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Are you looking to get involved in activism in 2025? Bleak news getting you down and looking to take action? Or maybe it’s a New Year’s resolution you’re not certain how to get going with. 

Whatever your reason, this blog is a great place to start. 

I asked around activist friends, comrades and colleagues to get their top tips for people just starting to dip their toe into the world of activism. There’s nearly a hundred years of combined activist experience represented in this list, so hopefully you find some of it helpful!  

1. Join a group

This might seem obvious, but it’s the best way to begin. We need collective action, and working with others is the best way to fight for change. As Maddie from People & Planet says, “taking the first step and going along to an event or joining a meeting is the best place to start.” Turn up and get stuck in.  

There are so many existing groups that need new people, so start by finding out what’s going on your area, or look into groups organising online that you can join from anywhere (check out the People Power Network or get in touch if you’re struggling). There’s no need to go it alone!

a group of young people holding banners
Finding others to organise with is the best place to start

2. Take a friend

This tip comes from our oil and gas activist officer Freya, who recommends trying to take a pal along when you start going to meetings or events. Although you’ll soon get to know people in whichever group you join, it can feel less intimidating to have a familiar face with you at first. And as Freya says, “the movement needs more people anyway, and it keeps you accountable if you’re going to things with someone else.” 

An activist catering dream team

3. Realise it’s okay not to know things

This might be the most common tip I heard from the people I asked, and it’s a good one. No one starts out as a fully formed activist, and the best way to pick up knowledge and skills is to get stuck in and learn as you go – and in reality none of us ever stop learning.  

Our just transition organiser Scott says, “you may be surrounded by people who appear to know a lot and you might feel overwhelmed. So do try and learn about what has gone before, but also try and stay humble when you start feeling more confident, and indeed energised to do or lead on things. Because the truth is, all activists, groups and the movement are continuingly trying to work out what are the best ways to achieve climate and environmental justice for all.” 

And if you don’t know something, don’t be afraid to ask! 

There are always opportunities for learning together

4. Try new things to find your thing 

You might not be certain what you’ve got to offer to an activist group, but we’ve all got skills and abilities that are useful to the movement. You just need to give things a go. Researcher and movement historian Ric says, “think of a skill you have from somewhere else and offer it to the group, or think of a new skill you want to gain, and look for ways to do so.”  

Most of the time groups aren’t looking for an expert to do something perfectly, they just want it done! Tasks can be as simple as printing flyers, painting placards, sending emails, making a spreadsheet, or just taking notes. You can always ask for help or to buddy up with someone else to get something done. 

Turn up, volunteer for a task (or an action point as they’re often called in activist spaces) and give things a go. Eventually you’ll find your role. 

Perhaps giant paper mache sculptures could be your thing?

5. Get organised  

As J from Fossil Free Pride says, “buy a goddamn diary! A lot of organising is following through and doing what you say you’ll do. This means being in the right place at the right time, and not double booking yourself!” 

If you’re anything like me, sometimes all those action points you enthusiastically volunteered to do can fall straight out of your head as soon as you step out of the meeting or close the Zoom window. So whether it’s a physical diary, or using the calendar and to do list on your phone, it’s a good idea to find the right tools to help keep you organised. 

Depending on the type of group you’re involved with, you might want to be mindful of security and careful of exactly what you write down – but you can still find a way to keep track of your meeting dates and tasks. 

Definitely not trying to complete a last minute action point

6. Remember you’re part of a movement

The scale of problems like climate change can seem impossible, and leave us feeling like our activism isn’t making a difference – but it’s important to remember that you’re one part of a much bigger movement.  

Friends of the Earth Scotland’s movement building lead Kate says, “if you’ve recently deep-dived into an issue it can be really overwhelming, especially if you feel like you personally are responsible for solving every problem right now. This can lead to burn out, self sacrifice or a hero culture – none of which helps anyone. Learning about past movements is a good way to understand the context of the struggle and feel part of something bigger.” 

Big moments where we come together can help us feel more connected (Neil Hanna, 2023)

7. Don’t forget about fun and friends

And finally my top tip. It’s very easy to get bogged down when we’re confronting big, difficult, issues, and to feel like we need to be serious and focussed all the time.  But we’re all human, and if you’re in this for the long haul you need time for joy, connection and rest. 

That might look like grabbing a drink together after a meeting, taking time to celebrate small wins, organising socials, scheduling in regular rest and boundaries on your time – whatever it is you need to find balance to keep going. 

I can say for certain that the community I’ve built in the silly chatty moments painting banners, laughing at yet another ridiculous CEO tweet, or grabbing a hot drink before a chilly morning protest has been what has sustained me through nearly a decade of activism and organising.  

Hopefully you find these tips helpful as you start your own journey. Good luck! 

If you’re aged 16-30 and looking to get more involved in activism, learn new skills or connect with others check out Young Friends of the Earth Scotland. Our next weekend gathering will be 4-6th April 2025 in Pitlochry – save the date! Find us everywhere @yfoes