Slacktivism, a term combining "slacker" and "activism," describes a modern phenomenon where people support causes with minimal effort, commitment, or involvement, usually through digital platforms. This approach often involves low-effort actions that create the illusion of engagement but rarely result in significant real-world impact.
Slacktivism Explained
While
online actions like sharing information can raise awareness, they often don’t
lead to meaningful outcomes, such as donations, volunteering, or lobbying for
policy changes.
Maya, a TikTok content creator known as worldwideconversations, has a brief video explaining slacktivism and its potential negative impact on real causes. You can watch Maya's video here: https://www.tiktok.com/@worldwideconversations/video/6936629773514935558?_r=1&_t=8pCJoYAoJ4B
Slacktivism vs Digital Activism
Digital
activism is intentional and can help raise awareness about issues, sometimes
leading to real change. Slacktivism, however, often involves actions that make
people feel good without addressing the problem.
Tufts University has an article called "So Much for 'Slacktivism': Youth Translate Online Engagement to Offline Political Action." It shows how young people are moving away from slacktivism and getting involved in real, in-person activism. You can read the article here: https://circle.tufts.edu/latest-research/so-much-slacktivism-youth-translate-online-engagement-offline-political-action
What
are your thoughts on slacktivism? Share your views in the comments below!
Author's Note: The SPAN Youth Chat will return on September 25th. Thank you for your continuing support.
You're Invited to the SPAN Open House
Join us to tour our new offices, learn about SPAN programs, and view the SPAN Tree of Gratitude! Click here to learn more about the SPAN Tree of Gratitude Campaign
The SPAN Parent Advocacy Network invites our friends, families, partners, and affiliated organizations to an Open House at our new offices on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. During the open house, we will celebrate your support and commitment to our mission.
SPAN Program Directors will be on hand as you tour the offices to share information about the impact of each of SPAN’s Program Areas that are supported, in part, by donations from our community.
Light
refreshments will be served and our new SPAN Tree of Gratitude where donors are
recognized will be unveiled for the first time!
We look forward to meeting and talking with our supporters and partners. There is no cost to join us. Please RSVP here and let us know how many tickets you'll need.
Consider
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across New Jersey and beyond.
The SPAN Youth Advisory Council
The SPAN Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN) empowers families and informs professionals on children's development and education. Come to our information session to learn about joining our Youth Advisory Council and making a difference for youth with disabilities!
Event highlights:
- Date: Sept 24, 2024
- Time: 5:30 - 6:30 pm
- Location: Virtual
- Make a Difference: Share your thoughts on youth disability programs.
- Develop Skills: Gain leadership experience.
- Network: Connect with peers and professionals.
Register here: https://bit.ly/SPANadvisors
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Resources...
Link to SPAN's website: www.spanadvocacy.org
Link to SPAN's Youth in the Know Resource Page: Youth in the Know
We're here for you! Call SPAN if you need assistance: 1-800-654-7726.
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