What Activism Really Means

So recently I’ve been active with our local Planned Parenthood. I’ve felt the need to become an activist for quite some time. I knew that being a feminist was more than just spewing rhetoric on the evils of patriarchy. It’s about making a difference and fighting patriarchy on the front line. But as I become more experienced with activism, I’ve learned that it’s so much more than just fighting the good fight. Activism yields a certain quality of life.

Making new friends
I met some interesting people through activism. And I’m not using interesting in a derogatory sense. These people are truly interesting with a fascinating past. I’ve met a woman who worked at an abortion clinic, and a form NOW MO Chapter President. I’ve met a woman whose passion for feminism was only matched with her passion for Coca-Cola. And that’s only to name a few! As I talked with these women and listened to their stories, I couldn’t help but admire them. I felt the urge to capture their image on paper through writing so that they can be admired as well. It’s a privilege to have met and talked with these women, and I hope to do so again!

Making a Difference
My ENG 500 professor always encourages me when I tell her my ideas. "Good job! Keep fighting the good fight!" she’ll say as we end our conversation. I’d stammer a bit and finally thank her and mention that I will. I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t think I needed a pat on the back for my efforts. I was just doing what I had to do, right? What kind of feminist would I be if I didn’t practiced what I preached? The goals of Planned Parenthood were just too abstract to me. Petitioning, visibility, lobbying; this was all for the organization, nothing more. So of course I had no problem talking about my experiences at the Capitol at work this morning. I talked to a woman next to me while my student worked earnestly on her paper. Finally, after much diatribe of yesterday’s events, she asked me "So what exactly did you do?" Taken aback, I answered,"Well I lobbied." "You mean against those people with the signs who give you a hard time?" she questioned further. "No," I said. "I mean with our representatives. Like our legislators." A look of enlightenment swept her face and turned into repressed emotion. "Thank you," she said. I stuttered for moment and mumbled a thanks to her as I kept myself from being overwhelmed.

Now I understand activism. I’m not speaking for myself. I’m speaking for women. I spoke for her. I thank places like Planned Parenthood and NARAL and Faith Aloud who go through the trouble of setting up goals and organizing events so that volunteer efforts are more effective. I thank community organizers who are underpaid yet do their job anyway. And I thank everyone who volunteers and accomplish the goals set out by the groups and the organizers. Experiences with activism have become important to my life, and you can bet I’ll be doing more of it!