Balancing activism and academics?

SASHA

02 Dec 2024 • 4 min read

Being involved in activism is one of the most rewarding things I’ve done, but I’d be lying if I said balancing it with university and work isn’t a challenge. And some weeks it can feel genuinely impossible. Here are a few things I’ve learned about balancing activism with everything else in life.

When can I call myself an activist?

One of the questions I’ve wrestled with is when can I truly call myself an activist? The truth is, activism doesn’t have to look one specific way. It’s not defined by how many protests you’ve attended or how often you post on social media.

Activism can be quiet, like signing petitions, supporting someone through a tough time, or having conversations that challenge harmful ideas. It can also be loud, visible, and collective.

You’re an activist when you care enough to take action, however small, to create change. Don’t feel like you need permission or a specific title to start making a difference.

Finding balance and building skills

Balancing activism with everything else in life takes intentional effort, but it’s absolutely possible. Here are some practical tips to help you manage your time, build confidence, and strengthen key skills for activism:

Set your priorities, focus on 1–2 campaigns or initiatives at a time. This ensures you give your best to each cause without feeling spread too thin.
Use apps like Google Calendar or Notion to plan activism tasks around your studies or work. Block specific times for activism and stick to them.
Have hobbies outside activism. Watch silly TV shows, bake, draw, or spend time with friends. These moments are just as important as your work.
Boundaries are everything, they aren't just for relationships; they apply to all areas of life, including how we treat ourselves. Saying "no" to an extra task doesn’t make you less committed; it makes you human.
Practice sharing your ideas in smaller groups or with friends to build confidence before speaking in larger settings.
No matter how small, recognise your achievements. Each one is a step toward becoming a more confident activist.

Dealing with despair

It’s easy to feel hopeless when faced with so many big problems. What’s helped me is starting small, by focusing on what I know and what I can actually do. Trying to remind myself that even small actions can ripple out into something bigger. Some days, it’s okay to feel like you’re not making an impact. Sitting with that feeling is a part of it too.

Going back to the 'Why'

Whenever things get overwhelming, I remind myself why I’m doing this. For me, activism is about making sure no one feels alone and driving real change. That thought keeps me going on the tough days.

Everyone’s motivation will be different, but no less valuable. It could be a personal experience that inspired you, a cause that you deeply care about, or a belief in justice and equality. Whatever it is, your 'why' can guide you through the toughest moments, reminding you of the bigger picture and the impact your actions can have.

A graphic with the title 'Small Actions Matter' in the centre, surrounded by four points in speech bubbles stating: 1. Start the Conversation. 2. Stick to boycotts. 3. Sign a petition. 4. Volunteer (even if its irregular)

Ways to get involved

Activism isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up, doing what you can, and knowing that it all matters. And there's a whole network of other people out there dealing with the same things, online and next door!

If you’re looking to get involved or need support, send us a message or come along to any of events. Our weekly Sip and Socials are a great opportunity to connect with us and the SASHA space. For quick access to some of our resources and support links check out our LinkTree.

You can also check out these other societies:

HOMED - a volunteering society dedicated to tackling homelessness in Leeds.
Right to Walk - a women-led community aiming to making Leeds a safer city for everyone.
Conservation Volunteers - a group dedicated to environmental and social activism.
Rainbow Junktion - a food bank and cafe in Hyde Park (I volunteer there, its one of the best things I've done at uni).
If you are a University of Leeds student, the Volunteering Hub on MyCareer is a regularly updated resource with a range of opportunities!

Or if your looking for inspiration, these resources have helped me in the past:

What’s one small action you’ve taken recently that made a difference?

Something I did recently was challenge a friend on an issue. Challenging someone doesn’t mean arguing; it’s about presenting your thoughts on the topic while, most importantly, listening to theirs. It can take a lot of courage to challenge someone, especially a friend, but it’s important to hold ourselves and others accountable.

So, what about you? What’s one small action you’ve taken recently to make a difference? It could be signing a petition, sharing a resource, or having a meaningful conversation. No matter how small, it all adds up to create change.

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