I am an activist, someone who feels that we must fight injustice and help create a world where human rights are enjoyed by all. It may not sound like a controversial opinion, but in a world where it feels like human rights abuses are becoming the norm, I can often feel isolated and hopeless in that work… Who am I, just 1 person, how can I possibly make a difference when the problems are so big?
That is until I remember I’m not actually alone in this struggle… I am actually a member of a 7 million strong organization doing the work, day in and day out, advocating for a world where each of us can feel safe. When I reflect on this, the feelings of isolation and hopelessness fade and I can clearly remember all the times I actually have felt powerful in my activism:
- I felt powerful this year when activists and regular citizens across Ottawa-Gatineau sent hundreds of letters on Human Rights Day for our Write for Rights campaign.
- I felt powerful when volunteers across Ottawa-Gatineau and Canada contributed to the research and advocacy letter we wrote to Export Development Canada to protest their harmful investments in Colombia.
- I felt powerful reading Amnesty International Canada’s Strategic Plan for 2022-2030, knowing that vital values such as decolonization, anti-oppression, and intersectionality have officially been centered in our organization.
I cannot promise that the feelings of isolation and hopelessness will go away. That feeling of grief is natural in a world where fundamental human rights are not respected everywhere, at all times. I can promise however I will be at each Amnesty Ottawa-Gatineau meeting and I know I will walk away feeling motivated, grateful, and above all, not alone in my activism. I hope to see you there.
