Activism

Gandhi led a march towards salt mines.

There are situations when it’s necessary for certain policies to be changed, removed, or introduced to improve living conditions for sectors of the community. But people in authority may not want to pay attention to this situation, for one reason or another. To get them to act, vigorous campaigning is necessary.

Different forms of “vigorous campaigning” -  including circulation of petitions, a signature drive, social media campaigns, rallies, marches, etc. - may be generalized as “activism”

The objective of activism is to spark awareness, urgency, and immediate change. Activism often involves drawing attention to a problematic situation through disruptive ways of expressing dissent. Hopefully, more people will know more about the problem. Hopefully, people in authority may learn to care about it. Hopefully, policy-makers may be moved to provide a solution.

Activists can be peaceful. When the British Empire monopolized salt-making, Mahatma Gandhi led a non-violent march towards salt mines. His objectives was to show his fellow men - and the rest of the world - how unfair it is for one to be prevented from making his own salt in his own country. This sparked support for the eventual liberation of India. (But even non-violent action can be met with brutality. As each of Gandhi’s followers walked towards the salt-making plant, they were beaten by soldiers).

For Catholics who desire and work for the good of others, the way of pursuing change must be consistent with Jesus’ command to love God and fellow man. This means using only forms of activism that recognize human dignity and are non-violent.

Are the people you care for affected by unjust policies? Are the authorities paying attention to their situation? What form of activism is appropriate to get the policy-makers to act?