How to change the world
According to How to be an Activist by Vanessa Holburn
How to Be an Activist by Vanessa Holburn is a clear, action-oriented guide for anyone who wants to campaign for positive change. Its a comprehensive guide whether you're organising a protest, launching a petition, or simply looking for a way to contribute to a cause that matters. It covers everything from setting goals to managing a team, using social media effectively, fundraising, staying legally safe, and avoiding burnout.
This book is encouraging and pragmatic, rooted in the belief that anyone can be a changemaker. The book dismantles narrow stereotypes of activism as extreme or inaccessible, and instead frames it as a broad, inclusive spectrum of action — from parkruns to petitions, food banks to policy reform.
What I Loved About This Book
This book doesn’t pretend activism is easy — but it makes it feel possible. Holburn speaks directly to the reader with a warm but firm voice, offering both practical tools and emotional reassurance. Her guidance is rooted in lived experience and clarity of purpose, without ever tipping into overwhelm.
I loved how the book gives you permission to begin before you feel ready. The call to “just get started” is threaded throughout, balanced with encouragement to learn as you go.
Perhaps most powerfully, she redefines what activism looks like. It doesn’t have to be loud or confrontational. It can be community-based, personal, quiet, creative. If you are doing something - anything - to move the dial toward justice or compassion, this book names and celebrates that work. It reminds you that it counts.
Changemaker Takeaways
Your first step is defining the problem clearly: Who is responsible? Who is affected? Who can change it?
Success doesn’t always look like a headline: Track your own milestones and be proud of what you build — even if it's not instantly visible.
Teamwork beats burnout: A supportive team helps you navigate the emotional and practical challenges of sustained action.
Build for the long haul: Sustainable activism needs energy management, legal awareness, and values-based motivation.
Start imperfectly: The perfect campaign is a myth. The best campaign is the one you actually run.
Why Would I Read This Book?
You’d read this book if you’ve ever had a moment of doubt about whether what you’re doing matters — or if you’ve ever wanted to do something but didn’t know where to begin. This book speaks directly to that part of us that wants to help but worries we’re not qualified, loud enough, experienced enough, or “activist” enough. Whether you’re advocating inside an organisation, showing up in your community, or trying to live your values more fully, this book gives you both the structure and encouragement to keep going. It’s a gentle push forward and a reminder: starting small is still starting.
Image description: Elizabeth holds “How to be an activist” by Vanessa Holburn
