Beyond Slacktivism
By Adrian Greenwood
During a conversation about leadership in the alternative/emerging church a friend said, “It’s more than meeting in a coffee shop, wearing a makepovertyhistory bracelet and swearing a bit.” Ministry and leadership are about true engagement with your spirituality and community. Having the appearance of doing good and actually doing good are different both offline and online.
Online technology streaming to the phone in our pockets has changed what it means to be connected. Activism, advocacy and organisation of events through social media often mean that knowledge of an issue ripples through multiple networks. Whilst the power and effectiveness of such a reach is fantastic and our ability to be aware of the options and issues amazing, as a leader in the Uniting Church it can have a down side.
The term ‘Slacktivism’, from the words ‘slacker’ and ‘activism’, refers to efforts that support a cause but in reality are just feel good exercises with little effect on the issue at hand. Support is simply affirmation of a good idea rather than having a strong engagement or following. Like the campaign bracelet without action, Facebook events are a good example with Not Attending = Not Attending, Maybe = Not Attending and Attending = I’m intending on attending but probably Not Attending.
While this sounds cynical, for years I have been convinced that people genuinely want to affirm and engage issues through these mediums. I have seen public engagement with local political and business representatives by grassroots communities effectively bring about change for the better, and we all have witnessed public policy and social justice advances when simple online engagement is combined with clear information and capacity to advocate.
As a member of the Uniting Church I have had the privilege of speaking about the connection between faith and action for many years. I have seen the passion of young people connect into a movement seeking ‘good news for the poor’. I regularly hear congregational members of all ages looking for simple but effective ways to help build a better world because of their faith, and I know people seek a clearer way to play a part in advocating a decent life for all.
Theologically our members are looking to play their part in the ‘Body of Christ’. 1 Cor 12-13 speaks of using our spiritual gifts for the common good. A modern rephrase may read: “Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all protestors? Are all advocates with access to the front bench of cabinet? No, but we all play our part for the common good.” We can help each other do this by raising our voices in support for those advocating for hope, justice and opportunity for all.
Why would Australian leaders listen to our advocates? The Uniting Church’s agencies and institutions have around 300,000 members while 1.3 million Australians claim an association. Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress has up to 15,000 members. Each week the UCA worships in 25 languages nationwide and employs 20,000 people. UnitingCare agencies employ around 35,000 staff and 24,000 volunteers and as the largest non-government provider of community service assists around 1.8 million Australians.
The Uniting Church has the experience, wisdom and capacity to advocate for the common good in Australia. We are well beyond slacktivism and I believe it’s time for us to wake this sleeping giant.
The term ‘Slacktivism’, from the words ‘slacker’ and ‘activism’, refers to efforts that support a cause but in reality are just feel good exercises with little effect on the issue at hand. Support is simply affirmation of a good idea rather than having a strong engagement or following. Like the campaign bracelet without action, Facebook events are a good example with Not Attending = Not Attending, Maybe = Not Attending and Attending = I’m intending on attending but probably Not Attending.
While this sounds cynical, for years I have been convinced that people genuinely want to affirm and engage issues through these mediums. I have seen public engagement with local political and business representatives by grassroots communities effectively bring about change for the better, and we all have witnessed public policy and social justice advances when simple online engagement is combined with clear information and capacity to advocate.
As a member of the Uniting Church I have had the privilege of speaking about the connection between faith and action for many years. I have seen the passion of young people connect into a movement seeking ‘good news for the poor’. I regularly hear congregational members of all ages looking for simple but effective ways to help build a better world because of their faith, and I know people seek a clearer way to play a part in advocating a decent life for all.
Theologically our members are looking to play their part in the ‘Body of Christ’. 1 Cor 12-13 speaks of using our spiritual gifts for the common good. A modern rephrase may read: “Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all protestors? Are all advocates with access to the front bench of cabinet? No, but we all play our part for the common good.” We can help each other do this by raising our voices in support for those advocating for hope, justice and opportunity for all.
Why would Australian leaders listen to our advocates? The Uniting Church’s agencies and institutions have around 300,000 members while 1.3 million Australians claim an association. Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress has up to 15,000 members. Each week the UCA worships in 25 languages nationwide and employs 20,000 people. UnitingCare agencies employ around 35,000 staff and 24,000 volunteers and as the largest non-government provider of community service assists around 1.8 million Australians.
The Uniting Church has the experience, wisdom and capacity to advocate for the common good in Australia. We are well beyond slacktivism and I believe it’s time for us to wake this sleeping giant.
Among other things, Adrian Greenwood runs More Praxis, an online community and resource for young adults who long for a more interconnected Christian spirituality of social action and theological reflection.
