Personal Climate Choices . . . for the Introvert in all of us

       If you’re going to do more about climate change it’s always made sense to me to start with yourself. (Check out my idea of a climate selfie.) It’s only been recently, though, that I realized this is something introverts are pretty good at – taking stock of where you’re at before making changes. It may be that when it comes to climate change, maybe we can all benefit from being more introverted.

Consistency

Help comes from Omkari Williams’ new book – Microactivism. Without actually mentioning introverts, her ideas about activists are useful for those wanting to help with climate change from behind the scenes.

First, she underlines the importance of finding a consistent action, regardless of how tiny it is. Folk who are sticking to private actions, like how you recycle or your everyday consumer choices, build their actions into a routine that automatically supports consistency.  

Being an activist means that you are someone who takes consistent action, whether you are front and center or behind the scenes, to advance a cause you are passionate about.  ~Omkari Williams

Your Own Style, Your Own Terms

Then, her four types of activists offer plenty of options for introverts who are willing to connect with a group on their own terms. She describes four patterns, three of which are people staying in the background of organizations (Indispensibles, Producers, Organizers). Only the fourth type – Headliner – is out in public.

 The internet means you’re no longer limited to actual scheduled meetings ‘in real life’. You choose how to share information and donate your time, energy, and of course, money. Her chapter on affiliating with others to work toward a shared goal (Find Your Community) invites exploring. Even though her examples tend toward an extraverted style, they can spark creative ways to affiliate with others at a distance. Using your own reading and online sources, low commitment zoom events, and joining with just one or two others can support the consistency of your “micro” actions.

What You Care About

Williams’ definition also includes being guided by what you’re passionate about. Knowing why you care about climate change adds depth to any micro actions you take. She calls  attention to how your own identity and integrity can help you define what you stand for and stand against.

  For those who want to explore how to zero in on those passions, take a look at my thoughts on balancing feelings and intentions when facing climate change.

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