Getting Paid to Be an Activist

Activists are often the first to call attention to injustices and work to change them. Whether they’re calling for tougher emissions standards, halting human trafficking, or fighting against racism, activists do the hard work of lobbying, research, and civic engagement. While it’s common to think of activism as a long-term project, it’s often more effective to act quickly and decisively to push forward progress on a particular issue.

Getting paid to be an activist may seem counterintuitive, but it’s not impossible. If you’re an ambitious person who’s ready to do the heavy lifting, it’s worth checking out some of the organizations that specialize in social change work.

Join a group that supports your cause, and volunteer as much as you can. These groups can range from student clubs to national organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union or the National Organizers Alliance.

Donate money and supplies to an organization that’s working for your cause. This will give you a chance to get to know the people behind the cause and support them in their work.

Reach out to family and friends, and share the literature and information you’ve collected about your cause. Especially if you’re new to the field, it can be helpful to have others who understand what you’re doing in your corner.

Build a support network that will help you through tense times, like protests or violent situations. This can be crucial to your survival and the safety of the movement as a whole.

Read as much as you can about your chosen cause, and take classes if necessary to learn more. The knowledge that you gain will inform your activism and prevent you from causing harm. It also will help you make informed decisions about what to do next and where to turn for advice.

Consider a career as a human rights activist

A career as a human rights activist is an excellent way to make an impact in your community and in the world at large. However, it’s important to know that this field is often very physically and emotionally draining. This can lead to burnout, so you need to be able to manage your stress effectively and have a support system in place to keep you on track.

If you’re interested in a human rights activist career, you should have at least a bachelor’s degree in any subject related to human rights or a related discipline. It’s also a good idea to seek out hands-on experience in the field through volunteering and internships.

Earnings for a human rights activist can be high, with an average salary of $88,500 according to ZipRecruiter. But it’s important to remember that these salaries are based on a number of factors, including skill level, years of experience and location.

Don’t let any organization make you feel like you’re giving up your morals or ethics in exchange for a higher income. Even though some organizations do their best to treat their workers fairly, they can still abuse your position and your work, and you should never accept a job with an abusive employer no matter how good the opportunity.