Activism

Activism: noun

a doctrine or practice that emphasizes direct vigorous action especially in support of or opposition to one side of a controversial issue (Webster Online Dictionary)someone who takes part in activities that are intended to achieve political or social change, especially someone who is a member of an organization (Macmillan Online Dictionary)the policy or action of using vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change (Oxford Dictionaries)
I am not an activist. By the above definitions, most of us are not activists. Sure we may have opinions about matters, and sure we may have ideas about how things can change, but for most of us, we never really go further than that.The key words in defining an activist are "direct action" and "change." It's not enough to spout opinions, real activists are those who take their opinions and turn them into actions. But merely doing actions is not enough unless they are done as a means to bring about change.
In my lifetime, I have come across a handful of people and organizations that embody the idea of activism:

The Blue Scholars: a hip hop group that actively gives back to the community through service projects, and who use their growing fame to shed light on issues that affect the working class and immigrant populations

Hope Through Health: a non-profit organization started by friends of mine in the Peace Corps that supports people living with AIDS in Togo

My sister: a mother of four (soon to be five), who organized a "Nurse-In" at a Cleveland Target store in response to a news article of a woman who was harassed for nursing in public at a Target store

While I may not always agree with how they do things, I do admire the work it takes for them to do what they do. The one common theme that I find in real activists is this: they don't do it for the glory. They do it because they see an issue that needs addressing. And they hope that their actions will result in some kind of positive change.

I would love to lead my life with more activism, but perhaps it's apathy that prevents me from getting passionate about any particular issue. I see a lot of injustice in this world, and sometimes I am moved to put my thoughts down on paper and publish it on this blog. But that's the extent of my activism. It's hard for me to muster the energy needed to follow through with an action more direct than writing. I don't know if it's enough. If only a handful of people read what I write, would it warrant any kind of change?
Perhaps it's enough to tally up the small things that I do, like giving a dollar to the homeless man on the side of the road, or buying a copy of "Real Change" from the guy in front of Whole Foods. Maybe my annual zakat (alms to the poor, an obligation of every Muslim) to whatever organization that I happen to choose is enough activism for the year. Maybe my stint in the Peace Corps absolves me from any future activism obligations. Even though I work for a non-profit organization, I am not any more self-less than the next person. At the end of the day, I do what I do to pay the bills.

I guess for now, the best I can do is try and be a good mother for my children, however way that may manifest itself. Perhaps that one small action can lead to a positive, though minimal, change in society.