“Slacktivism” is not a term you hear often.
Wikipedia defines it, simply, as a portmanteau of the words “slacker” and “activism.” Urban Dictionary puts it little more bluntly, describing it as the search for the “feel-good” feelings that come with useless social media campaigns instead of actually getting out in the field and helping to find a solution to an issue. Slacktivism is a major problem on college campuses and the world. From changing your Facebook profile picture to support a philanthropy or abstaining from purchasing gas for a day to “stand up” to big oil companies, slacktivism is a larger issue than the issues it tries to solve with lackluster itself. Riding on the coat tails of the Human Right Campaign’s successful social media campaign for marriage equality this past week, I couldn’t help but wonder if those changing their profile pictures to the now-famous red equal signs were doing anything for the LGBTQ community beyond claiming support on Facebook.
It came as no surprise to me the answer that I received was an overwhelming “no.”
As a student, it can be easy to believe that you don’t have a voice. This could not be further from the truth. As Ghandi once said, you need to be the change you wish to see in the world and that begins with putting yourself out in the field and actually making a difference beyond helping someone get 100,000 likes on a picture they posted on Facebook or wearing a plastic bracelet with a catchy phrase on it. There is no denying that social media is an amazing tool, but it can’t be your only tool. Find something you are passionate about, shut your laptop, and get out there and make an impact than can be felt beyond the constricts of cyberspace. Whether this means chartering a chapter of a national organization on campus or organizing a protest on the concourse, there is so much you can do to help spread information and promote your cause.
If you are looking to become involved in advocacy, there are numerous organizations on Auburn’s campus that give you the opportunity. While organizations are having their last meetings for the year and there is a comprehensive list of all organization on Auburn’s campus on AUInvolve, below I have listed a few organizations that I think are great platforms for any type of advocacy interests:
AU Dance Marathon
AU Habitat for Humanity
Best Buddies
College Democrats
College Libertarians
College Republicans
Committee of 19
IMPACT
Relay for Life
SPECTRUM Gay-Straight Alliance
For more organization, check out Auburn’s AUInvolve website!
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