I don't know what else to call it. Like, maybe the ACLU or the NAACP or something like that. A group that goes out, protests, fights for people. Or the environment, like Sea Shepherd does for sea critters. I want to join something. I'm sick of sitting here feeling like I can't do anything. I've been signing petitions online, but I want to do something more concrete than that.

I'm planning on going to DC on April 27th, for the climate change march, and I'd like to have a group to go with, a nice big group of backup, lol. Never mind that I have sociophobia and this is kind of terrifying to me. I have to do something and at the very least, I need someone or several someones to do this with.

So.

What group are you with? How did you join? Do you like it? Tell me what you do with them? Are you going to the climate change march? Want to go with? Meet up? Etc?

I'm an introvert, so I wouldn't join any of these activist groups. I don't even know what groups we have in Canada xD Hell, I don't even go to parades. We only have two in my city. The LGTBQ and the Santa Clause parade, which sucks.

Anyway, if I was in the States, I'd go with you, just for the sake of keeping you company lol

I get involved in some activism from time to time (such as starting petitions, giving speeches, etc.), but have never been to anything like a protest. A few of my friends took part in the women's march recently (in London) and even though I've not been directly involved in the recent protests like many others have, I've felt glad that people are going out there and doing it, and can definitely respect and support that.

It's funny how the world could have completely fallen apart in the past couple of weeks and yet, if anything, people seem to have actually been brought closer together. There's still good in the world. ;)

As I said, I don't have first hand experience of this, but to everyone who is considering attending the climate change march (or any other protest in the near future), this might be helpful: https://matadornetwork.com/goods/essential-packing-list-for-protesters/

There's a possibility I might follow my mum's footsteps and join one at some point, but I'm not 100% sure.

I once considered joining MSF (better known as Doctors Without Borders in English-speaking countries) after I pass the physician licensure exams (I'm still in my second year of medical school, so that's still far away from now,) but I realised that my country has a huge shortage of healthcare workers. Many of them work in other countries to give their families a better life. My mum is encouraging me to do the same, but I want to return to my home country after saving up a bit to give back to others even more.

Most of my socio-civic involvement isn't with groups that hold rallies or protests, but rather, organisations that provide healthcare services to those who need it most. I have participated in three medical missions and two surgical missions. (I'm not American, so they're probably known by a different term there, but it's basically events where free medical/surgical services + medications are given to specific locales.) It's very fulfilling to be part of the organisation - I've finally found a group of people where I feel a sense of belonging, bound by similar principles and a desire to serve others.

I've joined "awareness walks" before, all for health awareness. The last one I participated in was a walk for meningococcemia vaccination, though I also want to join events for cancer awareness and mental health laws.

I plan to help with the founding of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network's chapter for my metro area. We need it bad here. I'm diagnosed as high functioning Asperger's Syndrome and I'm proud. I'm just fine, there is nothing wrong with me, there is no cure, and I don't need one. Acceptance matters! <3

Last week I went to a No DAPL/No Keystone rally that was incredibly inspiring and unifying. They had native drumming and prayer, powerful speakers, petitions to sign and actions to take. They talked about upcoming events including the march on DC which I really wish I could attend. I have a lot of animals in my care so travel is next to impossible but I'll continue to be involved in local events and stay active however I can. I've been a member of a local "Voices for Animals" group for years so protests and demos are nothing new but it's awe-inspiring to see how many people are standing up and speaking out on issues that matter now. It gives me hope.