Social Activist in Action

There are times when we have seen other people who have accomplished a huge feat, have attained a unique status or have miraculously overcame an atrocity against them and have reached a unanimous height in their life. It is then that we wonder: How did they get to do that? Another thing we may wonder to ourselves is: What did they do to get that role/position? A third option that one might wonder to themselves or discuss with another person is: What was it that made them think of that?

I am writing this hub in reflection of a security guard who works at the college I attend, asking me what I do and my response was: I'm a Community Activist and Advocate for several Human Rights causes, Community causes and a Follower of Christ, which helps me do all of these things. He responded in shock and with the phrase: "They still exist? I thought Activist's didn't exist anymore!" I felt elated and grateful once again that I am, who I have become. To help spread the word how one can start on the path of becoming a social activist, I've decided to create a how-to post on the subject. In order to be a Social Activist, one must be a good listener. This doesn't happen over night, it's a life lesson. Many of us decide to be a good listener as children, some as teens, others as young adults and if not by adulthood then it's a struggle within oneself to even think of the possibility of why it is beneficial to be a good listener. Heck! If one is lucky to be alive, because not being a good listener can get one killed and listening to the wrong influences in our lives can lead us down the wrong path.

For one to be seen as a social activist, one must also have developed superb skills of communication. It doesn't matter what avenue, all forms of communication should be good: Talking skills, Listening skills, Body language, Writing skills and the Actions in ones life. Another skill that needs to be developed is discipline. You know it, so STOP trying to hide from it. Practice makes perfect, remember? Prayer, Motivation, Meditation, Enhancing-Groups, fellowship, Read the Bible (Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastic, etc), Read inspiring books, Read a Self-help book. The point here is to get outside of yourself, Do stuff that involves your mind in a positive & motivational direction so that your mind and spirit can open up.

Another step that is very key in a social activists life, is that they know how to ask a question. Now, I know that there are some of you whose head just snapped, saying: "I know how to ask a question!!!" When the fact of the matter is: We never were taught how to actually act out 'Asking a Question.' More importantly, how to ask a question that deals with a stress-or issue. An example of this would be: Having a restaurant server act inappropriately and part of your meal is damaged (the salad has brown lettuce and the tri-tip steak is cold).

It's a no-brainer. So, here are the steps laid-out:

1. Have great Listening Skills
2. Have great Communication Skills
3. Be a Self-Disciplinarian
4. Enhance ones Questioning skills

These are some great starters, for the individual that is looking to get oneself groomed into a Social Activist.