Become an activist or advocate of something you BELIEVE in

Before I started writing this post, I Google'd the online definitions of both advocate and activist. It is evident that they are depicted completely opposite of each other and one is seen as being a positive movement while the other one is negative.

As seen in the images section of Google, an advocate is someone who uses their voice in a process of dialogue, exchange of ideas and negotiation of a topic, whereas activism is depicted as the more radical and extreme process of forcing dialogue and negotiation. Whichever one you choose to do or associate with, just make sure it's for a good cause!

The purpose of my post today is to motivate you to become either an advocate or an activist of something you truly believe in and of something in need of serious change. Whether you decide to use your voice, your position, your money or your social media expertise is completely up to you.

In my opinion, both activists and advocates are needed for this world to change. I can't really say I've been one or the other, but rather a little bit of both. You might recall going to Sea World as a kid, and being completely amazed by Tilikum and the other performing whales. You were probably so amazed that the thought of becoming a whale trainer crossed your mind once or twice.

Unlike many, I went to Sea World for the first time when I was 16 years old, and even then I was completely oblivious to what was really happening. Just like you, I had not been educated on the horrendous history Sea World and Tilikum had, nor had I had both the pleasure and disturbing experience of watching Black Fish. 

It has been a couple of years since I became both an activist and an advocate for marine animals in captivity. I have yet to do it on a national level; however I do what I can with what I have such as using social media and word-of-mouth as well as avoiding social outings to places like Marine Land.

Both advocacy and activism are tools to create some sort of social change. You don't need to be Angelina Jolie or Emma Watson to help change the world. Being a student, recent graduate or entry-level employee should not prevent you from fighting towards change. But just like me, you have to work with what you got.

 If you'd like more information on volunteering, donating or even talking about any of these causes, shoot me a message. Fighting for social change should be on everyone's bucket list. After all, it is our world and only we can change it. 

Need ideas? Visit these sites.

http://generationon.org/teens/make-your-mark/65-ways-make-difference

http://www.wellsofhope.com/

http://www.worldvision.ca/

http://www.communitycarestca.ca/

http://www.freethechildren.com/

http://www.torontozoo.com/supportthezoo/adoptananimal.asp

http://wwf.panda.org/how_you_can_help/support_wwf/adopt_an_animal/

https://theorcaproject.wordpress.com/how-to-help/