Sydney Helmuth

Tag: marketing

  • Turning Online Activism into Real Change

    Turning Online Activism into Real Change

    One of the most impactful changes to activism in the past few decades have been the prevalence of social media. According to a study conducted by the Pew Research Center, 73% of participants believe that access to social media and the internet has made them more informed about current events in their country and in others. Social media is a great tool that can be used for advocacy, but change most often happens beyond the screen. 

    Social media is a great tool to quickly mobilize people, amplify voices, and spread awareness. It is especially useful for young people. One of the best examples of this is the March for Our Lives movement. Started by students in the wake of the 2018 Parkland shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the movement perfectly encapsulates how online activism can spark a national conversation. But lasting change requires steps beyond the online space.

     March for Our Lives began to demand safer schools with strong gun laws. Using social media, the movement has grown out of Parkland and to thousands of students nationwide. But the impact has been felt far outside Instagram. March for Our Lives gained traction through viral videos, hashtags, and social campaigns. Now, they work in courts, on legislation, and through on-the-ground grassroots organizing to make real change. The group helped break youth voter turnout records in 2018, created a White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention under the Biden administration, and passed several gun reform laws in various states. Social media can help spread awareness and build solidarity, but it is only a starting point for tangible change.

    When seeking information online, it is crucial to be well-informed. The internet can be a cesspool of misinformation, and, if you are not careful, it can be easy to fall into a trap. Following credible sources, like NPR or AP News, can be helpful in making sure the information you consume online is accurate. Be cautious about misinformation—especially on social media. Fact-check what you read, and only share verified information. Staying informed strengthens your ability to advocate effectively.

    Real change happens with action. Here are a few ways you can make a difference in your community, beyond your screen.

    • Vote. It is the most powerful way to influence policy. 
    • Join local organizations. Get involved with groups that are working on what you are passionate about.
    • Contact your elected officials. Write, call, or meet with your representatives to make your voice heard. 
    • Volunteer. Help with events that align with your interests.

    Young people have the power to create real change. The March for Our Lives movement is a great example of how social media can help build a movement, but action is required beyond the internet. You can make an impact online and in person. 

  • Young People Can Be Seen and Be Heard with The Body Shop

    Young People Can Be Seen and Be Heard with The Body Shop

    Popular skincare brand The Body Shop is helping young people get involved with advocacy initiatives that matter to them. Founded in 1976, The Body Shop started because it believed that business could be a force for good. The company committed to its mission of selling ethically sourced, cruelty-free beauty products and has been a force for positive change in the cosmetic world ever since. One of the company’s major efforts outside of its products is the “Be Seen Be Heard” campaign. The campaign was a massive move for the business’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. 

    The Be Seen Be Heard campaign is a partnership between The Body Shop and the United Nations Human Rights Office. Together, they aim to advocate for “a future that recognizes young people’s political participation as a driving force for positive change.” Since its launch in 2022, both organizations have been dedicated to ensuring that young voices are heard and valued in the political process. 

    As part of the campaign, the Be Seen Be Heard report was released. The report includes findings from The Body Shop’s largest-ever survey, which was carried out in December 2021. The survey covered 26 countries and had 27,043 respondents, over half of whom were under age 30. The report highlights both formal and informal engagement in political participation as beneficial for a resilient democracy, emphasizing ways to encourage both. At its core, Be See Be Heard and the collaborative report released with the United Nations is a call to action for governments, institutions, and communities to listen to the next generation.

    The Body Shop’s campaign is critical right now. With the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health crises, and worsening climate change, young people are facing a tumultuous world. Many are passionate about these issues and further political advocacy, but they remain largely excluded from the political decision-making process. Be Seen Be Heard is dedicated to bridging this gap and ensuring that young people have the ability to make the change they seek. 

    The Body Shop has become more than a cosmetic marketplace. The business has turned its storefronts into more than retail spaces through its CSR efforts. They have become large hubs for encouraging activism and political participation. The company has hosted a variety of events, from hosting youth consultations to making advocacy toolkits. Additionally, The Body Shop has partnered with grassroots organizations, the United Nations, and policymakers to assist with their initiatives. One of their biggest goals is to lower the UK voting age to 16. They have partnered with the British Youth Council to campaign for this goal, arguing that young people are integral to the political system and are affected by many of the decisions being made in the government.

    To be part of the change, you can visit TheBodyShop.com. There you can find more information regarding their cruelty-free mission and products, and their dedication to political advocacy for young people. Be Seen Be Heard is a great example of a CSR initiative striving to help young people make change.