What is it?
It's when you take action to bring about change, usually in relation to a controversial issue as international as the war in Iraq or as local as the building of a new supermarket in your area. This action could be taking part in an organised rally, boycotting certain products (e.g. non-Fairtrade bananas), or writing to newspapers and politicians.
Factoid The UK's biggest ever demonstration was the anti Iraq-war march in London in 2003, attended by between 750,000 and 2 million people BBC News website
Don't just stand there...
- If you feel strongly about an international issue, do a web search to find any groups or charities that are campaigning around that issue.
- Whatever the issue, you can write to or email your MP. You will always get a reply.
- If it's a local issue, find out if there are any community groups already campaigning (via a web search or your local library).
- You could also consider starting a group at school or college.
- You can find out more ways to have your say via the links below.
What's legal...
In the UK you can pretty much say or do what you want, as long as it's within the law. So for example you can stand on a street corner protesting about the closure of a youth centre, but you can't grafitti your message on the wall behind you.
Written by Ali Cronin
Last updated February 2009
Further help and advice
- The British Youth Council: "Empowering young people in the UK to have a voice."
- Activist Network
- I'm a Councillor, Get me out of here!
- Find your local MP
- Activism.net: Loads of cool links
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