Solidarity Steps: A guide to student activism

Start small

It is undeniably overwhelming to consider the sheer scale of ongoing injustice – both at home and away. But small actions contribute to big movements and it’s okay to ease yourself in. Attend a protest, write to your MSP, commit to a boycott. Look to others with more experience to help you with these first steps. Afterall, building confidence takes time.

Team up 

Taking those first steps can be daunting – especially on your own. Bringing a friend along to that first meeting or protest can be helpful but, if that’s not an option, don’t worry: organisers are well-accustomed to welcoming newbies and making that first introduction. Standing in solidarity with others is also a great way to connect with like-minded people. Your university will likely have groups dedicated to specific movements – from abortion rights to climate justice – but it’s also great to look outwith the university bubble. For instance, each week, international mutual aid project Food Not Bombs (with branches in Edinburgh’s Leith and Glasgow’s Govanhill, amongst others) prepares and shares free food in the local community. Enjoy a hearty meal, get involved, and make a friend or two, while you’re at it. 

Follow your interests

While all struggles are interconnected, focusing on a particular movement or campaign can be helpful. As Lucy Grieves, Co-Founder of student-led campaign group Back Off Scotland, tells us; “Sometimes at university, it can be hard to see how you may apply what you learn to the ‘real world’ but this is a great time to find out what interests you and let that lead what you do next.” Your studies can live beyond the library. Likewise, activism is also an opportunity to pursue your passions which don’t fit too neatly into your degree. Guerilla gardening, anyone?

Get creative

Remember: art is political and activism isn’t limited to petitions and placards. Attending activist-led arts events can broaden your world view and nurture your day-to-day activism. Check out Art Workers for Palestine Scotland. As well as lobbying Scotland-based arts organisations, they also regularly host workshops – reading, writing, embroidery – which centre around Palestinian solidarity. Meanwhile, this autumn also sees the return of Take One Action, a film festival which celebrates the power of film to unite communities and create real change. You’ll be hard pressed to leave such events without a renewed sense of hope. 

Think local

Activism is closer to home than you think and showing up for your community often means showing up with your community. Take Living Rent – Scotland’s tenant and community union. Rooted in working class struggle, Living Rent believes that power belongs with the people. If you’re personally navigating the ever-nightmarish state of landlordism, this is the union to turn to. Monthly meetings are a great way to ease yourself in, with branches in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Dundee. Strike up a conversation with your neighbour while you’re there, in case you ever find yourself needing a cup of sugar. 

Spend wisely

Don’t forget the weight of your own spending power. Keep up to date with the BDS Movement and consider joining the weekly global economic strike, led by the Humanti Project. If it’s possible in your current financial situation, donating to mutual aid crowdfunders is likewise a great way to directly support communities. 

Know your rights

With increased police powers and legal scrutiny, protest can bring its risks – especially for marginalised communities. It’s worth familiarising yourself with the good folk over at Scottish Community & Activist Legal Project (SCALP), a collective which offers legal support and challenges police abuse. In addition to a number of in-depth online resources, SCALP runs workshops and training sessions; in particular, their Know Your Rights training is a brilliant place to start. You’ll also catch them at protests, providing on-hand support in case of arrest. Knowing who to turn to is crucial in looking out for those around you.

Take care

It’s a tough time to be a person in the world – and it’s easy to feel disheartened. Thankfully, you’re not alone. Connect with Glasgow-based Exhale Group, which creates safe spaces for QTIPOC+. Or, find solace in the stacked shelves of Lighthouse, Edinburgh’s radical bookshop. Perhaps, simply, spend time with your loved ones. Take care of yourself and others – and let them take care of you too.