Individual Activism

1. Monitor government/citizen abuses

   Work with the Network to protest clear-cut violations of Human Rights against the Roma, such as discrimination or violence. Contact the Network promptly with pertinent facts, names and addresses.
   

2. Write a letter to the editor

   This remains one of the cheapest and most effective ways to affect public opinion. Succinct letters (typed if sent by regular mail) with a clear focus, responding to timely issues, have the best chance of publication. Most newspapers prefer to print letters written directly to their editorial page editor (rather than photocopies or open letters addressed at large). This also helps publicize the Roma Rights Network's name, and even website or address.

   Not to be overlooked: letters or emails praising newspapers, TV or radio shows for featuring secular viewpoints or guests. It takes courage to publish or include controversial opinions, to provide equal time for free thought. Positive feedback is always appreciated, and shows newspapers or talk shows such views have an audience.
   

3. Advertise the Roma Rights Network!

   Don't let racists win by default! Often people believe they are the only person of Romani origin or Roma rights activist in their hometown. Many Romani and Roma rights activists feel isolated because others don't speak up. Let sympathetic friends and family know there is a group representing the rights of Roma. If you enjoy really advertising your views, the Network has produced bumper stickers, buttons, T-shirts, and sweat shirts with educational messages. The best source for finding new members is you - the existing member.
   

4. Sign up for "News Alerts" and "Action Alerts"

   To sign up, add your e-mail address to one or both of our mailing lists. You will receive periodic e-mails with important news, and "action alerts" giving you timely opportunities to help educate about Roma rights or to promote Roma rights.
   

5. You Are Not an Island!

   So you think you're an "individual" activist? Think again! Have you ever sat down and considered just how many people you are connected to? - from friends and family to colleagues and schoolmates, you are actually in the center of a web of dozens of potential fellow activists.

   • Family and Friends

     Most people have a huge network of family and friends who will be interested in hearing what interests you. Use holidays or family occasions to talk to your relatives about your Roma rights work. Get your friends to sign petitions or forward them action e-mails that you think they would be interested in. We have excellent gifts for the "person that has everything" in the Online Store. It's a great way to support the Roma Rights Network, encourage a friend or family member to get active and give a thoughtful gift at the same time.

   • Faith Community

     Start up a conversation with the appropriate leader(s) in your faith community about Roma rights and your work with the Roma Rights Network. There are many ways that they can get involved. You can arrange for campaign material to be posted on bulletin boards or featured in newsletters, and lot's of other ways.

   • Workplace

     Like your family and friends, your colleagues at work are probably interested in finding out what's important to you. Let them know that you're an activist and, if they're interested, keep them up-to-date on actions and events that they may be interested in. Some companies have workplace giving programs - check this out and any donations you may to the Roma Rights Network may be matched by your employer. Finally, depending on your work environment, there may be lots of action you can take at work. This could include leaving petitions or postcards in the lunch room or on bulletin boards, raising money through workplace donations or simply doing public awareness work by having Roma Rights Network materials placed around the building. If you work in a coffee shop, ask if you can put Roma Rights Network brochures by the cash desk or if you work at a library or bookstore, offer Roma Rights Network bookmarks with the books. Use your imagination - your place of work (even if you're a high school student with a part-time job) can be a great opportunity to expand your activism.

   • School

     Schools are one of the greatest environments for activists. High schools and campuses are hot spots of progressive activist action - and home to lots of energetic, young potential activists! Try to get a student group or department to sponsor a debate about Roma issues. Get in touch with student leaders - traditional and not. Talk to your Student Council and let them know what you are doing for Roma rights. The possibilities are endless!

   • In Your Community

     If you look at your everyday surroundings a little more closely, you'll notice that there are tonnes of opportunities to get active in the community. That bulletin board in the grocery store is the perfect home for a Roma Rights Network poster. Your local library probably has counter space somewhere to display RRN's brochure. Even little things, like wearing an RRN t-shirt or adding a tag-line to your e-mail signature (eg. be the change - www.romarights.net) can bring huge results. Open your eyes, get creative and imagine the possibilities!

6. Start a group

   First thing's first. This doesn't necessarily have to be a full-fledged Roma rights group but can be rather a small group of dedicated people who will help you organize things.

   • Table

     Setting up an information table is an amazingly easy, excellent way to get information out at your school, a shopping center, anywhere people congregate.

   • PA Announcement

     Some schools or workplaces have a "thought of the day" - why not an "action of the day" or "roma rights fact of the day"? Talk to the management or administration to see if they'd be willing to co-operate with you on this.

   • Get In Print

     Team up with your school paper or newsletter. You could get everything from a story on the Roma Rights Network to a regular column written by one of your members. Often, student newspapers are dying for content, so be prepared to write your own!

7. Link to us

   The Roma Rights Network is Internet based and oriented, and as such we have a variety of resources for the Internet-savy activist including: Images, RSS Feeds, and Embed Widgets.

Some information taken from Amnesty International Canada.