For example, if you are concerned about racial discrimination, do some soul searching and think about how you can be fairer to people of other races in your own life. Are there racist stereotypes that are affecting your own behavior? If so, you can make a conscious effort to treat people more fairly. Nobody is perfect, and in the complex world we live in, it’s difficult to avoid all injustice. If you pay taxes, chances are, some of that money is going to go toward something you disagree with, regardless of your beliefs. Do your best not to contribute to injustices in any way you can avoid, but don’t let yourself be immobilized by a need for perfection. [2] X Research source
If you have friends who make jokes that are racist, for example, think about how you can let them know that you don’t appreciate this. [3] X Research source If you are in a position where you influence hiring decisions in your workplace, do your best to ensure that discrimination isn’t occurring in that process. If you see someone being bullied, you can stand up to this injustice by telling the bully to stop. If the bully doesn’t stop, you can help the person being bullied out of the situation by walking them to somewhere safe or finding an authority figure who can stop the bullying behavior. [4] X Research source Speaking out against everyday injustices takes courage and can be difficult at first. If it’s something really care about though, you will feel better for not keeping silent when it comes up.
For example, if you are concerned about a new tax your city is considering that you think will make it hard on certain people or businesses, tell your friends about it. If you think it’s wrong to eat meat, tell your friends and family about why that is. You may help them learn something, or you may even find other people who also want to take a stand on the issue. Be aware that some people are not going to want to hear what you have to say and are unlikely to change their views no matter what you may tell them. If someone is clearly not interested or doesn’t want to discuss an injustice, don’t press the issue. You can make people mad and waste a lot of energy talking to someone who is unwilling to consider your views.
You can write a letter to the person or institution you think is responsible for the injustice, or that has the power to do something about it. For example, you can write a letter to your elected representatives urging them to do something about an injustice. Or, you can write to a company that you think is doing something unjust as part of its business practices, sharing your concerns and asking them to make a change. You can also sometimes make a phone call that serves the same purpose. Note that even in this age of electronic communication, many people still take old-fashioned paper letters more seriously than an email or online comments. Taking some time to print and mail a letter to your congressperson, for example, may make his or her staff more likely to take your comments seriously. [6] X Research source
Newspapers often publish well-written letters to the editor in both their print and online editions. This can be a great way to use media to let others know about injustices you care about. [7] X Research source
If you have the option, vote for candidates who want to do something about the injustice you have identified. If you think abortion is unjust, for example, research anti-abortion candidates you can support. If you think the minimum wage is unfairly low, look for candidates who have plans to raise the minimum wage.
You can boycott, or refuse to buy from, companies that do things you think are unjust. Look for alternative options you can support instead. [9] X Trustworthy Source Kansas University Center for Community Health and Development Community-based research center focused on supporting public health development and education Go to source For example, if you think that people who work in overseas factories are mistreated, look for companies that produce goods under conditions you think are more fair and don’t buy from those you think abuse their workers. If a company contributes large sums of money to political campaigns you think are unjust, avoid supporting it.
Do some research and find a group you like. There are groups out there working on almost anything you can think of, whether its bullying in schools, gender discrimination, homelessness, or issues related to international politics.
There may be several groups, and you can choose the one that you like best. For example, if you think homelessness is unjust, you may find that there are both secular and church-based groups working to help the homeless in your community. Depending on your religious beliefs, you can choose the group you like best. On the other hand, you may find there isn’t a group in your area dedicated to standing up to the injustice you are concerned about. If this is the case, you might want to consider starting your own group. There might be people you know who would be willing to join as you first get started, and you can build the group from there.
Going to a meeting will give you a better sense of whether this group is right for you and if you want to be involved in the types of work they do to combat injustice. It’s also a great way to meet people who feel the same way you do about the issue, which can help you feel more inspired to take action yourself. [12] X Research source
Many organizations will set up marches or rallies and encourage the public to join in. This can be powerful way of attracting attention to an injustice and putting pressure on the government or businesses to do something about it. [13] X Research source Many protests are entirely peaceful and legal. Some groups, however, will engage in illegal actions to promote what they see as a more important form of justice. Some people will get themselves arrested in non-violent civil disobedience, for example, sitting down in an intersection and refusing to leave as a means of calling attention to an injustice. [14] X Research source Some will even destroy property at protests. Think carefully about what types of actions you are comfortable with. Are you willing to be arrested for your beliefs? Are you compelled enough by some injustice that you think more militant actions are appropriate? This decision is a personal one, but take some time to consider the consequences of any action you take before breaking the law.
This could include any number of activities, from collecting signatures for a petition to raising money, from stuffing envelopes to making phone calls, or even just helping set up and put away chairs before and after meetings. [15] X Research source Sometimes, this work might not feel much like you’re taking a big stand, but by contributing to an organization that is doing important work to remedy an injustice, you are making a difference.
Being informed will make you a more eloquent speaker on the subject. People will be more likely to listen to you when you speak out. [16] X Research source Doing research on any issue, whether it’s bullying, unfair labor practices, political corruption, or international relations will also help you develop an understanding of who or what is responsible for the injustice, and who has the power to do something about it. This can help you more effectively take a stand by directing your efforts at the appropriate parties.
Try to keep an open mind when doing your research. You may find injustices where you didn’t realize there were any. Or, you might find that something you thought was an injustice may not be one after all. Be fair to all sides, and let them speak for themselves. Try to find material online that presents both sides in an even-handed way, or pieces written by people who hold opposing views. You will understand the issue better if you read information from multiple, diverse sources. [18] X Research source For example, if you think abortion is unjust, don’t just get your information from conservative sources that oppose abortion. If you are concerned about gun violence, don’t just get your information from liberal sources that support gun control. Otherwise, you may end up with a distorted view of the issue, or miss key information.
For example, if you think the existing tax structure is unfair, look into other ways taxes could be collected and organized. If you think the way your government treats other countries is unjust, find out what alternative courses of action have been suggested by foreign policy experts. Saying “no” to injustice is an important first step, but being able to offer an alternative, positive vision can make your message more powerful. [19] X Research source This can also help you find ways to make a difference in your own life.
