Quote:
Originally Posted by Gennee
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I don't consider myself an activist but wrongs need to be corrected.
Gennee
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But you are taking action. That's what matters.
This is also something I've been ruminating on recently. The irony of being a quiet, shy activist. I was at a training a couple months ago where I was eager to get word to as many contacts as possible about the advocacy project I'm working on, and to make contact and find people to collaborate. So I ran all over at every break, introducing myself to everyone, asking for business cards, and emails, etc. On the second day I was having more of a sit down chat with a fellow trainee and I mentioned how hard certain things are for me because I'm so shy. He said:
"You're SHY?!?!?!"
Yep.
Ain't that odd? Shy activists.
But I also think that's good. We need all types. I don't intend ever to become un-shy, only to be more effective when I address what needs to be addressed.
If we use stepping stones, we can progress in our communication skills and self-regulatory skills until we can take on larger and larger projects, which are progressively further 'out there' in terms of visibility and immediacy. Working on local campaigns and community organizing has been incredibly empowering for me. I have developed a level of confidence I don't think I really knew existed before. It is still getting better. If we commit to doing something and we follow through, it changes us. That's key.