Showing out and Plugging In: Gainesville Edition

The quintessential Instagram graphic has reigned over social media politics for more than a year now, rearing its ugly head each time a current event becomes a trend. It’s something many of us are guilty of, even when we truly care about a subject. Of course, this comes from a source of social pressure to show that you have a conscience, that you’re on the right side — but let’s be honest, it’s doing the least. As much as social media facilitates a conversation, the most impactful actions occur after you’ve clicked “post” and logged off.

Political and social action aren’t limited to working on a campaign or interning for a county official; there are endless ways to show out for the causes you feel passionate about, whether it’s working on the community garden or designing flyers for a local fundraiser.

The first step, and often the hardest, is determining what you want to dedicate yourself to. The issues we see amplified on social media are comfortably accessible, but it’s important to take a look around. Notice what’s happening in your community within and outside of your own demographic.

(Not so) luckily for us, Gainesville faces a plethora of political issues that have spawned the many organizations dedicated to mitigating them. With the reappearance of countless pop culture trends from the sixties, I vote we bring back the wave of impassioned student activists. Whether or not you’re hoping to be one of them, here are just a few change-makers in the area to investigate.

Civic Media Center

Location: 433 S Main St, Gainesville, FL 32601

The Civic Media Center is a library, reading space and center for mutual aid wrapped up into one rustic room. Old books clutter the shelves and desks, radical periodicals get their own exhibits, and stacks of raunchy ‘zines reach the ceiling. It’s a place for knowledge as much as it is for action, which go hand in hand.

There’s a sea of initiatives to plug in to, like free grocery store events and book packing for people who are incarcerated in Gainesville. The Civic Media Center’s emphasis on inclusivity and a judgment-free atmosphere makes for a wonderful place to begin your journey toward political awareness and activism without the fear of pressing, pretentious comments from self-described “veterans of the movement.”

We Are Neutral

An environmental nonprofit, We Are Neutral makes its impact through promoting a healthier planet by working with local people and businesses to reduce their carbon footprints. They take volunteers and interns to aid in projects involving research on the renewable energy industry, environmental education, and more — better yet, they deem them “Earth Warriors.” Even if the threat of imminent death in the next 30 years wasn’t enough to join in, that designation makes up for it.

Alachua County Labor Coalition (ACLC)

Location: 235 S Main St, Gainesville, FL 32601

The ACLC is a grassroots organization dedicated to amplifying the voices of the working class and marginalized within Gainesville. It’s home to various initiatives (though is centered on labor rights), from committees for affordable housing to legislative pushes toward criminal justice reform. Active and overflowing with issues to address, the ACLC doesn’t make it hard for people to join in on the efforts; just head to their website and explore!

Don’t let the fear of something new stop you from takinf action. Recently joining the advocacy scene is just evidence of a fight against ignorance and a hope to change. If you feel you’ve exhausted your choices (which extend far past the handful mentioned above), there’s always the option to start your own. It’s a daunting task, but you may just come out a better person (and girl boss).

Get inspired by reaching out to other nonprofits, organizing centers, or individuals who have spearheaded change, even if it's just to ask how they got started. These days, everyone’s accessible by email. Either way, contributing to the movement isn’t defined by a single action; it’s continuous and repeated efforts, even if they’re far and few in between. Regardless of whether you’re unmotivated by the movement in a month or giving a speech to Congress in a year, the only thing worse than trying and failing is apathy.

Strike Out,

Writer: Laura Tamayo

Editor: AJ Bafer

Graphics: Chloe Girod

Gainesville