Obstacle 6: Competing Priorities
Meet Hannah
Hannah’s journey into activism began when the Supreme Court struck down women’s right to abortion. A single mother living in a conservative state, she fretted for her daughter’s and her own reproductive health. But as much as she wanted to do something about it, she simply couldn’t figure out how.
Money was tight, and she often struggled to make ends meet. Hannah’s job was essential for providing for her daughter, but left her with little free time. The rest of her days were filled with childcare, school drop-offs, and bedtime stories. The idea of attending rallies, volunteering at community centers, or starting her own advocacy group seemed like a distant dream.
Late at night, after her daughter has gone to sleep, Hannah sits at her kitchen table with a cup of tea, poring over news articles and stories of activists making a difference. She yearned to be a part of that change, to show her daughter the importance of fighting for what’s right. But what if tossing another ball into her endless juggling act caused them all to come crashing down?
Solution
Take Small Actions
The forty-hour workweek, combined with family responsibilities and personal needs, leaves little room for people to participate in community activities or advocate for social causes.
Being active in social justice causes is supposed to be our right: a fundamental aspect of a balanced life and a healthy democracy. But in society today, it feels like a luxury many can’t afford.
We fight this by being active anyway.
Time, energy, and empathy are finite resources. But if you are creative and committed, you can still find ways to squeeze activism into your life.
Start by Being Strategic
Prioritize
Focus on causes and actions that are both deeply important to you and manageable within your current life.
Identify Your Skills
The more valuable and unique your skillset, the more flexibility you may have in how you contribute.
Conduct a Time Audit
Even fifteen minutes a day can become meaningful if used intentionally and consistently.
Low-Time, High-Impact Activism
Petitions and Calls
Platforms like Change.org and 5 Calls make it possible to engage politically in just a few minutes.
Micro-Donations
Small recurring donations, even just a few dollars, can collectively make an enormous difference.
Social Media Advocacy
A thoughtful, heartfelt post from someone normally too busy to speak up can resonate deeply with others.
Integrate Activism Into Daily Life
Hannah could listen to podcasts or watch documentaries while doing chores around the house.
She could join or create an online support network for politically engaged single mothers.
She could involve her daughter in age-appropriate activism, such as making protest signs together.
Activism does not require perfection.
Small actions, repeated consistently over time, can create real social change while also teaching the next generation the importance of civic engagement.
“You do not need endless free time to change the world. You simply need the courage to begin where you are.”