What is a protest? Most know it as taking to the streets with your community to advocate for human rights or other global issues. It includes holding up handmade signs and chanting empowering sayings that draw the attention of onlookers, spreading the message until it reaches our leaders directly: the same leaders who have failed to protect us and let their power-hungry greed consume them to the point they forgot how important maintaining basic respect is. It’s because of these factors that we fight to begin with. 

That’s not all protesting is, though. It also takes the form of boycotting big corporations, hurting them right in their pockets to show they can’t get away with supporting things that harm humanity. The official BDS website is a great tool to use when it comes to learning about where to disinvest and why. 

Instead of funding those companies, donate to the charities that fund actual resources that help people worldwide. This can include medical groups created to support the communities affected most, such as Doctors Without Borders. Or give money to multiple gofundme pages, providing aid to whomever you choose. This can include people who’ve lost or been forced out of their homes, poorer families who need food and supplies, etc. Select whichever ones align with your values and what you believe. The smallest amount makes a big difference for them

If you can’t give anything or go to physical rallies, share resources online for people across social media platforms. It won’t be easy as the owners try to silence you, though it’s still possible. Sharing the voices of those affected encourages the spread of crucial information, educating the unaware and forcing them to become uncomfortable as they witness what’s happening. Not everyone will agree, but it’s important to do your part and share this history.

You could also call your representatives to demand change. Let’s fill their inboxes with messages that force them to reflect on where they failed and what they must do to fix it. As the officials we elected to office, it’s our job to hold them accountable for the promises they made and the progress we want to see. Attend virtual meetings whenever you want to get involved, but can’t physically be present or handle larger crowds at in-person events.

One final thing we can do as an impactful protest is to live our lives authentically, unapologetic about who we are in a world where others shun anything less or more than normal. Choosing to live freely and boldly while people try to shut you out is powerful. It doesn’t mean wallowing in ignorance, of course, but rather not being afraid to embrace your vulnerability. Those differences are what make us unique and keep the world interesting as it spins. Show others that you’re still here to fight for what’s right, even when you’re fighting alone. That is the greatest kind of civil disobedience.

These methods demonstrate what a protest is. They come together like pieces of a puzzle to form a beautiful picture of hope and determination. By doing your part and helping however you can, we’ll make the world better, showing those suffering that they aren’t alone. So, choose your course of action and take a stand. It’s better to do something than to do nothing at all.

Editor: Shannon Hensley