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READ MORE // The world right now is pretty overwhelming, and
sometimes it’s difficult to know how we can usefully contribute to
making change. If you’re unsure about jumping straight into the
action, take some time to get acquainted with what’s going on,
and where. We’re not exactly living in the golden age of newsprint,
but if it’s been a while since you picked up the physical version of
your local paper, it might be worth hunting one down and giving
it a read. Internet news is useful, but if you’re easily distracted,
you’ve probably experienced the web’s magical ability to become
a time-sucking sinkhole. Newspapers force you to go slow, and
when you’re reading something physical you’re less likely to be
distracted by a pop-up video asking you if you’d like two-for-one
tickets to SEXPO. Beyond newspapers, you might want to consider
reading longer form pieces that reflect on the history behind current
events. When it feels like the world’s literally imploding, it’s easy
to forget that many generations of people have dealt with political
nightmares before. If nothing else, historical accounts of activist
groups and biographies of political leaders make for some high-
quality motivational material.

START A CONVERSATION // Seemingly small moments can
become effective opportunities to create long-term social change,
and sometimes having a good chat with a friend can be equally,
if not more meaningful than spending your afternoon at a rally. A
classic scenario is the moment when you’re sitting around with
your family, and someone makes a passing (and horrifying) racist,
sexist, ableist or homophobic remark. In the nightmarishness
of the moment, it can be difficult to intervene in a way that feels
useful. Announcing that their comment’s not OK is a good first
step, but in a big group setting, it’s rare to get much further
without entering into a circle of aggression and defensiveness –
especially if there’s no one around to back you up. Though it’s hard
and almost always a bit awkward, try pulling the person aside in

a quiet moment to tell them why you felt uncomfortable with their

comments. Even the most frustratingly stubborn people can learn

to listen, especially if you’re willing to listen back. Need specific

tips on what to say and how? Good news: the internet’s full of

step-by-step ‘how to talk to your racist relative’ advice.

REACH OUT TO THE RIGHT PEOPLE // If you live anywhere in

Australia, you live inside a Federal Member of Parliament’s

‘electorate’. Amongst other things, it’s the member’s responsibility

to be a voice for the people they were elected to represent.

Politicians can be intimidating, but because they’re paid to act

on your behalf, it’s literally their job to listen to your concerns.

If something is bugging you about government policy – whether

that’s refugee policy or the way the government is treating senior

citizens – you’re entitled to complain. Find out your member’s

office address and send them a handwritten or typed-up letter.

Emails are a little easier for electorate offices to ignore, but they

can still be effective when sent en masse. Writing to a pollie can

feel like a small act, but when multiple electorate offices all start

getting emails about the same issues, it forces the government

and the opposition party to create a response and pay attention.

For a real-life, in-person conversation, drop into the electorate

office and ask to talk to a staffer. And if you live deep in the heart

of regional Australia, far away from your member’s office, there’s

always the option to jump on the phone.

VOLUNTEER // If you have a little more time on your hands, and

even the slightest interest in history, look into opportunities

to volunteer at a nearby community archive. Volunteer-run

organisations like the Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives collect

all sorts of material from Australia’s LGBTQ past and present, then

make sure it’s kept in good condition so it’s accessible to the public

and future generations. Archives are easy to overlook when you’re

the state of the world can be overwhelming, but

even the small things can make a difference.

WORDSSAM PRENDERGASTILLUSTRATIONSANJANA JAIN

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