How to Think Like an Activist

Survive the Modern World

by Wendy Syfret

How to Think Like an Activist is the first step in your life as an activist.

Right now, we're experiencing a new chapter in the history of activism. The social, environmental, and political stakes are larger than ever. But so is the impact that we can have as individuals and as communities. To have a voice in society once meant power, money and, status. But now, with the rise of social media and the internet we all have the ability to defend the causes that matter most to us and reshape the world.

But during a time where everyone calls themselves an activist, what does the title actually mean? And how do you begin to make an impact on issues that feel so huge and overwhelming?

How to Think Like an Activist offers a space for budding activists to learn from the past and look to the future. A lot of talk around changing the world gets stuck in theory, but this is about action. From small daily commitments to larger ongoing projects, this book offers tangible ways to start building the world you want to live in—now.

Filled with inspirational quotes from past leaders, historical facts about important movements as well as daily protests, How to Think Like an Activist will help set you on the path to your new activist life.The Survive the Modern World series tackles the big subjects and issues we face today in a fun and digestible way. The tone is frank and chatty, but the content is comprehensive. This series is action all about taking action. Read these books to better yourself and the world around you.

Genres: Activism

144 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 7, 2021

About the author

Wendy Syfret is an award-winning Melbourne based writer, editor, and author of The Sunny Nihilist (Profile) and How to Think Like an Activist (Hardie Grant). She is currently serving as Editor in Chief at RIISE. Previously she was Managing editor of VICE Asia, Head of Editorial for VICE Australia, and Australian editor of pioneering fashion publication i-D. Her work regularly appears in the Guardian, Crikey, Frankie, and the Saturday Paper.

Reviews

[user6157979 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful book with really inspiring steps on how you can make realistic and meaningful change all written in an easy to understand and aesthetic layout.

As a young person in a world of uncertainty it gave me hope while still highlighting injustices both in the past and present. I also learnt a lot about previous groups that have made a massive difference in the continuing process to equality.

Would highly recommend if only to give you a different perspective in your day to day life and encourage research into how you can acknowledge injustice in your immediate community.

[Brianne W · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great little primer. I’m going to test an excerpt with students in introduction to gender & women’s studies this semester. It would also be great for classes on activism or for people interested in becoming and activist or understanding what it is we do. There are great interludes that serve as small “case studies” and the book is visually engaging. The author does a great job of noting things many people forget, such as accessibility needs and digital posting ethics.

[Worm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent enough starting point for those looking into activism.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Basics covered, def a must read.