THE CONVERSATION STARTER
You engage in the meaningful exchange of ideas with other people. You have no problem chatting to people you don’t agree with. People come to you to learn about issues because you are a great listener but you’re also bursting with reliable intel.
Your superpowers:
- Empathy
- Respect
- Storytelling
THE ORGANISER
You know exactly how to make things happen. You’re practical. You know that all the work you do behind the scenes is the real driver of change. Because social change doesn’t happen on its own. You need a process and a plan.
Your superpowers:
- Strategy
- Problem solving
- Organisation
MY LIFE AS A… ORGANISER
Emma is a Community Building Social Justice advocate from the UK.
“I study revolutions in history and it’s clear to me that the only successful revolutions always started with grassroots activism. Last year, at the Black Lives Matter protest I was inspired by how many people I didn’t expect came out in support. For some people, issues like climate change can feel too ‘big’ so I start local but with a global outlook. I organise repair workshops in my local town hall to get people thinking about sustainable living.
Anyone can do social media activism, but sometimes the hard work - engaging the community, getting people on board has to happen on the ground. I want to change the system. I think political systems can be messy but they work, that’s why I am pursuing a career in politics. I think we have to work within the systems we’ve got and get organised.”
THE KNOWLEDGE BUILDER
You spend your time engaging with the world around you, what injustices are occurring and what can be done about it. Your understanding of how everything fits together contributes to your credibility as a conversation starter.
Your superpowers:
- Growth mindset
- Fact-finding
- Attention to detail
MY LIFE AS A… KNOWLEDGE BUILDER
Fatima is a climate justice advocate from France.
“It is my mission to advocate for The Global South. It is the area most impacted by climate change, but it’s frustrating to me that the issues are always discussed in the West. We talk about smart cars, but all the mining for the parts for those cars is done in low income countries. Who is talking about that?
It goes both ways too. I’m from Niger and, when I go back to speak to farmers, many of them don’t realise their ruined crops are a result of climate change. The more knowledge you build, the better you can share it and rally people around the cause. It’s the only way to bring underrepresented groups into the climate justice movement.
It saddens me to say this, but as a black, African, Hijabi woman living in France, I know that before I open my mouth people have prejudices. I have forced myself to become a knowledge builder so that people take me seriously.
Movements always start with a gut instinct, a feeling that something is wrong, but we need to persuade powerful people to change their minds. To really speak truth to power you need the knowledge.”
THE QUIET PRACTITIONER
You may not be the noisiest activist, but you like to lead by example. Whether you are living sustainably or avoiding fast fashion, you understand the power of a conscious choice. You live your values. You think about how you live and what it means for wider society and explore creative ways to contribute. You know your daily practises contribute to something much bigger.
Your superpowers:
- Morals
- Accountability
- Taking action
MY LIFE AS A… QUIET PRACTITIONER
Caitlin Newago is an indigenous rights activist from Wisconsin, US.
“I am from the Ojibwe tribe, south shores of Gitchi Gami (Lake Superior). Right now my tribe is protesting the drilling of a new oil pipeline on our native land. This is a sensitive issue because there is a dark history of oil pipelines threatening indigenous ways of life and poisoning the environment. Indigenous people face police brutality, discrimination and constant threats to their food sovereignty. It can be traumatic dealing with these issues on your doorstep.
It’s crazy to me that there are people in America right now who don’t know indigenous people still exist. But I have a chronic illness that prevents me from being on the front line. Instead I live my values and raise awareness for issues that affect my people in my own way. I see it as my duty to keep the Ojibwe language and traditions alive. I have even written a little dictionary of the Ojibwe language. I practise our rituals with my son, we pray and smudge together. I incorporate beautiful Ojibwe floral designs into my art using historical methods like birch bark and porcupine quills.”
THE MARCHER
You thrive in a group environment and love to show up with people who share your values for what you believe in. Marching, strikes, protests, you’ll do whatever you can to raise the profile on an issue.
Your superpowers:
- Inspiring others
- Accountability
- Making connections
- Reaching out
THE FRONTLINER
When you take the lead, people get behind you. You are the leader. The initiator. When you see an injustice you stand up and tackle it head on.
Your superpowers:
- Tenacity
- Courage
- Social Awareness
- Leadership
More about our campaign
WELCOME TO ACTIVISM HQ
We’re a brand that fights social and environmental injustice. We want to change the system. Read more about our activism team and what we do.