There are many ways to join a human rights movement I often find myself searching online, on apps, on social media for local or London based activism events for so long that it seems utterly pointless. This article should give you a starting point on locating Orpington activism events and alternatives to this sluggish search.

I believe activism, specifically human rights-based, should be accessible to everyone, we need to be fighting for equality for everyone and we can all make a change.

I’ve mentioned this many times before...join an amnesty group- there are groups for Orpington, Bromley, Croydon, almost everywhere. They can get you in contact with so many like-minded people who share the same, empowered beliefs as you. On amnesty’s website, you can also start a youth group for your school. For example, at Newstead Wood School there is a weekly amnesty club where human rights issues are raised, this way you can also make friends who support the same things as you. My sister, Robyn Mearns, said, “It’s important to surround yourself with people and friends that inspire you”, and this is exactly what clubs and groups result in, let alone create a positive movement in your community.

Despite what the media may portray activism doesn’t have to come in the form of a huge movement fighting global issues, it can be personal and impact just your local area. Some examples of more accessible and small-scale actions could be, helping in a soup kitchen, donating tinned food for harvest to a food bank or visiting the elderly who may otherwise be lonely.

Anything and everything you do to improve the quality of life for another person is powerful and courageous.