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I'd like to become an activist, how do I do that?

Malcolm_XMalcolm_X Posts: 93
edited November 2006 in A Moving Train
OK, I am a 23yr old college student, who was born w/ a mild case of cerbral palsy. My disability does not really bother me, but I am interested in helping others who may suffer from problems in society w/ like social injustices and what not and problems in the work force. Also I'd like to help promote stem cell research.

Basically, I'd like to just help people who feel like they don't fit into society. Because to be honest, I have been dicriminated in the work place, and I sometimes feel that I am judged by my peers, especially w/ women and the world of dating.

Also, I was curious about all of your thoughts about disabled people in America.
Post edited by Unknown User on

Comments

  • harmless_little_f***harmless_little_f*** Posts: 8,005
    Well if it helps, I'm a disabled person in the UK, but I hear ya. I just got a job, but it took a while of beating myself up over feeling discriminated against (I'm 24 and beginning employment for the first time in January). And I'm married, but before my wonderful wife, women were all the same regarding the issue.

    About the job thing, I would just Google organisations helping disabled people into work, then ring them and ask how you can help - or, if you need work, whether they can help you. They are out there, a bit of web research can't hurt. The Disabled Rights Commission over here says disabled people are 5 times more likely to be out of work because of discrimination. It's a big issue, and there are people who are fighting it, you just have to find them.

    Best way to be an 'activist' IMO? Just live, work hard where you live, affect the people around you and challenge stereotype in close proximity to you. If we all did that, things would happen.

    One story you might find funny: a bunch of disabled people - hundreds of activists - had a protest march outside of Buckingham Palace recently. It got ugly and the police had to be involved. Lots of people were arrested, but then let off. Why? Because the magistrates court was inaccessible - all stairs.
    'We're learning songs for baby Jesus' birthday. His mum and dad were Merry and Joseph. He had a bed made of clay and the three kings bought him Gold, Frankenstein and Merv as presents.'

    - the great Sir Leo Harrison
  • redrockredrock Posts: 18,341
    harmless_little_f*** wrote:
    Because the magistrates court was inaccessible - all stairs.

    :D:D Funny in this context but a serious issue. I worked in a major firm and a co-worker who was disabled just never seemed to get the 'good' client work. Reason was that the firm was concerned as to how the 'client' would react to this gentleman's disability. Sad state of affairs. Also, once when trying to get contract staff via an agency, the agency told me they did have someone that would meet my requirements but I probably wouldn't want her as she was morbidly obese (a disability)! I was very shocked that an agency would say anything like that!
  • harmless_little_f***harmless_little_f*** Posts: 8,005
    redrock wrote:
    :D:D Funny in this context but a serious issue. I worked in a major firm and a co-worker who was disabled just never seemed to get the 'good' client work. Reason was that the firm was concerned as to how the 'client' would react to this gentleman's disability. Sad state of affairs. Also, once when trying to get contract staff via an agency, the agency told me they did have someone that would meet my requirements but I probably wouldn't want her as she was morbidly obese (a disability)! I was very shocked that an agency would say anything like that!

    That is shocking.
    'We're learning songs for baby Jesus' birthday. His mum and dad were Merry and Joseph. He had a bed made of clay and the three kings bought him Gold, Frankenstein and Merv as presents.'

    - the great Sir Leo Harrison
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