Small Acts, Bigger Impact: What Is Microactivism?

Author: Paige Hughes

Originally Published: LinkedIn

A key reason I went freelance was to be able to stand by my values, which means taking more risks. Working for yourself is scary but empowering.

I am passionate about social and environmental change, and always have been. But I hold my hands up… I never engaged in the kind of activism I really wanted to.

I’ve spent my whole professional and personal life navigating a dilemma and watching others do it too.

You have a strong sense of justice. You want to advocate. You want to create change. But life happens, reality hits, bills have to be paid and you end up changing your plans, instead of changing the world. Dammit.

I know I’m not the only one who feels this way.

Many of us have had to adapt to our environments. We attempt to find the golden combo: what we’re good at, what the world needs and what pays. We dedicate our time to juggling this. It’s hard and most of the time, you can feel like you’re not doing enough.

I’ve realised that whilst I felt guilty and inauthentic for not doing more more more, I was doing small things which added up.

The term for this is Microactivism and my guess is, you’re already doing it.

What is Microactivism?

Activism is action taken to address social, political, environmental, cultural and economic issues.

Many of us will think of taking to the streets with placards. This is awesome, this is relevant, and sometimes, it is very necessary. However, it is equally just one of many ways to have an impact. There’s actually four key types of activists, that play different roles in change: citizens, rebels, change agents and reformers.

I see them on LinkedIn in some form or another every single day.

Microactivism can and is practiced by all of these roles.

Microactivism (Marichal, 2013) refers to small scale efforts at community building to support an issue. The research around this is linked to the rise in social media, which allows us to share information, mobilise quickly and build networks. We can advocate for change, and make it happen from our sofas.

With these foundations, on a societal level this has got a ball rolling. With access to insane amounts of information, and tools to act at our fingertips… we’re starting to change things.

Why is it relevant?

Because it’s inclusive, because it’s happening and because it works.

Organised campaigns challenge the norms, and subsequently change our behaviour. Half the people I know weren’t recycling 10 years ago. It’s becoming more socially acceptable to speak openly about sexuality. People have started to take a stand against fast fashion. I see more spaces with community gardens, and prayer rooms.

It takes time but the dominant narrative changes, and with it, our actions. Much of that behaviour change is Microactivism. We learn, we act, we encourage others to act, we act again. It builds up.

Microactivism is also important in regard to privilege, and accessibility.

Rebellious, loud and frontline activism is easier for some. Those who are white, cishet, or in established positions of power. Those who are not disabled or have a chronic illness, those who don’t have dependants, those who are very financially secure.

Some of us have more to lose.

Things aren’t perfect, far from it. There is an endless list of issues unresolved and in times of crisis, louder action is required. But by taking a small stand, we make a small difference, signal our values to others, and empower them to do the same.

There is hope.

Examples of Microactivism

If it is an act, or sometimes a non-act that has a positive social, environmental, political, cultural or economic impact… it is Microactivism.

Donating to a fundraiser. Resharing a campaign post, even if you can’t donate. Correcting the wrong use of pronouns. Standing by your values when nobody is looking. Calling out sexism, racism, transphobia, ableism and ageism. Writing to your MP. Knowing your neighbours. Not looking away from world news. Taking a break from world news for your wellbeing. Signing a petition. Sharing that petition. Recycling. Volunteering in any form. Not picking flowers. Voting. Reading. Raising emotionally intelligent children. Boycotting. Taking care of others. Art. Writing. Theatre. Buying from independents. Platforming causes. Talking about capitalism. Resisting fast fashion. Being kind to strangers. Using public transport.

Of course, it is possible to do more, and in ways that don’t take a lot of time, energy or money.

But if you’re doing even one of these… you’re doing good. We’re all just one person.

For organisations, it’s completely possible to build this into your work. Who says you need one big shiny project to have an impact? There’s so many small, but significant things you can do. But that’s another blog.

Maybe there is a future me, who is in a better position to rally and protest, maybe we all will be. Maybe our hand will be forced and we’ll have to be.

But until then, and even then… let’s remember regular and consistent actions add up to make the bigger picture. Not only that - they are key to standing by our values, they help us live authentically and often, find communities who feel the same.

If you wanted to learn more about Microactivism, check out this book by Omkari Williams.