into internships down the road, and in general offer opportunities for you get further involved in activism.
4. Find a stand-in
Perhaps you might not be able to go the march, but that doesn't mean those around you aren't interested themselves. If you have an event coming up that conflicts with your schedule, ask family members or friends if they'd be willing to go in your place. Not all of your acquaintances are going to be invested in social issues and protesting, but you never know until you proposition them. You might even discover that the people you assumed were not interested in advocacy actually are. Meanwhile, you can introduce people to the thrill of marching and representing a cause. Try challenging yourself to find a whole group willing to go in your place. And take note of such people for later, when you are able to go to future marches. Leading me to my last point...
5. Go to future marches
As I said, they will be other protests. Don't let the guilt stop you from going to them. No one will be upset that you needed to take the time to finish work, or even to relax and enjoy yourself. Get out there and do what you can!
