Throughout my life, I have made many mistakes, but I wake up optimistic knowing that I have progressed because I have learned from them. This is the first lesson in success. But how do we measure success? I mean, Malcom X or Ceasr Chavez had no formal education. Bill Gates and Kanye West both dropped out of college and yet they all managed to become some of the most influential people in today’s society.
In acknowledging some of these rare gems, I learned that by following the status quo, people do well but by challenging it, they are remembered. Now, I say this not to promote a negative message, but to address that those who go beyond the status quo make a real impact. Not all of us will be daring or willing, but some of us will stop and ask questions, and take a new direction despite the mountains we may have to climb. In this reflection, I realized that taking risks despite the outcome is a level of success per se- because the first revolution starts within ourselves. Therefore, to be a true activist, you must begin with an active vision. Here is some of my insight in building such a discovery.
5 KEY TOOLS FOR THE BETA MAN IN ACTION
1. SPEAK UP and address the issue.
There is a giant elephant in the room, what do I do? Start with one of your trusted peers and work towards broadening your audience. Talk about a current issue that matters to you but is not discussed enough. The key here is to gain insight by being a non-judgmental listener and finding a genuine interest in what others have to say. By initiating the discussion, you test your influence, build your courage, gain new perspectives and discover the commonalities between us all that we most often keep to ourselves.
2. EDUCATE yourself before you take on the world.
Your thirst for knowledge should be endless. Begin by diversifying what you watch, the people you interact with and the material you read. The key here is to not rely on just one source of information. Be well informed about the issues that matter to people while aspiring to become a well-rounded individual. Know your history, know your audience, and learn from those who are superior.
3. STAND UP for what you believe in.
Bravery is not defined by the actions you take but by the moments from which you decide to take action. It takes one person to stop and help someone in need in order to get everyone’s attention. Leading by example is key. Start by changing some of your habits, making a list of personal values you can reference daily and ultimately dare to be different. Having tangible goals and being accountable for your actions sets a good foundation. However, one person cannot do everything alone and one person alone cannot change the world.
4. BUILD a solid network, a coalition, a movement.
There is no I in team and T.E.A.M means that Together Everyone Accomplishes More. Know that the issue, whatever it is, is greater than you. This is why a support group is key. However, networking alone will not get you anything but business cards, friends on facebook or numbers in your phone that you will eventually delete. Start by strengthening your relationships, connecting people who can benefit from each other and finding people you can call mentors. If you discover the commonalities that unite individuals you can bring communities together. Don’t forget, however, that in order to sustain a movement, we must respect and tolerate the views of others.
5. PUBLICIZE your message to reach a broader audience.
Don’t just YouTube it, brand it! Technology is great but you still need a strategy and endurance. Be creative, be direct, be explicit, be authentic and have fun. The key is to make a connection. People are busy, some people are apathetic, and college students tend to be broke. Do you see the picture? Apply what works best and what produces best results- make a best practices list. In addition, apply all the previous tools and make social change exciting, because all work and no play equals, stress, fatigue or inefficiency.
ADDITIONAL NUTS AND BOLTS
FOOD FOR THOUGHT- Quotes
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
RADIO AFRO-MEXICA- Music
B-Side Players
For over fifteen years, The B-Side Players have been known for fusing bilingual reggae, funk and cumbia with fierce political lyrics. Their message promotes the positive vibration of love, culture and unity. They have been influenced by such artists as: Bob Marley, The Fania All Stars, Hector Lavoe, WAR, Marvin Gay, James Brown
Cellfish by the B-Side Players
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvUFavvqz2A
Check out more about the B-Side Players at www.bsideplayers.com
SHOCK DOC- Films
South of the Border by Oliver Stone, 2010
There’s a revolution underway in South America, but most of the world doesn’t know it. Oliver Stone sets out on a road trip across five countries to explore the social and political movements as well as the mainstream media’s misperception of South America while interviewing seven of its elected presidents. In casual conversations with Presidents Hugo Chávez (Venezuela), Evo Morales (Bolivia), Lula da Silva (Brazil), Cristina Kirchner (Argentina), as well as her husband and ex-President Nėstor Kirchner, Fernando Lugo (Paraguay), Rafael Correa (Ecuador), and Raúl Castro (Cuba), Stone gains unprecedented access and sheds new light upon the exciting transformations in the region.
South of the Border theatrical trailer
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76IxxapAHQo
You can find out more information about the film at www.southoftheborderdoc.com
INSPIRATIONAL- Role Models
Ian Batista
President, United Neighborhood Centers of America
Trustee, Sigma Lambda Beta Educational Foundation
Working Towards: 1) The health and success of nonprofit community-based organizations. 2) The inclusion (social, financial, educational, economic) of all segments of the US population. 3) The connection of US residents to their greater global context. 4) Opportunities for the next generation of leaders of diverse backgrounds and youth.
Specialties: Community Building | Organizational Development | Community Development | Latin American Culture | Language, and Migration| Leadership Development| Youth Development
Photo of Maya Angelou found via Flickr.
No related posts.
