Building confidence in your campaign

In this video our course contributors discuss the kinds of emotions they have experienced whilst undertaking their activist work. They also share advice that can help you build confidence in your own campaign.

The emotions described by our contributors are wide ranging – from hope, connection, pride, happiness and excitement to disappointment, fear, comparison and despondency. Most contributors have experienced some form of feeling inadequate or like an imposter. Some of the suggested ways to deal with this include reminding yourself you’re not alone in experiencing these emotions; allowing others to remind you of your value; having self-compassion and accepting that everyone makes mistakes, and remembering that activism comes in many forms – just listening to others can be an important contribution.

The team shares a range of advice about confidence building. Deji recommends starting off small in a welcoming environment, and Evani suggests remembering activism can manifest in infinite ways and being open to all the possibilities that feel right for you. For Savena, it’s helpful to think about what you’re most passionate about and be led by that, while Peaks emphasises the importance of finding people who are excited about the same things and drawing your energy and confidence from those critical connections. Arda reminds us that things don’t have to be perfect to be launched – you can just do it and learn from whatever unfolds. Yadira suggests asking for help or support from more established organisations to boost confidence and credibility.

Now you have heard all these ideas and suggestions, we would love to hear from you. Did anything resonate as you were watching this video? Do you have any other tips for your peers to help them develop their confidence? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.