As much as I can be a bit of a social media bull in a China shop, my most effective activism involves off the record chats at a tea shop in Mt Pleasant. I like to meet folks, in person, and tell them my concerns and listen to their stories.
Your presence can be so powerful. Being there, in person, talking to someone and looking them in the eyes, it's worth 50 emails.
It also allows companies and nonprofits to look like the good guys. It allows them to take ownership of positive change, and sometimes they might mention you, but not always. Regardless, people like to be able to be seen as the good guys.
It also allows them to avoid a social media call out. Even if they don't want to change, the fact that they're meeting you in person, and they know that you're having this meeting as an alternative to a public call out can influence them to change.
I know my everyone can do this, and that's legit, but it works for me, and it's really helped me pace myself as well. I'm not tied to my phone as much, waiting for the drama to progress. It could be good for folks who get anxiety tied to online activism.
Even when organizations take full credit, the networking is so powerful. They'll remember the way you helped them, and when they need a facilitator or a consultant for a paying gig, your name will come up.
I call it "tea girl activism." I know it's not for everyone, but it works amazing for me.
