As social impact marketers, we recognize how important it is to not only be socially conscious, but to also take action. Being simply aware is just the bare minimum. As such, we put together this list of social impact tips to help you put your beliefs into action.
We understand that it’s daunting. Everywhere you look someone is telling you how to be socially conscious — and then how you’re doing it wrong.
We’re not here to judge, but rather give you some small, simple ideas you can use in your daily life that will make a difference. Try one social impact tip this week, and then work your way up to more on the list. If we all do a little bit more, think of the massive impact we can have together!
Our Fav Social Impact Tips
*Note: these tips were written by a white woman, for other white women. Many of these tips would work well for anyone, but keep in mind this intention when reading further, as the suggestions may be triggering for some.
Read + Watch
- Read a book written by a woman of color. We recommend this or this or anything from this list.
- Watch a movie about someone whose life is different than yours. We recommend this or this or these.
- Get books with people of color as the main character for your kids. This list has great options. We also (with bias as an awesome former client!) recommend A Kids Co.
- Get books that represent different family make-ups and different abilities for your kids. Bonus point: Discuss it with your children after you read the book.
Sustainable Action
- Wash your dishes instead of using paper plates.
- Repair your clothes instead of throwing them away. (Like, just sew a button…no need to darn any socks…)
- Shop secondhand — we swear it’s not like you think.
- Wipe your mouth with reusable napkins or unpaper towels.
- Look at the labor and environmental practices of the brands you shop with and find alternatives if they don’t meet your values.
- Bring reusable bags to the store.
- Shop locally.
- Reduce the usage of single-use plastic and reuse if possible. (Have you ever rinsed a zip-lock bag to reuse? Don’t knock it til you try it!)
- Be mindful of packaging. Rather than buying snack-sized, individually packaged snacks, purchase in bulk and divvy into small reusable containers.
- Pick up trash when you see it anywhere you go — we are ALL responsible for our planet.
- Bring your own water bottle!
Personal Communication
- Go out of your way to talk to someone of a different race at your next event.
- Correct someone telling an inappropriate/racist/ableist/sexist/anything-ist joke in a kind way. (This is called “calling in.”)
- Reflect on the last time you were the minority in a room and how you felt. Write it down.
- Be intentional about the photos you use in your marketing — are they representative?
- Talk about uncomfortable topics (such as race, politics, sexual assault, trafficking, religion) with your kids, friends, and family. You don’t have to know everything about it — you can learn together! The more we talk about uncomfortable topics, the more we can normalize it.
- Challenge stereotypes. For example, when someone (like your kids or your dearest mom) says something like “That’s a boy’s haircut” or “Oh, that toy is for girls”, respond with “That toy is for all kids. Anyone can play with it!” or “That haircut seems pretty cool. Do you think you could rock that look?” The key here is to not make assumptions. Extend your empathy and try to see things from a different perspective.
Activism
- Support local organizations with social impact missions financially or with your time by volunteering.
- Attend a protest.
- V O T E
- Look at the organizations you belong to and really reflect on whether they align with your social impact values.
Bonus!
26. Rest! This work is challenging and constant. It’s easy to burn out and quit altogether. Take breaks. Rest. Do something fun. Vent and connect with like-minded friends and family who understand your experience. And then get back to work — we need you!
Comment below on how you can make a difference, a little at a time. If you have tried any of the above, let us know how that worked out. We’d love to hear from you!
