So, You Missed The March. | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

So, You Missed The March.

You missed the very important march for the very important cause. Now what?

45
So, You Missed The March.
Beau Maysey, Photographer

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!



Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

The Unwritten Rules Of "Talking"

What is "talking?" How does one "talk?"

4706
girl holding phone
NYCPRGIRLS

Now that it seems “talking” is the new way to date, and will stay that way until another idiotic term is used to describe the people who can’t settle down and just date someone, I feel as if it’s time to go over the unwritten rules of “talking.”

Rule 1. Having feeling without feeling.

Keep Reading...Show less
The Stages of Having FOMO in College
iamthatgirl.com

Are you one of those people that gets super upset when you miss out on anything? Well, you may have FOMO, or fear of missing out. In college it’s not hard to experience FOMO every once in a while. You just love doing everything and anything, so hen you have to miss out on something it's the worst possible thing in your mind. Whether you’re sick, have to work, or have so much work to do you could cry – FOMO will hit you hard in college.

Keep Reading...Show less
Vivien Leigh
Revelist

I've lived a whole 21 years with an RBF (Resting Bitch Face), so naturally, I go through most of these struggles on a daily basis.

And before you ask, yes I'm fine. No, I'm not mad. This is just my face, so take it or leave it! To those of you who have been #blessed with an RBF, you'll probably relate to these more than you'd like to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Iconic Duos: Timeless Legends

From Luke and Leia to Beyonce's twins...

774785
Luke and Leia from Star Wars, a iconic duo
Lucasfilm

“Name a more iconic duo... I'll wait." OK, well, if you insist. In no particular order, here's a list of 100 iconic duos that seem to be timeless.

SEE MORE: This Is The ICONIC Disney Sidekick You Are To Your BFF, According To Your Zodiac Sign

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

A Candid Letter to My Best Friends Ex

Because this is the real form of torture you deserve.

1382
middle finger
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

What's up Asshat,

I've composed a list of things that I wish upon you, and they're harsh and cruel. These things are things that I wouldn't wish upon my worst of enemies, not even that Starbuck's barista who always screws up my order, not even him. You fall into a whole other category of hate. You surpass Starbucks barista. Congratulations, I'm actually a pretty nice person, making you worthy of every single bit of torture I wish upon you. What are these things I wish upon you you might ask?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments