Is there something wrong with the world in which you live? Maybe it’s the way older people are treated. Perhaps it’s the shameful extent of child poverty. It could be the slow pace of progress on the climate change issue. Whatever it is, it’s driving you crazy.

So, what do you do? Complain to family and friends? Tell everyone how much better things used to be back in the day? There is another option. You could actually do something about it.* (Yes, even in apathetic Ireland.)

Grannies on the rampage
You could, for example, follow the example of the Raging Grannies, a loose but flamboyant collective of older American women who campaign for peace, justice, and social and economic equality.

Sporting large, vividly coloured hats and using street theatre to get their message across, the Raging Grannies protest on all sorts of hot issues, including banking reform, immigrant rights and the environment. As their website says, they deliberately set out “to shock with their unladylike antics” and they seem to have a marvellous time doing it.

The Grannies are part of a wider global movement that sees older people becoming actively involved in campaigns for social, political and environmental change. In 2008, we saw a powerful example of the energy and determination of older activists, when thousands took to Irish streets to protest against cuts to the medical card scheme. Ultimately, the Government rowed back.

Elder activism
Elder activism, as it is called in America, has a long and proud history. In 1970, lifelong activist Maggie Kuhn was outraged at being forced to resign at the age of 65. In response, she founded an organisation to campaign for social and economic change. Initially known as the Consultation of Older and Younger Adults for Social Change, it quickly became known as the Gray Panthers because of the older profile of its members.

Since then, the Gray Panthers has been an influential activist group, particularly focused on healthcare reform, but it has also campaigned on issues such as ageism, arms dealing, education, the environment, housing, public welfare and workers’ rights.

More recently, Grandmothers Against the War (GAW) has had a high media profile. With their slogan “Take us instead”, GAW members have protested vigorously against the Iraq war, asking the US administration to send their grandchildren home and to dispatch them to the frontline instead.

A leading older activist is our own much-respected former president, 65-year-old Mary Robinson. Among the many organisations in which she is involved is an independent group called The Elders, made of up of senior world leaders. The 10 members also include Kofi Annan and Desmond Tutu, while Nelson Mandela and Aung San Suu Kyi are Honorary Elders. They work both publicly and behind the scenes to help end conflicts and alleviate human suffering.

Get involved
However, you don’t have to be a distinguished world leader or have such lofty goals to be an activist. You can become involved in a local community group or small activist organisation. You can write letters, hand out flyers or help to organise information meetings. All you need to be an activist is time, energy and some firmly held beliefs.

There are many Irish groups, from human rights campaigners to eco-warriors to animal rights crusaders, who are always appealing for volunteers. They would be delighted to have some experienced individuals help with their cause. If you’re not sure where to start, have a look at the Volunteering Ireland website (www.volunteeringireland.ie), which lists plenty of opportunities to help with campaigns.

Not only is activism good for the world, it’s also good for you. It provides a social outlet and is a way to meet like-minded people. It can also lead to an improved sense of self-worth from the quiet gratification born of helping someone and the sense of deep satisfaction that comes from contributing towards positive change.

So do yourself a favour; get active and help make the world a better place.

Still not convinced? Then think about all the ripples that might be created when you drop this one activist pebble into the world’s great big pond.

*Article inspired by Martin Luther King Day in the United States, January 18th