[032] – THE INTROVERTS GUIDE TO CLIMATE MARCHES (OR HOW TO GO ON A PROTEST MARCH IF MARCHING REALLY ISN’T YOUR THING) – Sustainable(ish)

[032] – THE INTROVERTS GUIDE TO CLIMATE MARCHES (OR HOW TO GO ON A PROTEST MARCH IF MARCHING REALLY ISN’T YOUR THING)

I'm not sure about you, but I've sat behind my phone or my laptop on social media watching the youth climate marches, and the Extinction Rebellion protests with a mixture of gratitude, and awe, maybe a little bit of envy. And I've also curled up inside at the thought of going along myself. 
I feel like this stuff NEEDS to happen, that it's so important that we stand up and show the world, the government, business leaders and our friends and family that this matters. That this matters enough for us to get off our butts and take time out of our busy lives to literally stand up and be counted. But I've always felt like marching, and protesting, and waving placards was for other people. People braver than me, more extroverted, more out spoken. And I've felt a little bit ashamed that I haven't joined in.

When I heard about the Mothers Rise Up climate march, organised by an 'ordinary group of scared mums' I felt like maybe this was something I could join in with. Even as as someone who's not mad keen on crowds and hordes of strangers. Even if I had to go on my own.
So this Sunday I went. And now obviously feel suitably qualified to put together a little round up of tips for other first time introverts scared of the thought of marches too.

Enjoy!

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TOP TIPS...
  • Go with a friend or try to arrange to meet someone there - it's honestly not horrendous if you do end up going on your own, but for a first time a friend is definitely helpful! 
  • Make a placard - my friend was right. It does give you something to do with your hands, and it makes you feel part of of the march. AND it's a great  conversation starter - several people commented on mine and we'd then chat for a few minutes together.
  • Make your banner foldable/roll-able if you don't want to have to carry it on the train/tube and feel like a knob. Having said that, it is a good way for other people to recognise fellow marchers, and a good way to start conversations with others not aware of the march taking place.
  • Wear comfy shoes - you'll be on your feet for a LONG time.
  • Smile at people and make eye contact. This is sometimes easier if they've got young kids with them as you can congratulate the kids on their banners/t-shirts/just being there, and then it's an easy 'in' into a conversation with their parents.
  • Set yourself a goal of talking to at least one stranger. Or two. Or however many feels ok(ish).
  • You're under no obligation to shout/chant/sing, so if this is going to make you feel even more awkward either move away from the shouting/chanting/singing types or do like most of us do in church/school assemblies and mouth the words whilst smiling maniacally.
  • Look around. Soak up the atmosphere. Feel a part of something bigger.
  • And at the end of the day, if it all gets a bit much - a bit too overwhelming, a bit too people-y, head for home. You made it. You took a massive step out of your comfort zone. Next time maybe you'll stay longer. Next time, maybe a friend will come with you, or one of your kids.
  • Take snacks. And drinks. And try to wee before you arrive at the start point. Oh, and suncream if it's going to be sunny.
  • Be proud of yourself for what you're doing. For stepping up. For standing up. For being part of democracy and making your voice heard. You rock.

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Have you marched? Would you march? 
Does this episode make you feel less like you could never march in a million years?
Let me know!


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