Until recently, as an introvert, I have shied away from activism (political or otherwise). I certainly had concerns, interests, passions, and wanted to make a difference in the world. I needed and desired to have activism as a way to fill what Jonathon Fields calls my “contribution bucket”. Something all humans need to do in order to be fulfilled and authentic. If one does not add to their contribution bucket regularly, it deplete us at many levels: emotionally, physically and spiritual; we just aren’t fully human.
However, somehow I how felt that in the noisy world (and sometimes abrasive) or predominately extrovert voices that I just couldn’t be heard; especially since I am also gifted with being a HSP (highly sensitive person); as are 15 to 20% of the population. The busyness of most Extrovert environments and organizations focused on activism can be taxing to HSPs or Introverts.
So what’s a introvert to do? There are many resources and insights to explore and leverage, if you are inclined to participate in activism, or they can serve as a “consider taking the leap” nudge to Introverts.
The world needs more Introvert voices, we (fellow introverts – “verts”) need you. You have a unique and valuable voice that can contribute to the world and facilitate change. As introverts we are typically more reflective, deep thinkers, have high levels of curiosity, filled with “Aha” moments, and make great leaders. It might surprise most people how many of the world’s best leaders are yes “Introverts”. Why not join the tribe?
Resources and Insights:
- An Introvert’s Guide to Activism
- Activism Needs Introverts | Sarah Corbett | TEDxYouth@Bath
- How to be a Craftivist: The Art of Gentle Protest by Sarah Corbett
- Introverts as Activists
- The 5 R’s of Activism for Introverts
- How to Be an Activist if You’re an Introvert
- Can Introverts Help Heal the World?
- The Tender Activist—How Introverts, Empaths, Artists and other Sensitive Souls can Change the World
- An Introvert’s Guide to Activism
- Activism for Introverts and Highly Sensitive People
- An Introvert’s Guide to Being Politically Active: Protests
- How to Find Justice in a Pause
- Activism for Introverts
- Food for Thought, Fuel for Action
Activism Needs Introverts | Sarah Corbett | TEDxYouth@Bath
2 Comments
Bianca · October 7, 2019 at 10:43 pm
Quiet a hard mix but when I thought about it, I know lots of introverts who are also activists.
Keith Engelhardt · October 8, 2019 at 12:42 pm
I think that is true, since introverts are such deep thinkers. They often see issues that others don’t, and therefore may be motivated to be activists.