I have personally been an activist since I was a child – particularly in the way of human rights and humanitarian efforts. The psychology underlying both activist temperaments and apathetic temperaments has always intrigued me. I’ve done much reading and studying around this particular topic.
It has become a cliché that people are apathetic, but in reality, digital technology and social media have made it easier than ever before to raise awareness of injustice and to organize action to address it. With so many causes and protests out there, what makes people join a change movement and move beyond ‘clicktivism’?
Connection
People crave being part of a community, connecting to an idea or a cause that’s bigger than themselves. Social movements provide a real-world version of social media communities, where people can join together in person. It’s even better if your message embraces a universal concept, like the founding principles of everyone being born equal or access to clean water.
Real world chapters and activities are more successful than an internet petition at keeping supporters engaged in the long term.
Action
People also want to do something in response to a problem. The torrent of bad news that’s now available twenty-four hours a day can lead to a feeling of hopelessness and powerlessness. The right social movement can provide an outlet for people to act in more tangible and personal ways than signing a petition or donating money. Awareness raising through fun runs, activities such as tree-planting, or beach cleanups, give people a personal investment in the program.
Give people information kits so they can become ambassadors for your cause.
Personal statements
People like being seen to be part of the group. Social media challenges, cause-themed photo frames for social media profiles, wearing cause-related merchandise like colored ribbons for particular lobby groups, badges, bracelets, and t-shirts signal their commitment to their cause and connect them to like-minded people.
Try to make your cause immune to fashion by developing small, specific campaigns that relate to your big mission.
Cementing the connection
Nonprofits and cause movements often notice a surge of participation that over time drops off. People at the start might be enthusiastic but then lose interest or find another objective to support. To get a change movement to take off, you need to engage people beyond your initial message.
In short, there has to be something in it for them to maintain their commitment. That’s why activity-based campaigns are successful. People like to participate in a fun run, marathon or endurance challenge and at the same time make it a way of supporting a good cause.
Make it easy and fun for people to support your cause, give them the information to become influencers themselves and win more followers for your movement.
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